Leading When Everything Is On The Line.

23-Year U.S. Air Force Special Operations Leader.
Rescue Chief. Crisis Decision-Maker.
Keynote Speaker on Leadership Under Extreme Uncertainty.

Watch Keynote Clip Book Derek

When Pressure Rises, Leadership Is Revealed.

Derek Anderson spent over two decades operating in environments where the margin for error was zero — combat zones, natural disasters, and one of the most complex rescue operations in modern history. His keynotes distill those experiences into actionable leadership frameworks for any high-stakes environment.

Making critical decisions with incomplete information

Building trust in teams under extreme pressure

Maintaining composure when the stakes are highest

Turning chaos into coordinated action

These aren't theoretical concepts. They're lessons forged in the most demanding environments on Earth — and they translate directly to the boardroom, the startup, and the corner office.

Keynote Topics

Leading Under Extreme Uncertainty

How do you make life-or-death decisions when there's no playbook? Derek breaks down the mental models that special operators use to lead through ambiguity — and shows your team how to apply them when the pressure is on.

The Rescue Mindset

Pararescuemen live by a simple creed: "That others may live." Derek reveals how a mission-first, people-always approach to leadership creates teams that perform at their peak — especially when it matters most.

Calm in the Chaos

From Afghanistan firefights to coordinating 1,000+ personnel during the Thailand Cave Rescue, Derek has operated at the epicenter of chaos. Learn the frameworks he used to stay calm, communicate clearly, and drive outcomes.

From Special Operations to the Stage.

Derek Anderson served 23 years as a U.S. Air Force Pararescueman, culminating as a Chief Master Sergeant — one of the most demanding career paths in the U.S. military. His career spanned rescue squadrons, Combat Aviation Advisory with the 6th Special Operations Squadron, embedding with Army Special Forces (7th Group), tours as a Special Tactics instructor, and leading a Japan-based Special Tactics Squadron.

In 2018, Derek led the U.S. advisory role during the Thailand Cave Rescue — Operation Wild Boar — where 12 boys and their soccer coach were trapped deep inside a flooded cave system. What followed was an unprecedented international effort: 18+ countries coordinated, over 1,000 personnel deployed, and an underwater sedated rescue that had never been attempted. All 13 were brought out alive.

"What does the impossible look like?"

Now Derek brings those hard-won lessons to executive teams, entrepreneurs, and organizations that refuse to accept "good enough" when the stakes are high.

Derek Anderson on deployment in Afghanistan

Derek coordinating operations at Tham Luang cave site

Military personnel at the Thailand cave rescue site

Derek Anderson with the rescued Thai boys at a formal celebration dinner

All 13 brought out alive. Derek (back row) with the rescued Wild Boars soccer team.

Bring a High-Stakes Leadership Mindset to Your Organization.

Whether it's a corporate keynote, leadership offsite, or executive workshop, Derek delivers a powerful, customized experience that resonates long after the event. Fill out the form below and our team will respond within 48 hours.