Accelerent Breakfast: Strategies to Instill Integrity and Mitigate Crisis – Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.)

This morning's Accelerent breakfast featuring Commander Kirk Lippold. As the commanding officer of the USS Cole during the 2000 terrorist attack in Yemen, Commander Lippold shared powerful leadership strategies drawn from his experience leading his crew through a crisis.

Accelerent—Phoenix

The Phoenix division of Accelerent is the area’s leading business development organization, and Benefit Commerce Group is proud to be the Title Sponsor of this division. At breakfast events throughout the year, guests invited by members of Accelerent hear from nationally recognized speakers and experts like Commander Kirk Lippold.

Pillars of Leadership from Commander Kirk Lippold

This morning’s audience of 500+ was captivated as Commander Kirk Lippold recounted the harrowing events of October 12, 2000, when the USS Cole was attacked by a suicide terrorist in the port of Aden, Yemen. From the moment the ship departed Norfolk, Virginia, to its fateful arrival in Yemen, Commander Lippold shared every gripping detail of the hours leading up to, during, and after the attack.

He spoke of the emotional toll of seeing his second in command lowered from the ship onto the dock to be rushed to a local hospital, and the poignant moment when the Star-Spangled Banner played as the USS Cole departed Yemen—a powerful symbol of strength and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Commander Lippold also shared his "Pillars of Leadership," actionable principles for building accountable teams and navigating challenges:

1. Professional Competence: Set high expectations for every team member, provide the training and tools they need, and ensure everyone knows their role.
2. Make Decisions: Act promptly and confidently, keeping the mission in mind.
3. Trust Your People: Believe in their abilities and give them opportunities to take risks.
4. Focus & Vision: Unify efforts with a clear direction and a long-term vision.
5. Communication: Listen actively—it’s a two-way street. Pay attention to nonverbal cues.
6. Integrity: Make the right decisions, even when they’re difficult.
7. Resiliency: Care for your people, stay mission-focused, and above all, don’t give up the ship!

Commander Lippold’s story was a powerful reminder of the resilience, accountability, and courage required to lead in the face of adversity—a message that resonates far beyond the military.

“When you have a crisis, you begin to make decisions. You make the best decisions possible based on the information you have in that moment in time,” Commander Lippold explained, calling it “acting in the now, while thinking ahead.”

This approach compels us to ask, “What’s next?” It’s a question that encourages preparation, focus, and forward-thinking—even in the most challenging circumstances.

Commander Lippold’s story of resilience and leadership serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, accountability, and determination it takes to navigate adversity.

To Commander Lippold and all those who serve our nation, thank you. Your unwavering dedication and sacrifices continue to inspire us every day.

We have had an amazing year of quality speakers and motivating topics at the Accelerent/BCG Breakfast Events in 2024!

Watch for more announcements about our upcoming Accelerent Phoenix/BCG Breakfast Events in 2025.