Benjamin Sledge
Keynote Speaker: U.S. Army Combat Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, Multi Award-Winning Author, Mental Health Specialist & Viral Essayist
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Benjamin Sledge Biography
Benjamin Sledge is a wounded combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, mostly under the Special Operations community (Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command) of the U.S. Army. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and two Army Commendation medals for his actions overseas.
Upon returning home, he began work in geopolitical intelligence, then moved into mental health. He holds multiple certifications in Crisis Response, Trauma Care, and Suicide Prevention and continues to work in the veteran community and within geopolitics. With over 14 years of experience as a creative director, he has designed logos, websites, graphics, and ads that have been prominently featured in highly regarded publications such as TIME magazine and The New York Times.
A prolific communicator, Sledge has also written several articles on masculinity, the military, relationships, and faith that have gone viral on social media, and his essays are featured regularly on Medium. From CNN and The New York Times to Fox News and The Daily Wire, his writing and graphic design have graced the pages of diverse publications. His book, Where Cowards Go To Die, chronicles his time in war and personal struggles to readjust and was released in July 2022 to critical acclaim. To date, his book has won the following awards and accolades:
- Gold Medal Winner, Nonfiction Book Awards for Biography & Memoir
- Gold Medal Winner, Readers' Favorite Book Awards
- Winner, 2024 Book Excellence Awards
- 2023 Chanticleer Military & Front Lines First Prize Winner for Narrative Non-Fiction
- 2023 International Book Award Finalist for Autobiography/Memoir
- Winner, 2022 NYC Big Book Award for Military Nonfiction
Sledge has consulted and spoken on behalf of major entities ranging from The U.S. Census Bureau, The U.S. Military Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Colorado State University, Volunteers of America, and even shared the stage with influential figures such as Tim Tebow.
Sledge lives in Colorado with his wife, daughter, and son.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Benjamin Sledge and other top speakers and celebrities.
Benjamin Sledge Speaking Topics
Drawing on Ben Sledge’s transition from frontline service to creative and mental health leadership, this keynote highlights the critical importance of forging new communities—whether in the workplace, spiritual centers, or during life transitions—to foster belonging, resilience, and purpose for both veterans and civilians.
Target Audience: Corporate leaders, HR professionals, veteran support organizations, community leaders.
Key Takeaways:
- How to create a “tribe” that fosters connection and retention.
- Practical steps to integrate and support team members in transition.
- Leadership strategies that build trust and loyalty.
Delivery Style: Story-driven keynote with personal anecdotes, audience Q&A, and practical frameworks.
Ben Sledge distills years of leading high-performing teams in both combat and corporate contexts into actionable insights on resilience, values-driven leadership, and authentic human connection. Attendees learn how to thrive under pressure and lead with empathy in any environment.
Target Audience: Executives, managers, team leads, sales organizations.
Key Takeaways:
- Resilience as a core leadership skill.
- Building loyalty through vulnerability and authenticity.
- Decision-making under high stakes.
Delivery Style: Engaging storytelling blended with corporate leadership tools.
Drawing from his personal journey with PTSD and moral injury, Ben Sledge delivers a candid exploration of mental health challenges, stigma, and pathways to recovery. The keynote offers tools for creating supportive environments where healing and performance can coexist.
Target Audience: Corporate wellness programs, HR teams, first responders, veteran groups.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognizing signs of PTSD and moral injury in team members.
- Destigmatizing mental health conversations in the workplace.
- Building systems of support for sustainable well-being.
Delivery Style: Vulnerable storytelling paired with evidence-based strategies.
Ben Sledge invites both corporate and faith communities to rediscover compassion, connection, and purpose. Drawing from his experiences in ministry and service, he presents leadership principles grounded in values that resonate in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape.
Target Audience: Faith-based organizations, values-driven businesses, nonprofit leaders.
Key Takeaways:
- Creating cultures of belonging and trust.
- Applying timeless principles in modern contexts.
- Inspiring others through service-based leadership.
Delivery Style: Inspirational keynote with a blend of faith and real-world applications.
Drawing from his memoir "Where Cowards Go to Die" and viral essays, Ben Sledge demonstrates how personal storytelling can transform trauma into triumph. Audiences learn to use narrative as a leadership and healing tool that fosters deep human connection.
Target Audience: Leaders, creatives, educators, HR professionals.
Key Takeaways:
- How to share stories that inspire action and build trust.
- Transforming personal challenges into lessons for others.
- Leveraging narrative for culture-building and innovation.
Delivery Style: Story-based keynote with audience storytelling prompts.
Benjamin Sledge Videos
How do I book Benjamin Sledge to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Benjamin Sledge for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Benjamin Sledge, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Benjamin Sledge or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Benjamin Sledge for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Benjamin Sledge, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Benjamin Sledge are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Benjamin Sledge, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Benjamin Sledge speak about?
Benjamin Sledge is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Military, Veterans, Author, Bestselling Authors, Mental Health, Political, Geopolitics, World Affairs, Overcoming Adversity, Leadership, Motivational, Inspirational, Personal Growth, Storytelling, Creativity and Resilience.
