Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.) was the commanding officer of the USS Cole when it came under a suicide terrorist attack by al Qaeda in the port of Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2000.

During his command, he and his crew distinguished themselves by saving the American war ship from sinking. This event is widely recognized as one of the most brazen acts of terrorism by al Qaeda prior to September 11, 2001.

Today, Commander Lippold is a popular inspirational figure and leadership speaker who is in high demand with Fortune 500 companies, leading financial institutions, and top industry associations. And at a time when everything we’ve come to know is being reshaped international events and political dynamics, Commander Lippold reveals how to lead teams and manage challenges successfully in the face of financial, national security, and global uncertainties.