Speaker Fee Range:
Travels From:
Related Categories:
Speaker Fee Range:
Travels From:
Related Categories:
Martha McSally
Colonel (ret) Martha E. McSally is a pioneering combat-proven leader, inspiring speaker, and celebrated author. Colonel Martha E. McSally is a pioneering combat-proven leader, inspiring speaker, and celebrated author. McSally is a compelling example of overcoming adversity and fear to achieve extraordinary feats. Losing her dad at the age of 12 and surviving sexual abuse and assault, she persevered to become the 1st woman in U.S. history to fly a fighter jet in combat and command a fighter squadron in combat. Along her journey, McSally had to overcome significant obstacles including U.S. law prohibiting women from flying combat jets. She persevered, held onto her dreams, continued to excel, and shattered glass ceilings.
In her speeches, McSally has the ability to take her lessons learned from combat, life, and extreme athletic endeavors and enthusiastically apply them in practical, memorable experiences propelling teams to excellence. Through humor, transparency, emotional connection,…
Topics
Be Unbreakable: The High-Trust Team Advantage
Lead Yourself First to Build Teams That Communicate Clearly, Move Fast, and Deliver Under Pressure
Teams don’t break when things are easy. They break under pressure.
Deadlines tighten. Priorities shift. Information is incomplete. And the small cracks start to show. Communication breaks down. People protect their turf. Decisions slow down because trust isn’t there.
On paper, the team may look strong. But talent alone doesn’t create execution.
Trust does.
Martha learned this flying combat missions and leading as a squadron commander, where communication had to be clear, decisions had to be fast, and trust had to be absolute. If trust broke down, the mission was at risk.
Those same dynamics show up in organizations every day.
The Framework - Martha introduces the WEDGE Framework, a practical system for leading yourself first:
• Who Am I — Define who you are as a leader
• Examine — Identify patterns that show up under pressure
• Drop the Drag — Let go of what’s holding you back
• Gaze — Get clear on where you’re leading
• Execute — Take focused, aligned actionWhat Audiences Walk Away With
• Stronger trust across teams
• Clearer, more direct communication
• Better alignment around priorities
• Increased accountability at every level
• Faster, more confident executionBe Unbreakable: The Courage to Rise and Get Stronger from Life’s Hits
Lead Yourself First to Face Fear, Navigate Adversity, and Move Forward Stronger
At some point, life hits everyone.
A setback you didn’t see coming. A loss that changes everything. A moment that makes you question what comes next. Most people aren’t prepared for those moments. We’re taught to push through, distract ourselves, or wait for things to get better.
But real resilience doesn’t come from avoiding difficulty. It comes from how you respond when things get hard. The difference isn’t talent or luck. It’s whether you’re willing to face reality and take the next step forward.
Martha’s life has been shaped by moments that could have stopped her. She lost her father at a young age. She survived abuse and assault. She fought for nearly a decade to become a fighter pilot when the law said she couldn’t.
She didn’t avoid those moments. She moved through them. And those experiences shaped how she leads and what she teaches today.
The Framework - Martha introduces the WEDGE Framework, a practical system for leading yourself first:
• Who Am I — Define who you are as a leader
• Examine — Identify patterns that show up under pressure
• Drop the Drag — Let go of what’s holding you back
• Gaze — Get clear on where you’re leading
• Execute — Take focused, aligned actionWhat Audiences Walk Away With
• A stronger, more grounded mindset
• Greater clarity in the face of adversity
• Tools for navigating fear and uncertainty
• The confidence to take the next step forward
• A practical way to keep moving, even when things are hardBe Unbreakable: The Leadership Edge in Uncertain Times
Lead Yourself First to Face Fear, Navigate Adversity, and Move Forward Stronger
Leadership today moves faster than ever. The margin for error is thinner. Markets shift overnight. AI is reshaping industries in real time. Teams are navigating uncertainty, burnout, and constant change.
Most leaders know what to do. The challenge is what happens under pressure.
When the stakes rise, even strong leaders hesitate. They overanalyze. They default to safe. They react instead of lead.
This is a self-leadership problem.
Martha learned this leading combat missions where hesitation had consequences. Later, in Congress and the Senate, the pressure looked different, but the leadership stakes were just as real.
Today, she works with CEOs and leadership teams navigating that same reality: high pressure, high visibility, and no room for hesitation.
