speaking opportunities
Keynote Description
Beyond Grit: Mastering Your Fate Through Resilience and PURPOSE
Adversity is guaranteed. The only variable is who we become because of it. But for many of us, the real challenge is not the moment of crisis itself. It is what comes after. It is rebuilding our sense of self, rediscovering our purpose, and finding the courage to step forward into an unknown future.
Patrick Nugent knows this journey firsthand. Eight years ago, while serving as a U.S. Marine infantry officer, Patrick was shot and gravely wounded in the line of duty. He spent nearly two years recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, confronting not only the physical toll but the deeper questions of identity, purpose, and what it truly means to lead.
His path forward was anything but linear. Patrick went on to earn graduate degrees from The Wharton School and Harvard Kennedy School, lead Team USA as captain at the 2023 Invictus Games where he earned a bronze medal in powerlifting, and even summit Mt. Kilimanjaro just months after.
Today, he brings those experiences to the stage with a message that goes far beyond motivation.
In Beyond Grit, Patrick shares more than a story. He reveals a field-tested process he calls the G.R.I.T. Method, designed not for inspiration but for preparation. It was built from lived experience, not theory. It teaches audiences how to build internal readiness before adversity strikes and how to lead themselves and others when it does.
This keynote is for teams and individuals navigating high-pressure environments, major transitions, or seasons of uncertainty. It will challenge your audience to move beyond motivation and step into deliberate growth, disciplined resilience, and personal ownership.
The audience will leave with:
A redefined view of resilience that goes beyond endurance to embrace growth, adaptability, and purpose
Actionable tools to turn discomfort and uncertainty into opportunities for development
The ownership mindset needed to lead oneself and others through change
Inspiration grounded in real-world experience, showing that resilience is not about being unbreakable but about choosing to rebuild
testimonials
“Patrick's Keynote address to the Corps of Cadets was captivating. His authenticity and humility resonated with the audience while his story of resiliency and resolve provided a powerful example to emulate. Patrick is a gifted public speaker who adroitly controls the room while providing a deeply personal story. The audience’s questions were too many for the time allotted, so Patrick remained on site engaging individually. If you are looking to infuse some grit into your organization with some contagious positivity, Patrick’s message is nothing short of inspiring.”
— Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel, Retired U.S. Marine Colonel
“Patrick’s story captivated the room and left our cadets both inspired and equipped with practical tools to face adversity. He does not just talk about resilience; he shows you how to train it, apply it, and lead with it.
Any organization looking to strengthen its people and sharpen performance would benefit tremendously from having Patrick on their stage.”
— Leadership Professor, West Point Military Academy
“Patrick presented at a corporate team on-site of mine, telling his story to a group of ~60. From his youth to the accident and what transpired after, everyone in the room was enraptured with the presentation. I would highly recommend Patrick to anyone looking for an inspiring talk on grit, resilience, flexibility, agility, and determination.”
— Senior Director, Client Services at The Trade Desk
“I had the pleasure of bringing Patrick into my organization, Hot Paper Lantern, to speak to the team about resiliency. Patrick's experience as a Marine speaks volumes about his character. He faced and overcame challenges that demanded not only physical strength but also mental fortitude.
What truly sets Patrick apart is his remarkable capacity to inspire and motivate others. Patrick's willingness to share his personal journey inspired my team to look into themselves and find their own resiliency. Patrick mentioned you could build resiliency in smalls ways, such as taking a cold shower each morning. One team member began to do this each morning and asked me to relay her experience back to Patrick.
I highly recommend Patrick as a speaker if you are looking for a meaningful talk on inspiration, determination, and resiliency.”
— Director of Talent Acquisition, Hot Paper Lantern
“Patrick delivered a powerful and inspiring talk to our high school football team during our team retreat. He spoke to over 100 players and coaches, all of whom were struck by his example of determination, perseverance, and fortitude. Patrick showed us that mental and physical limitations are almost nonexistent when a man makes up his mind to relentlessly pursue his goals. It was a great privilege to hear from him.”
— Head Football Coach, Saint Ignatius High School
