JD Drinkard
My goal is that every person in the room leaves believing they can lead with greater clarity, courage, and resilience. Through powerful stories and practical insights, I give your audience tools they can use the next day — to lead better at work, at home, and in their community.
JD Drinkard is a dynamic professional speaker, leadership consultant, and retired U.S. Army Senior Non-Commissioned Officer who has spent his career helping people lead with courage and clarity in high-stakes environments. With over 20 years of leadership experience, including combat tours in Iraq, JD brings battlefield-tested lessons on resilience and decision-making to the stage, connecting them directly to today’s challenges in business and community leadership.
Beyond the military, JD has led nonprofit initiatives in Eastern Europe and Africa, launched sustainable development projects, and guided executives through complex transitions. He is the Founder and CEO of International Leadership Solutions (ILS) and a member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, where he has trained under renowned speaker Roddy Galbraith. JD also working to complete his MBA from the University of Alabama, blending academic insight with real-world application.
Known for his authenticity, storytelling, and ability to make leadership practical, JD equips audiences with tools they can apply immediately. His mission is simple: to help leaders navigate complexity with confidence, inspire resilience in the face of obstacles, and create lasting impact across every sphere of influence.
JD Drinkard is a dynamic professional speaker, leadership consultant, and retired U.S. Army Senior Non-Commissioned Officer who has spent his career helping people lead with courage and clarity in high-stakes environments. With over 20 years of leadership experience, including combat tours in Iraq, JD brings battlefield-tested lessons on resilience and decision-making to the stage, connecting them directly to today’s challenges in business and community leadership.
Beyond the military, JD has led nonprofit initiatives in Eastern Europe and Africa, launched sustainable development projects, and guided executives through complex transitions. He is the Founder and CEO of International Leadership Solutions (ILS) and a member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, where he has trained under renowned speaker Roddy Galbraith. JD also working to complete his MBA from the University of Alabama, blending academic insight with real-world application.
Known for his authenticity, storytelling, and ability to make leadership practical, JD equips audiences with tools they can apply immediately. His mission is simple: to help leaders navigate complexity with confidence, inspire resilience in the face of obstacles, and create lasting impact across every sphere of influence.
From Barracks to Boardrooms: The Art of Connecting
Format: 60 Minute/Half Day Workshop
This program is perfect for:
- Veterans who are transitioning from military service into college, careers, or leadership roles.
- Veteran Service Officers
- Career Services Staff
- Employers seeking to better understand and connect with veterans.
- Any leader or...
Leading Through Crisis: Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom
Format: 60 Minute Keynote
This program is perfect for:
- Corporate Leadership Events
- Veteran Service Organizations
- Civic Groups
- Associations navigating rapid change.
The audience will leave with:
- Leaders will walk away with renewed resilience and a...
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Battlefield-Tested, Boardroom-Ready
Format: 6–10 week Mastermind Series
This program is perfect for:
- Emerging Leaders
- Veteran Transition Groups
- Nonprofit Boards
- Executive Teams
The audience will leave with:
- A clear understanding of the 21 timeless principles of leadership and how to apply...
The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication: Connecting to Lead
Format: 5–8 week Mastermind Series
This program is perfect for:
- Leaders in transition
- Managers seeking better team alignment
- Entrepreneurs
- Community Influencers
The audience will leave with:
- A practical grasp of Maxwell’s 16 Laws of Communication and why...
