Matt Eversmann

A true American hero, First Sergeant Matt Eversmann illustrates the importance of duty, courage and selfless service to succeed when ordinary circumstances become extraordinary challenges.

On October 3, 1993, Matt was placed in charge of a group of Army Rangers to lead a daytime raid against an eager enemy militia. Matt experienced the horrors of war when he and his fellow soldiers were trapped in a hostile district of Mogadishu and marked for death by an angry mob. His inspiring story of survival was immortalized in the epic film, Black Hawk Down, which recounts the harrowing experience. For his actions on the battlefield he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device.

Matt deployed to Iraq in 2006 where he lived with the Iraqi Army for 15 months during The Surge. He retired in May of 2008 after 20 years of service. In February 2021, Matt and James Patterson released their first book together, Walk in My Combat Boots, a #1 New York Times bestseller, followed by ER Nurses that hit #5 on the list. Their third book, Walk The Blue Line, made its debut in February 2023.

Committed to sharing the lessons he learned in the military, Matt draws parallels from his experiences to highlight the importance of leadership, followership, courage and responsibility within any team or enterprise. Most important is his desire to explain the dynamics of avoiding “strategic shock” where organizations are crippled by unforeseen disasters.

Unambiguously humble, gracious and warm, his powerful story and straightforward insights on instilling these values stay with business leaders’ long after the applause has ended. His experiences in healthcare, non-profit, and data management industries have solidified his passion to prepare “average people to tackle incredible things.”

With presentations that leave an emotional impact, audiences take away a renewed sense of patriotism and inspiration for dedicating their efforts to a worthy cause.