Leadership and strategy, from the executive suite to the shop floor
A keynote lights the fire. Consulting keeps it burning. Derek partners with organizations to build confident decision-makers, sharpen strategy, and win business — drawing on decades of command, Pentagon-level program leadership, and defense-industry experience.
Three ways Derek works with organizations
Leadership Coaching
From the executive suite to the shop team lead. Derek develops confident decision-makers at every level and installs the Velocity framework so leaders learn to develop other leaders — not just make every call themselves.
Business Strategy & Org Development
Clarify the vision, align the team, and improve how decisions get made and executed. Derek helps leaders turn strategy into daily action and build organizations that move with velocity instead of hesitation.
Defense Business Development
Business development support for defense contractors, informed by Derek's years as a Pentagon staff officer and BD leader.
- Market analysis
- Customer interface
- Capture management & proposal writing
Scoped to your team, built to last
Start where it makes sense
One team, one location, or the whole organization. We begin with the problem that's actually slowing you down — not a generic program.
Install the framework
Leaders define their vector, clarify decision rights, and build the habit of honest debrief — so the work continues after Derek leaves the room.
Drive results
Confident leaders, trusted teams, and better decisions show up where it matters: execution, retention, and won business.
Experience that has been tested under pressure
Years leading
Defense, aviation & business
Year AF veteran
Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
Programs managed
Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon
Flight hours
Many in combat, 30+ aircraft
Let's talk about what your organization needs
Tell Derek what's slowing your team down. If he's the right fit, he'll say so. If he isn't, he'll point you somewhere better. Find a way to yes.
Speaker Request Form
Thanks for considering Derek for your event.
At Decisive Leadership, we welcome the opportunity to share hard-won lessons on leadership and decision-making with the broader business community, executive and operations teams, conferences, academic institutions, and military and veteran organizations — anyone working to build confident, capable leaders. We believe leadership isn't reserved for the corner office, and that the right message delivered to the right room can change how an entire team performs.
To help us make the most informed decision about your request for Derek to speak, please complete the speaker request form below. The more you can tell us about your event, your audience, and what you're hoping the talk will accomplish, the better we can serve you.
We do our best to read every request in a timely manner. Because of the volume of inquiries, we aren't always able to respond personally to each one. If your event looks like a strong fit, you can expect to hear from Derek's team within 1–2 weeks — often sooner. If the timing or fit isn't right this time, we'll do our best to let you know that too.
