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Darin Kinder
Speaker, Author, 9/11 Survivor and Former US Secret Service Agent
Where were you when the world stopped turning, September 11, 2001? Darin Kinder, former Secret Service Agent and Medal of Valor recipient, was at "Ground Zero". On that day and throughout his career, Darin learned the value of cohesive teams, resilience, courageous leadership, and the cost of a dirty suit.
Bio
Darin Kinder brings a gripping, real-world perspective to leadership, resilience, and service. Darin is a former Special Agent of the United States Secret Service, where he spent 25 years protecting five US Presidents, other world leaders, and navigating high-stakes environments in 42 different countries. On September 11, 2001, he was on the ground in New York City when the World Trade Center was attacked—an experience that earned him the Secret Service Medal of Valor and forever shaped his perspective on life and leadership. Darin delivers an unforgettable message forged in crisis, tested in the highest levels of government protection, and made relevant for teams and organizations today.
Darin is also the author of the hard-hitting book, Bury Me in a Dirty Suit, a compelling memoir that explores what it means to lead with courage, serve others sacrificially, and step into the mess when it matters most.
Whether he's unpacking the importance of cohesive teams, the mental shift required for resilience, leading with courage, or pursuing greater purpose, Darin challenges audiences to reframe adversity, work with greater mission, and lead with impact.
Darin is a devoted husband, father to four sons, and the founder of Fierce Faith, an organization dedicated to helping people lead with courage and purpose. He is passionate about inspiring and equipping the next generation to face challenges head-on and live with bold resolve. A sought-after speaker and podcast guest, Darin shares his insights on leadership, resilience, and what it means to live with clear purpose in an unpredictable world.
Darin is a graduate of James Madison University and a former high school history teacher and coach. He loves the mountains, baseball, and any adventure that calls for fortitude and grit.
Keynotes
Featured Keynote
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Leading with Courage and Purpose
This corporate keynote applies timeless principles to the realities of today’s workplace. It begins with a powerful retelling of Darin’s experience on the ground and in the towers at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Through this gripping story, key moments are highlighted to illustrate lessons that continue to shape Darin’s approach to leadership and resilience.
Drawing from his 25-year career in the Secret Service, Darin explores how to develop a resilient mindset—one that enables individuals and teams to navigate challenges and lead with strength. He shares insights on building cohesive teams, leading with courage rooted in competence and humility, and finding purpose in work beyond the paycheck. The message culminates in a call to action, inspiring audiences to engage with the world’s challenges as a force for good and to lead with purpose, courage, and conviction.
Audience Takeaways:
- How to build and maintain a resilient mindset in the face of adversity
- The importance of developing cohesive, high-performing teams
- What it means to lead with courage, competence, confidence, and humility
- How to find greater meaning and purpose in everyday work
- Why elevating service over self leads to stronger leadership and lasting impact
- How to discern personal purpose and boldly pursue it—“get your suit dirty”
Topics
- Peak Performance Trending
- Resilience Trending
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