L. David Marquet

A United States Naval Academy graduate, L. David Marquet served in the U.S. Submarine Force and commanded the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe, stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Captain Marquet completely turned around the Santa Fe, where the crew went from being “worst to first.” After his departure, the ship continued to win awards and a disproportionate number of its officers and enlisted men received promotions to positions of increased responsibility, including nine subsequent submarine captains.

Since completing his military service, Marquet speaks to businesses and groups that want to create empowering work environments that kindle the passion, initiative, and intellect of each person, a leadership approach he summarizes as “give control, create leaders.” The result instills the goodness of the organization in both people and practices instead of the leader’s personality, fostering enduring and resilient organizations. He is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Marquet co-teaches "Leadership and Legacy."