Where does Benjamin Sledge travel from?
Benjamin Sledge generally travels from Colorado Springs, CO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Benjamin Sledge?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Benjamin Sledge for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Benjamin Sledge for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Benjamin Sledge or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Benjamin Sledge is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Military, Veterans and Author. The estimated speaking fee range to book Benjamin Sledge for live events is Below $10,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Benjamin Sledge generally travels from Colorado Springs, CO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Rocky Bleier, Tom Voss and Oz Sanchez. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Benjamin Sledge for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Benjamin Sledge Speaking Topics
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From Combat to Community: Rebuilding Your Tribe
Drawing on Ben Sledge’s transition from frontline service to creative and mental health leadership, this keynote highlights the critical importance of forging new communities—whether in the workplace, spiritual centers, or during life transitions—to foster belonging, resilience, and purpose for both veterans and civilians.
Target Audience: Corporate leaders, HR professionals, veteran support organizations, community leaders.
Key Takeaways:
- How to create a “tribe” that fosters connection and retention.
- Practical steps to integrate and support team members in transition.
- Leadership strategies that build trust and loyalty.
Delivery Style: Story-driven keynote with personal anecdotes, audience Q&A, and practical frameworks.
-
Leadership Under Fire: Lessons from the Frontline
Ben Sledge distills years of leading high-performing teams in both combat and corporate contexts into actionable insights on resilience, values-driven leadership, and authentic human connection. Attendees learn how to thrive under pressure and lead with empathy in any environment.
Target Audience: Executives, managers, team leads, sales organizations.
Key Takeaways:
- Resilience as a core leadership skill.
- Building loyalty through vulnerability and authenticity.
- Decision-making under high stakes.
Delivery Style: Engaging storytelling blended with corporate leadership tools.
-
When the Mind Battles War: Navigating PTSD, Moral Injury & Healing
Drawing from his personal journey with PTSD and moral injury, Ben Sledge delivers a candid exploration of mental health challenges, stigma, and pathways to recovery. The keynote offers tools for creating supportive environments where healing and performance can coexist.
Target Audience: Corporate wellness programs, HR teams, first responders, veteran groups.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognizing signs of PTSD and moral injury in team members.
- Destigmatizing mental health conversations in the workplace.
- Building systems of support for sustainable well-being.
Delivery Style: Vulnerable storytelling paired with evidence-based strategies.
-
Faith, Purpose & Belonging: Reigniting Roots in Modern Times
Ben Sledge invites both corporate and faith communities to rediscover compassion, connection, and purpose. Drawing from his experiences in ministry and service, he presents leadership principles grounded in values that resonate in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape.
Target Audience: Faith-based organizations, values-driven businesses, nonprofit leaders.
Key Takeaways:
- Creating cultures of belonging and trust.
- Applying timeless principles in modern contexts.
- Inspiring others through service-based leadership.
Delivery Style: Inspirational keynote with a blend of faith and real-world applications.
-
Storytelling as Survival: The Power of Narrative in Healing
Drawing from his memoir "Where Cowards Go to Die" and viral essays, Ben Sledge demonstrates how personal storytelling can transform trauma into triumph. Audiences learn to use narrative as a leadership and healing tool that fosters deep human connection.
Target Audience: Leaders, creatives, educators, HR professionals.
Key Takeaways:
- How to share stories that inspire action and build trust.
- Transforming personal challenges into lessons for others.
- Leveraging narrative for culture-building and innovation.
Delivery Style: Story-based keynote with audience storytelling prompts.
VIDEO
Benjamin Sledge Videos
NEWS
Benjamin Sledge News
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This Is My Vietnam
(Medium featured staff pick) An Afghanistan veteran weighs in on whether what we did mattered in the ‘Forever War’
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Was It Worth It?
(The Daily Wire) Reflections From A ‘Disposable Hero’ Of The War In Afghanistan
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You Might Not Actually Be Struggling With Depression
(Medium featured staff pick) But you may be dealing with depression’s lesser known evil twin
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The July 4th conversation we should have about the true cost of war
(Fox News) Real price of freedom should be a topic of discussion this Independence Day
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What It’s Like to Kill Dogs
(2023 award winning essay in Reader's Digest) On homecoming, alienation, reentry, and belonging
FAQS
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How do I book Benjamin Sledge to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Benjamin Sledge for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Benjamin Sledge, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Benjamin Sledge or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Benjamin Sledge for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Benjamin Sledge, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Benjamin Sledge are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Benjamin Sledge, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Benjamin Sledge speak about?
Benjamin Sledge is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Military, Veterans, Author, Bestselling Authors, Mental Health, Political, Geopolitics, World Affairs, Overcoming Adversity, Leadership, Motivational, Inspirational, Personal Growth, Storytelling, Creativity and Resilience. -
Where does Benjamin Sledge travel from?
Benjamin Sledge generally travels from Colorado Springs, CO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Benjamin Sledge?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Benjamin Sledge for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Benjamin Sledge for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Benjamin Sledge or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOK BENJAMIN SLEDGE
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All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
