ILTA Announces Closing Keynote Speaker at ILTA International Operating Conference & Trade Show 2022 - General James N. Mattis USMC (Ret.)

ILTA is excited to welcome General James N. Mattis USMC (Ret.) to the stage as the closing keynote speaker at our annual event in Houston, TX, June 13-15.

Retired from the United States Marine Corps, General Mattis has four stars and served as the 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense. During his 44 years of service in the Marines, he commanded military forces in the Persian Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. Prior to his appointment in the White House, General Mattis led the United States Joint Forces Command from 2007 to 2010 and concurrently served as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. General Mattis was also the commander of the United States Central Command from 2010 to 2013.

General Mattis is a battle-tested commander who inspires others to lead by example. The closing keynote, “Lessons in Servant Leadership and Leading by Example,” will lean into real-life lessons of leadership, grounded in strong moral principles, picked up during his tenure in the military and in service of the United States of America. This will be an operational keynote that leaders will not want to miss.

“When leading large organizations, use touchstones,” said General Mattis. “Put a human face on the mission, convey your intent and reach your subordinates’ hearts and minds.”

General Mattis believes leadership isn’t about what you say, but rather what you do every day in support of your people. “Leaders serve and work for the people on their team,” said General Mattis. “I have been accused of making my subordinates my equals, and I happily stand guilty.” Known for his intellect, candor and humility, he will teach our ILTA audience how true role models shape behavior by providing their people with examples of excellence.

General Mattis is the second speaker to be announced as a part of ILTA’s 2022 Conference and Trade Show program. Peter Zeihan, a geopolitical strategist, will be the first to take the stage. A third and final speaker has yet to be announced.