Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (2007-2011); 28th Chief of Naval Operations (2005-2007)
Considered perhaps one of the most influential Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in history, Adm. Mike Mullen, USN (Ret.) takes a fresh approach to the most important issues of the 21st century—including America's global positioning and how business trends and the economic health of the U.S. directly impact our national security.
Admiral Mike Mullen was widely recognized as an “honest broker” in his key leadership roles as the top military advisor to two presidents—Barack Obama and George W. Bush— as well as to the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council. He continues to maintain strong relationships with leaders around the globe. He led the military during a critical period of transition, overseeing the end of the combat mission in Iraq and the development of a new military strategy for Afghanistan. He advocated for the rapid development and fielding of innovative technologies, championed emerging and enduring international partnerships, and advanced new methods for combating terrorism—all of which directly culminated in the elimination of Osama bin Laden. As the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to have attended Harvard Business School’s executive program, Mullen sought the advice of economists, entrepreneurs, non-profit practitioners and even embraced social media both to inform himself and strengthen ties between the U.S. military and the nation. In an unprecedented in-depth feature article, Fast Company called Mullen “not just a new model for military officers—and a new kind of business titan—but also a case study in 21st-century leadership.” Today he shares with audiences his deep experience in leading change in complex organizations, executive development and succession planning, diversity implementation, crisis management, strategic planning, budget policy, congressional relations, risk management, technical innovation and cyber security.
Mike Mullen on “self-generated crisis” in the White House
Arms Control 2019: Conversation with Mike Mullen
Mike Mullen, Remarks and Discussion on North Korea at SAIS
VOA Interview: Mike Mullen
Mike Mullen’s Speech Topics
Bridging the Gap: From Soldier to Civilian
As the world’s largest voluntary military in the world starts to return home from war, Admiral Mike Mullen wants to help repair the disconnect between the armed forces and civilians. Mullen, who has always seen himself as the personal representative of the 2.2 million men and women of the armed forces, views it as his mission to motivate communities and businesses to take advantage of the extraordinary assets and fresh perspectives they are bringing back to America and facilitate a smooth transition for them back into civilian lives.
Cyber Attacks: The Very Real Threat to Business and Everyday Life
Governments, businesses, global financial systems and infrastructures are increasingly vulnerable on a broad scale to a cyber attack which could essentially bring not only the U.S. but a major part of the industrialized world to parade rest. Unfortunately most people and businesses don’t feel the intensity of these threats because they seem so abstract and they don’t understand the effect of a wide-scale cyber attack on their daily lives. Admiral Mullen discusses with audiences the challenges facing leaders in all arenas to understand the cyber threat and why it cannot be delegated to some part of an organization. Leaders have to understand it because leaders make decisions about investment, policies and regulations and the major vulnerability to cyber attacks is commercially. He explains how the challenges are only going to significantly increase and why this should be one of America’s top concerns.
Ethical Leadership in the 21st Century: Responsibility Requires Accountability
Guided by the principle that a person must build trust in order to accomplish great things, Admiral Mike Mullen—recognized as one of the most unorthodox yet admired Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—inspires and challenges audiences with his description of the key attributes necessary to build a culture of accountability in our leaders, both in the military and government, and in the new global economy. As the principal military advisor to the President and the Secretary of Defense during two administrations, Mullen describes the importance of staying apolitical and the need to hear a range of perspectives before decisions are made. Drawing on examples from his experience—including the events that led to the death of Osama bin Laden—Mullen shares with audiences the critical strategies that made for his success, including surrounding himself with people who would challenge his thinking, seeking out a diversity of opinions and remaining accountable to those whom he served.
The Intersection of National Security and the Global Economy
Serving at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, Admiral Mike Mullen, America’s top military advisor to the President and the Secretary of Defense through two administrations, was a key influencer in shaping the security of our nation for decades to come. A man of unparalleled experience, vision and integrity, Mullen shares with audiences his belief that, “Our financial health is directly related to our national security,” and discusses how the key to the United States’ economic success in the next century is to create opportunity. With an eye on the horizon and to the threats that still lie ahead, Mullen discusses America’s greatest challenges—economic growth, infrastructure, education and foreign and military policy.
What other organizations say about Mike Mullen
Admiral Mullen’s remarks were well received by our lawyers with the Admiral receiving two standing ovations. He was a perfect addition to our weekend. We look forward to working together in the future.
Legal
What other organizations say about Mike Mullen
Last night as part of the Tower Center’s National Security Program, Admiral Mullen gave a frank state of the union that offered thoughtful as well as thought-provoking assessments on topics ranging from education to Russian stockpiles of nuclear weapons, from racism to political gridlock. As an apolitical admiral, his unvarnished truths about where our country finds itself went beyond interesting to motivating. Admiral Mullen was simply amazing. We so enjoyed his talk, and his charisma. He has such depth and perspective. In addition, I have already received multiple emails from members of the audience praising us on our wonderful program and giving us kudos for hosting Admiral Mullen. Many of the emails referred to him as “the best speaker” we have hosted in a long time.