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Patrick Houlahan
Founder of SL Partners, Top Leadership and Motivational Speaker, Former United States Marine Corps, "TOPGUN" Fighter Pilot
“Grit and determination” are not always the right answers to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. Often it takes the right mindset, coupled with the right skillsets to push through barriers, conquer challenges, and win every day. Having gone through the highs and lows of winning and losing, Patrick brings dynamic stories that are relatable and teaches practical lessons that your teams can use every day. His entertaining and thought-provoking keynotes teach audiences how to develop the mindsets and skillsets necessary to win in today’s high-stakes environments.
Patrick grew up in Charlotte, NC, Jackson, MS, and Leawood, KS and is a graduate of The Citadel. Patrick accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps and spent a combined 27 years on active duty and in the reserves in San Diego, CA. Patrick rose to the rank of Colonel, was the Instructor Pilot of the Year in the F/A-18 Hornet, and graduated from the United States Fighter Weapons School – TOPGUN. Patrick earned his Master of Strategic Studies, “Distinguished Graduate,” from the Unites States Army War College and served as a Reserve Chief of Staff.
Patrick started his speaking and consulting career after leaving active duty in 2004. He was the Director of Seminars, MPI speaker of the year, and has led over 600 keynotes, breakouts, and workshops from the Fortune 100 to individual teams. In addition, Patrick has been a Regional Account Manager, Director of Business Development, Organizational Development Executive and has Founded or Co-Founded three start-ups.
Patrick’s keynote presentations and breakout workshop sessions on Execution, Debriefing, Accountability, Safety, Team Dynamics, Change Management, Leadership, and Resiliency are always customized to your messaging and participants. His goal is to not only inspire the audience, but to teach practical tools, techniques, and procedures that can be utilized long after the event has ended.
In 2019, Patrick’s military and business experiences led him to start Strategic Leadership Consultants to address a gap in leadership, execution, and operational excellence. In 2025, Patrick partnered with Jake Duffy and launched Strategic Leadership Partners (SL Partners.) With a primary focus of “Doing Work that Matters,” SL Partners’ goal is to scale and expand the capabilities of every company and every team member they engage.
TOPICS
Accountability
Leadership
Corporate Culture
Communication
Crisis Management
Decision Making
Resilience
Safety
Organizational Development
Peak Performance
CEO/Senior Executive
Executive Coaching Development
Military/Veteran
Keynote Topics
KEYNOTE TITLES
TOPGUN Principles for Mission Success: Be the Top 1% in Business
Accountability is Key: The Art of the Debrief
Safety Culture: It’s Just What We Do
Simplifying Leadership: Keys to Leading a Successful Team
Resiliency: Build and Lead Resilient Teams
Change Management: Lead and Win in a Dynamic Environment
Fast and Effective Planning: Execution with Strategic Alignment
Cross Communication: Break Down Silos

PAST CLIENTS
State Farm
Tecsys
Carr Properties
FS Growmark
Genentech
University of Pittsburgh
Equitable
Turn Around Management Association
Mission Produce
Accelerent
3M
Oklahoma Hospital Association
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