The Framework - Martha introduces the WEDGE Framework, a practical system for leading yourself first:
• Who Am I — Define who you are as a leader
• Examine — Identify patterns that show up under pressure
• Drop the Drag — Let go of what’s holding you back
• Gaze — Get clear on where you’re leading
• Execute — Take focused, aligned actionWhat Audiences Walk Away With
• Lead yourself with clarity under pressure
• Make faster, better decisions
• Build trust and alignment across teams
• Navigate uncertainty without losing momentum
• Step into leadership instead of reactingHow to Overcome Adversity and Adapt to Reach the Next Level
Inspiration | Peak Performance | Leadership & Agility
In a highly competitive world, overcoming adversity and adapting quickly are essential for success. Greatness comes from learning that nothing can stop you. When you can move through obstacles with confidence and resilience, success becomes inevitable. It’s the role of leaders to teach, push, and empower their teams to reach this mindset and perform at their highest potential.
Today’s fast-moving business landscape—marked by constant change, technological advancements, and global disruptions—can feel like modern-day warfare. Imagine unlocking combat-proven strategies to systematically take risks, adapt, and thrive. Colonel Martha McSally, the first woman in U.S. history to command a fighter squadron in combat, knows exactly how to lead under fire.
As a decorated combat leader awarded the Bronze Star, Colonel McSally commanded 24 A-10 attack aircraft and hundreds of personnel. She was responsible for $500 million in assets and deployed her squadron worldwide with just 24-hours’ notice. Under her leadership, her squadron earned the prestigious David C. Shilling Award for the best contribution to national defense.
Fighter pilots are trained to assess risks, adapt in real time, and execute with precision in dangerous environments—skills that apply directly to business and leadership. In this gripping and practical keynote, Colonel McSally shares battle-tested peak performance and risk-management strategies that will help your teams innovate, collaborate, and execute with agility and confidence.
To thrive in today’s ever-changing world, teams must adopt an agility mindset. When you’re light on your feet, leaning forward, and ready to adapt, challenges become opportunities for exponential growth. McSally’s step-by-step approach helps your team develop this mindset, beat the competition, and soar to new heights of performance.
From leading initial air operations in Afghanistan after 9/11 to setting up the U.S. Africa Command from scratch—overseeing counterterrorism, disaster relief, and large-scale operations—McSally’s expertise in strategic planning, process improvement, and leadership under pressure makes her uniquely qualified to inspire and equip teams for peak performance.
If you’re seeking a speaker who can inspire and practically equip your team for success in a turbulent world, book Colonel McSally now.
Audiences Will Learn:
• Combat-tested risk management and decision-making strategies for high-pressure environments
• How to develop an agility mindset to stay competitive and adaptable in a fast-changing world
• Leadership lessons on motivating and empowering teams to achieve peak performance
• Innovative approaches to overcoming challenges and turning setbacks into opportunities
• Step-by-step tools to improve collaboration, strategic planning, and execution under pressure
How can I check Martha McSally's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Martha McSally's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.
What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.
Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.
How do I book Martha McSally for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps:
- Contact Key Speakers to confirm the speaker's availability, fees, and any unique requirements. We can also help negotiate fees and terms.
- Submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker. These details will be used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts.
- All parties coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions.
- Confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.
What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.
How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors:
- The speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry.
- Their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages.
- Past client testimonials, reviews, or references.
- The speaker's availability and fee within your budget.
What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.
How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.
Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.
Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.
Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.
Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.
How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.
Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help them improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.
Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.
Why book Martha McSally though Key Speakers?
- We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker—from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We work closely with you from speaker selection to post-event success and always ensure that your needs are addressed first.
- We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. Leave the fine print to us so you can focus on other aspects of your event. Key Speakers mediates and absorbs some of the contractual risks that inherently come with booking a keynote speaker.
- With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. We pride ourselves on speedy response time and always keep you updated on all new developments relating to your event. Our experienced agents are personable (after our morning coffee!) and always eager to do whatever it takes to secure a fantastic speaker for your event.
To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event. We do the heavy lifting for you. Our dedicated and knowledgeable advisors ensure that your speaker's message and personal brand perfectly align to your event objectives.
Remember that the specific details and offerings may vary among different speakers, so it's always recommended to consult with your Key Speakers representative for accurate information and assistance.
Speaker Fee Range:
Travels From:
Related Categories:
Request Martha McSally
Connect with us to learn more about booking this speaker for your event.