Leadership when it matters.
About Kirk
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. 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 remains in high demand with Fortune 500 companies, leading financial institutions, top industry associations, the Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and state-level governments, both in the United States and internationally.
Lippold Strategies
Leadership
First and foremost, leadership is an investment in yourself. My career has shown me firsthand how quickly calm seas can turn to chaos. The lessons of discipline, courage, and unbreakable unity were forged in critical moments of intense uncertainty and stayed with me long after leaving the US Navy after 26 years of service. Today, I carry the responsibility of honoring those we lost in the devastating attack on my ship, USS Cole, by mentoring the next generation of leaders in the public and private sector with integrity and resolve.
Crisis Management
Crisis management demands the same clarity of thought and action that my crew and I relied on to survive combat. There are times when every decision carries weight and hesitation could cost lives. As a leader, you must make decisions in times of uncertainty with calm precision, unwavering trust in your training, and precise communications when others feel fear. The leaders who endure are those who turn adversity into alignment, guide their teams to survive the storm, and motivate them to emerge stronger and more resilient because of it.
National Security
Since the attack on my ship, the USS Cole, I view the world through the lens of national security. It is the foundation upon which our nation survives and thrives. My expertise was honed through years of serving on the front lines and understanding the vigilance and discipline required to make difficult decisions in uncertain environments. Critical analysis of national and international events requires an in-depth understanding of not only the threats we face, but also the human and strategic dimensions that shape them. True expertise is measured by the ability to anticipate risk, build trust across institutions, and act decisively to safeguard our nation’s strategic interests.
Clients and Partners
Kirk in Action
Front Burner
On October 12, 2000, eleven months before the 9/11 attacks, al Qaeda detonated a bomb alongside the USS Cole in the port of Aden in Yemen. The ship’s commander, Kirk Lippold, knew in a matter of moments that the Cole had been attacked. What he didn’t know was how much the world was changing around him.In this gripping first-person narrative, Lippold reveals the details of his harrowing experience leading a crew of valiant sailors through the deadliest terrorist attack on an American warship in history. He’ll also explain how bureaucrats and politicians reacted to the attack, ignored the dangerous warning signs it foretold, and avoided responsibility before the event was overshadowed by 9/11. An essential recounting of a critical moment in America’s battle against al Qaeda, Front Burner details a crucial story that has until now been lost in the fog of the war on terror.
Contact
Contact Kirk
To contact Kirk, use the contact form or email info@kirklippold.com.
Speaking
Kirk is available for motivational speaking engagements through the Keppler Speakers Bureau. For booking information, contact kirkspeaks@kirklippold.com.