Keynote Overview

Winning the Talent War

Strategies for Hiring and Cultivating Elite Teams

The Big Idea

Winning the talent war is essential in today’s competitive landscape. With the right strategies, you can attract, hire, and cultivate elite teams that drive your organization’s success. This keynote provides a roadmap for transforming your talent acquisition and management processes, ensuring you stay ahead in the battle for top talent.

Keynote Description

In a world where talent is the ultimate differentiator, organizations face unprecedented challenges in recruiting and retaining the right individuals. Many leaders struggle with outdated hiring practices and ineffective team cultures that fail to nurture growth. To thrive, we must embrace a new approach that prioritizes character over skills, collaboration over hierarchy, and continuous development over stagnation.

Drawing from insights in the best-selling book, “The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Companies Win on Talent,” Mike Sarraille shares proven principles from the U.S. Special Operations community, translating them into actionable strategies for the corporate realm. Attendees will learn how to build a strong, healthy team culture that not only attracts elite talent but also fosters engagement and retention.

Mike’s approach emphasizes that effective talent management goes beyond hiring; it involves actively cultivating an environment where individuals can thrive, innovate, and contribute to the organization’s goals. By implementing these strategies, leaders can navigate the complexities of today’s talent landscape and drive sustainable success.

Outcomes & Experiences

Audience

This Keynote Serves Leaders & Teams Who Are:

Outcomes

The Audience Will Leave With:

Suggested Event Formats

While Mike tailors this keynote for each event type, "Winning the Talent War" has proven effective in the following formats:

Frequently Asked Questions

About Mike:

In addition to thought leadership and speaking, what else does Mike Sarraille do?
In addition to delivering keynotes on leadership, culture, and high-performing teams, Mike is the CEO of Talent War Group, a premier leadership development and executive search/placement firm. Mike also leads the Everyday Warrior Nation on Sports Illustrated, where he hosts the Everyday Warrior Podcast and writes weekly on human performance and leadership. He is a proud father of three children and husband to his beautiful bride, Jordan.
Mike loves training and knowledge transfer – it’s his calling and where he feels he can drive the most impact. His most valued and impactful tour in the SEAL Teams was as the Director of the Naval Special Warfare Junior Officer Training Course at the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training (BUD/S). As the Director, Mike was tasked with developing young SEAL officers into future Ground Force Commanders in charge of combat operations. He was deeply committed to unlocking the potential within those young Special Operations Officers. That passion still runs deep, now focusing on private sector leaders and organizations. His passion lies in fostering environments where leaders can cultivate high-performing teams through empathy, accountability, and connection. He believes in the power of shared experiences and the importance of evolving together to navigate challenges and achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Mike’s journey as a Navy SEAL and his extreme adventures have provided him invaluable insights into leadership, resilience, agility, and high-performing team dynamics. He translates these experiences into the business world by highlighting the importance of adaptability, cohesion, trust, and accountability. With a proven track record of founding three successful enterprises, including a notable exit in 2024, Mike brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his keynotes. He weaves powerful stories from the battlefield, record-setting expeditions, and his entrepreneurial ventures to demonstrate how these principles can empower organizations to effectively navigate challenges, enhance collaboration, and achieve exceptional results regardless of profession or industry.

About Mike’s Keynotes:

Without a Doubt! With over 500 keynotes and workshops delivered worldwide, Mike considers each presentation a “throwaway,” meaning it’s uniquely tailored for every client and cannot be reused. Through a comprehensive approach that includes pre-event consultations, stakeholder interviews, and thorough industry research, Mike crafts a highly customized experience for each organization.
Yes! Mike has extensive experience in tailoring the content and format of his keynotes to meet the unique needs of his clients, whether for live events or virtual presentations.

After every keynote, audience members often approach Mike to express how inspired they are to lead with a renewed perspective and invest more in themselves and their teammates to cultivate a high-performing environment where everyone can thrive. Mike empowers organizations to turn this inspiration into meaningful action through both live and virtual solutions.

  • Facilitated leadership offsites, fireside chats, and interactive workshops focused on developing effective leadership practices and fostering a robust organizational culture.
  • Tailored in-person and virtual consulting solutions to create a culture of excellence and accountability within organizations.
  • For the adventurous, Mike loves coordinating outdoor excursions for teams to safely push outside their mental and physical comfort zones and forge teams through shared adversity.

Booking Mike:

Absolutely! Mike is committed to ensuring the best fit for your event and is always open to discovery calls. He believes understanding your specific needs and objectives is crucial in tailoring his programming to maximize impact.
Yes! Mike has extensive experience in tailoring both the content and format of his keynotes to meet the unique needs of his clients, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience, whether in person or online.
Not at all! If Mike can skydive into all seven continents in less than seven days, we can book your engagement quickly. Please fill out the Book Mike Form, and he’ll do his best to accommodate your event or help you find another speaker who’s a great fit.