William H. McRaven is a retired Admiral in the United States Navy and a well-known military leader, author, and speaker. He served as the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command from 2011 to 2014, during which he oversaw the successful operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011.
Born on November 6, 1955, in Pinehurst, North Carolina, McRaven graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in journalism. He later received a master's degree in national security affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School.
After a lengthy career in the Navy, which included numerous deployments and leadership positions in various special operations units, McRaven retired in 2014. He subsequently served as the chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018.
McRaven is also an accomplished author. His book "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World," which is based on a commencement address he delivered at the University of Texas, became a bestseller. He often shares insights on leadership, resilience, and the importance of discipline and teamwork, drawing on his extensive military experience.
In addition to his books and speeches, McRaven has been a prominent voice in discussions on national security and military strategy, and he has contributed op-eds to various publications on a range of topics related to defense and public policy.
