Biography
Murphy, the Founder and CEO of Afterburner, Inc., has a unique and powerful mix of leadership skills in both the military and business worlds. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Murphy joined the U.S. Air Force where he learned to fly the F-15. He has logged over 1,200 hours as an instructor pilot in the F-15 and has accumulated over 3,200 hours of flight time in other high-performance jet aircraft. As the 116th Fighter Wing's Chief of Training for the Georgia Air National Guard, Murphy's job was to keep 42 combat-trained Fighter Pilots ready to deploy worldwide within 72 hours. As a flight leader, he has flown missions to Central America, Asia, Central Europe and the Middle East. After years in the military, Murphy returned to his love of business. Prior to his service in the U.S. Air Force, Murphy had a successful career in imaging equipment sales, where he helped increase his company's sales by 500%. Years later, Murphy became Director of Sales for a small paint company. Realizing that the concepts of the Flawless ExecutionSM model could be applied to business, he engaged the proven model - "Plan. Brief. Execute. Debrief." - and increased his company's sales from $5 million to $52 million. Realizing that many companies could benefit from these same concepts, Murphy started Afterburner in early 1996. Through his leadership, Afterburner has landed on Inc. Magazine's "Inc. 500 List" twice. Murphy has been regularly featured in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, Inc. Magazine, Newsweek, Meetings & Conventions Magazine and has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and Bloomberg news to name a few. He has also been named as one of Atlanta's top 50 entrepreneurs by Catalyst Magazine. To date, the Afterburner team of elite military professionals has led over 1 million executives, sales professionals, and business people from every industry through Afterburner's Flawless ExecutionSM Model, and its unique, high-energy programs. Afterburner notable clients include the Who's Who of the Global 1000 list of companies. Murphy's groundbreaking book Business Is Combat, is now in its third printing, and his latest book Flawless ExecutionSM was released May 1st, 2005 by Harper Collins publishing. Murphy has spoken at the world's notable business schools to include Harvard, Wharton, Cornell, Emory, and Duke.
Speech Topics
Leading Flawless Execution from the Top with Jim Murphy
Afterburner's leadership keynote speaker Jim Murphy has helped top business leaders transform strategy into action. Historically fewer than 20% of all initiatives actually get accomplished. This keynote will help align your team around your strategy and understand exactly what to do and how to do it. This 60-90 minute keynote is based on Jim Murphy's ground breaking book 'Flawless Execution'.
Courage to Execute
Addressing Complexity. Becoming Agile. Leading through Change. Innovation. Operational Excellence. Developing Leaders. Retaining Top Talent. Do these sound like a myriad of challenges, many of which you and your organization today face? Do your strategies to address and excel in these areas seem disconnected and paralyze your people? Would you believe a firm has spent the last two decades evangelizing and demonstrating that in fact they are all connected? And better still, there is a simple, holistic set of tools and techniques you can apply to address them all – simultaneously? Aligned with the 2014 release of his 5th book Courage To Execute, Jim’s new keynote address not only shares how leaders can address these challenges and seize these opportunities, he details the simple, scalable process that elite military teams and Afterburner’s key clients leverage to survive, thrive and dominate where competitors fall short. Leveraging video, corporate and military analogies and Lessons Learned from his work advising Executives at 85% of the Fortune 50 and dozens more, this keynote will inform and empower leaders to scope the environment, drown out the noise, align strategy to execution and empower leaders to demonstrate a Bias to Action – the secret to winning in the today’s business environment.
Military Stretegy & Execution for Executive Leadership
The framework applied by the military to complex or stressful situations during combat teaches people to have discipline, be thoughtful and align strategically with their teams. Based on these tried-and-true principles, our founding team of elite military leaders created Flawless ExecutionSM — a business framework that equips individuals and teams with the tools they need to successfully drive accountability, establish strategic alignment and build mission-first cultures.
Leadership Training & Workshops
We help your teams plan a road map for success and create disciplined mission plans. There is often a learning curve to effective teamwork. Overcoming this learning curve begins with equipping the members of your team to contribute in the planning process. During these workshops, individuals find themselves igniting innovative conversation and mixing ideas and processes to cultivate entirely new points of view. Your teams will be exposed to the concept of open planning to drive stronger collaboration and more disciplined plans. Afterburner will facilitate a session to drive accountable action and help your teams choose the right objective to target, create buy-in, and align success. During a collaborative Mission Planning exercise, your team will get first-hand experience with Jim and his team’s continuous improvement framework — which was born in the zero-tolerance-for-error world of military aviation and elite military teams like Navy SEALs. They push teams out of their comfort zones and into the unknown, rapidly changing environment of a fighter pilot. The team will experience: •Interactive training that actively engages the whole team •Team building scenarios that teach concepts through high-energy, simulations •Real tools that inspire action, help employees build meaningful new skills, and deliver ROI when your team returns to work •Led by our team of current and former elite military professionals, our team building seminars range from 3-4 hour half-day programs to 4-6 hour full-day programs — each customized to fit the needs of your group.
Videos
Books
Planning for a group? Order discounted copies in bulk.
Buy in bulk ›Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Jim Murphy's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Jim Murphy's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Jim Murphy's speaking fee?
The typical range for Jim Murphy's speaking fee is $25,000–$45,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Jim Murphy to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Jim Murphy for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Jim Murphy's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Jim Murphy through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Jim Murphy

Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour
Combat tests you. Being a beat cop tests you. Life tests you. Three brothers and being the only girl...tests you. Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour has been tested her whole life. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of “firsts” including America’s first Black woman combat pilot. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. After her military service, FlyGirl revved up her career in the private sector as an entrepreneur, consultant to business, and author of Zero to Breakthrough, The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter. As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. She helps individuals and organizations Get Gutsy and build a sustainable inner force and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals.
Fee Range: $35,000–$50,000
Travels From: GA

Carey Lohrenz
Carey Lohrenz is a dynamic communicator with an incredible story. As the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot, she was a pioneer in military aviation. Having flown missions worldwide as a combat, mission-ready United States Navy pilot, Carey Lohrenz is used to working in fast moving, dynamic environments where inconsistent execution can generate catastrophic results.
Fee Range: $30,000–$40,000
Travels From: MN

John Foley
John Foley inspires with lessons from the Navy’s elite Blue Angels flying team. These core values are the key to world-class performance in any field. As lead solo pilot of the heralded Blue Angels, John Foley had to consistently perform as part of team in an intense, high-stakes environment. Reaching that level of excellence required commitment, discipline and trust. Using Blue Angel methodology as a model, Foley has developed a unique approach that equips others to make the same journey toward excellence in execution. His message and personal stories, delivered with his trademark enthusiasm and charisma, emphasizes principles of trust, alignment, clarity and commitment, positioning individuals and teams to achieve and sustain higher levels of excellence than they ever dreamed possible. Foley has served as an adviser to Fortune 500 corporations, professional athletic teams, venture capital companies, professional associations and educational organizations and successfully connects the high intensity of the Blue Angles with your organization.
Fee Range: $25,000–$50,000
Travels From: ID

Waldo Waldman
Known as “The Wingman,” Lt Col Waldo Waldman, MBA, CSP, CPAE is a highly decorated combat fighter pilot with 65 missions in Iraq and Serbia. A business consultant and executive coach, he helps organizations build collaborative cultures of trust, courage and commitment in highly competitive, rapidly changing business environments.
Fee Range: $25,000–$35,000
Travels From: GA
Check Jim Murphy’s Availability
Tell us about your event and we’ll be in touch shortly.