Kirk Lippold

Kirk S. Lippold is a leadership speaker, author, and former U.S. Navy commander whose work draws on 26 years of military service and his experience commanding the USS Cole during the 2000 al Qaeda terrorist attack in Yemen. Under his command, the crew saved the damaged ship from sinking, an experience that informs his guidance on leadership under pressure, crisis management, and national security.

Through Lippold Strategies, he shares lessons in discipline, courage, clear communication, trust, and team unity with audiences in both the public and private sectors. His speaking engagements serve Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, industry associations, U.S. government departments, and state governments, as well as international audiences. His presentations address leading through uncertainty, making difficult decisions, managing crises, and building resilient teams.

Lippold is also the author of Front Burner, a first-person account of the USS Cole attack, its aftermath, and the warnings surrounding al Qaeda before September 11, 2001. The book is available through retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Downpour.