Admiral William H. McRaven
Admiral William H. McRaven is a retired U.S. Navy Four-Star admiral who served as the ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command. He is best known for his 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin, which went viral and ultimately led to his writing 'Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World'. Admiral McRaven's distinguished military career included organizing the execution of Operation Neptune Spear, the special ops raid that led to the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011.
Admiral McRaven graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1977 with a degree in journalism. Following his graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and volunteered for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S). Throughout his career, McRaven held leadership positions in both SEAL teams and special operations. His expertise in counter-terrorism, special reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare was instrumental in shaping U.S. defense strategies.
Since retiring from the military in 2014, McRaven has served as a university chancellor and continues to be a prominent public speaker and commentator on national security issues. He has also authored several books, focusing on leadership and national security. His insights and experiences have made him a respected figure in military and leadership circles, and his works continue to inspire many around the globe.