John O’Grady

Certified Consultant

John O’Grady

John O’Grady

O’Grady Leadership and Consulting Services

John O’Grady helps athletes, coaches and executives bring out the very best in their players, teams and organizations. A former Division I athlete, West Point graduate, Army Colonel, and distinguished combat leader, John inspires leaders and teams to become the best version of themselves in the most demanding, complex, austere, and challenging environments.

Utilizing the principles he has developed and practiced over 30 years in athletics and the Army, working with diverse groups of organizations and individuals, John provides leadership, culture, and strategy principles that are fundamental to excellence.

As a coach, speaker, and mentor, John’s timeless leadership message inspires and challenges individuals, coaches, teams, and organizations to win sustainably by becoming the best versions of themselves. Coaches, athletes, corporations benefit from John’s empowering message.

O’Grady Leadership and Consulting Services, LLC is a franchise of Kolenda Strategic Leaders Academy (SLA), a consulting firm of former senior military leaders who have provided Leadership in peace and war, have created thriving organizational Cultures, and have developed Strategies to compete and win in a dynamic environment against ruthless competitors.

Areas of Specialization

  • Athletes
  • Coaches
  • Executives

Background

John completed a decorated military career, where he led organizations from 30 – 3.5K people, to include in active war zones. “I am most proud of my leadership tree: the continued success of the people who have been direct reports for me in the past. Many have gone on to be selected for promotions and positions requiring special trust and confidence”. John’s command was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (the highest award given to units) for, “extraordinary heroism in the face of an armed enemy.” — made possible by the values-based culture by which John led and inspired his team.

John has repeatedly served as a senior advisor to executive-level military leaders where he was relied upon to provide confidential, expert, advice on topics as diverse as culture, strategic direction, and managing fiscal and operational portfolios in excess of 14B dollars.

Leading Well

In this short book, you’ll learn how to master the six habits that inspire people to contribute their best to your company’s success.

Leadingwell

How to Create Trust in Your Organization

“John’s message of what it takes to be a leader and winner, not only on the field, but for life is inspirational. His ability to share life experiences as a decorated combat veteran in a manner applicable to sports, high performing people, teams, and businesses is impressive and can make a difference providing an edge over your competitors. His message continues to resonate with our players and staff as we approach the playoffs for the Major League Lacrosse Championship.”

“John shares his experience and subject matter expertise, grounded in his distinguished military career, including leading in combat, and his time as a Division I, NCAA athlete. His insights will elevate any individual or team, allowing them to accelerate their journey toward excellence. John has been a trusted advisor and personal sounding board and confidant of mine, helping me navigate some very challenging situations – he has always shown tremendous empathy and humility while delivering sound and honest advice. Quite simply, John is a values-based, class act.”

“John O’Grady spoke to our NYJets Defense Friday & was outstanding. His message & ability to communicate with our guys was special. His ability to speak to the entire audience but make each person feel as if he was talking to only him was great. He was able to keep everyone in the meeting room focused on the message & alert for more. John has a great understanding of how to get his audience to not only listen, but also “feel” his message. Our players are still talking about the message & repeating the objectives learned. I would strongly recommend giving your group, team, department, or company the opportunity to listen & feel the messages John O’Grady can communicate to improve performance & production”.

“John’s ability to translate his incredible leadership experience as a decorated combat veteran in an easily translatable and understandable manner made a positive impact on our players and staff. He provided practical, confidential advice and tools that positively impacted our leadership and culture. He is now part of our Wagner Football Family.”

Recent Articles by John O’Grady

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