Past Keynotes/Lectures
testimonials
Shep is an engaging and dynamic speaker! Drawing from his military leadership experiences and real-life examples, he intuitively fused his presentation and materials to our construction industry leaders at our Rally Point Leadership weekend. Shep delivered a flawless presentation on training, managing risk, importance of debriefing, and how to be an organization of continuous improvement. Using presentations, videos and group exercises, his content was impactful, engaging, and compelling. His presentation feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and his training made a lasting impact on our work culture and operations. I highly recommend him to your team.
Torrey Garrison / Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety and Leadership Development at Performance Contractors
Shep spoke at the 2026 Miramar National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony. He did an absolutely outstanding job! He was able to blend his deep historical knowledge with his engaging wit and delivered the perfect speech for the occasion. Many of the attendees wanted me to personally thank him for his presentation and I received nothing but accolades from Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation. He is a truly dynamic speaker and has my highest recommendation for any organization looking to appropriately celebrate an event while gaining from his great historical perspective.
Pat McGrath / Rear Admiral, USN (Ret). / President, Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation
Shep is an intentional servant leader, a skilled educator, and a compelling motivational speaker. Having worked with him on the Air & Space Force Association's 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, suicide prevention training for Chaplains, and many Gold Star and POW/MIA events over the past two decades, I have seen firsthand how Shep's extensive military service and rigorous historical research uniquely equip him to speak and lead with profound heart and perspective.
Shep delivers stories that educate, empower, and endure. He is keenly present and provides captivating remarks rooted in history and faith. He is a joy to work with—timely, attentive, and consistently on target. Shep stays on my short list for strategizing solutions and amplifying outcomes. You'd be fortunate to have him as keynote speaker and even more blessed, as I am, to call him a colleague and friend.
Colleen Shine / Gold Star Daughter of Lt Col Anthony C. Shine, USAF / Senior Advisor Sons and Daughters in Touch
A truly outstanding speaker and leader! I have had the privilege of hearing Shep at Honor Flight summits and events, veteran reunions, and military ceremonies. He is a master storyteller who educates and inspires audiences through his vivid illustrations and descriptive word pictures. His remarks are always compelling and riveting, and standing ovations are common at his presentations. His stellar leadership and organizational skills have been critical to helping develop effective strategies for Honor Flight and multiple organizations. His applications to life and leadership will benefit your team and their efforts!
Dave Smith / Past National Chairman and President of Honor Flight Network and Founder Honor Flight San Diego.
Shep is an outstanding speaker and an absolute pleasure to work with! We’ve had Shep speak three times in person or via Zoom and will continue to bring him back in the future. His wide and varied experiences from leadership at sea, to transitioning from the military, or lessons from military history, inspire individuals both personally and as a team. He has the unique ability to connect to individuals and audiences on a personal level regardless of their background. If you are looking to improve your team’s effectiveness or build leaders, I highly recommend him.
Mike Favre / Workforce Development at Performance Contractors
CAPT Steve "Shep" Shepard is one of the most engaging and dynamic speakers I have ever heard. I have heard him speak more than 20 times in various environments, large and small venues, and in planned and impromptu situations. He is a confident presenter who is comfortable in small groups, or major audiences encompassing hundreds of attendees. As a keynote speaker, each speech is tailored to the audience, is thoroughly researched, and delivered to truly honor the essence of the event.
Shep can be relied on to deliver a speech that is clear, concise, and articulate, as he weaves in the past to tell an interesting story - a rich history lesson in 20-30 minutes. He has spent decades developing a solid foundation and understanding of military history, and often draws on his vast naval career experiences to speak about lessons in leadership.
Holly Shaffner / PR Director for Honor Flight San Diego & Public Information Officer for Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation
We hosted an amazing virtual conversation with Steve “Shep” Shepard, to learn more about his 31 years of service to this country. This was truly an opportunity of a lifetime for teachers to connect their students to Veterans who were there and have a rich story to share!
Darby Jones / Senior Director of Educational Partnerships at Education First
