Cedric Leighton

Biography

To Inspire. To Lead. To Succeed. That is the motto of Cedric Leighton, Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a unique strategic risk and leadership management consultancy. Cedric brings an unmatched level of global geopolitical, operational, leadership and management expertise to his clients as they navigate the 21st century global marketplace.

Cedric honed his analytical and leadership skills during a 26-year career as an intelligence officer in the US Air Force. He witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, oversaw critical Special Operations missions, established key partnerships with nations in South and Southeast Asia and deployed five times to the Middle East. He served at every command echelon from small deployed elements to the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, where he was the Deputy Director for Warfighter Support and Integration in the Intelligence Directorate. His last military assignment was as the National Security Agency’s Deputy Director for Training. His numerous military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star (for his work in Operation Iraqi Freedom), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and seven Meritorious Service Medals. He retired as a Colonel in 2010.

Since founding Cedric Leighton Associates, Cedric has become an internationally known strategic risk expert. He has appeared on Fox Business Network, Fox News Channel, Bloomberg TV, CNN, C-Span, MSNBC, BBC, CCTV (Chinese Central TV), CTV (Canada), ABC (Australia), RT America, Fox 5 DC, Fox 29 Philadelphia, as well as Washington DC’s News Channel 8, where he is a regular contributor to the “Capital Insider” program. He has written articles on cyber strategy, national security and management topics for AOL Defense, Business Excellence Magazine, MWorld, Leadership Excellence Magazine, theStreet.com, CNBC.com, JenningsWire, and the Huffington Post. On radio, he has appeared on national shows such as the Jim Bohannon Show and the Leslie Marshall show, as well as numerous regional radio talk shows. Internationally, he has been a guest on the Voice of America and was quoted by the French national newspaper Le Figaro. He was a panelist for three Bloomberg Cyber Security Defense and National Security conferences. He is a National Journal ‘National Security Insider’, one of 89 nationally recognized experts who contribute insights every week.

Cedric graduated magna cum laude from Cornell University and holds a Master’s Degree in International Studies from Angelo State University. He speaks German, French and Spanish and has traveled extensively in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

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Blog Posts

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Reviews & Ratings

     Excellent  
     Based on 74 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Tim Mooney 
 August 20, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth was on point and tremendous help before and after the event! Two thumbs up!
  
 
       
   Anthony Veneziale 
 August 14, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is the real deal -- he knows the best speakers to make sure your event is successful. I've had the pleasure of working with Seth and The Keynote Curators and he's top notch. Also, his podcast is chock full of great insights and important topics. Thanks Seth!!
  
 
       
   M.D Milloy 
 August 8, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is a great host, very inspirational and professional. Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Aaron Farzam 
 August 3, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keynote speaker searches have been overwhelmingl for me and my team.  Seth made the process easy.  Our expectations were exceeded. Great company. Highly recommended.
  
 
       
   Dante Fabro 
 July 29, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keynote Speaker knowledge is unrivaled by Seth Dechtman and his team at The Keynote Curators.  If your event or conference requires a keynote speaker, call The Keynote Curators.  They are thorough and deliver the goods.  Seth makes sure that you get what you are looking for...in spades. Not to mention, Seth is very down to earth and speaks to people as equals. I really appreciate that. I'd recommend The Keynote Curators any day!
  
 
       
   Jamie Wright 
 July 25, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Found out about these folks through The Keynote Curators podcast - really great stuff!!
  
 
       
   Alison Levine 
 July 10, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great podcast with a wide variety of speakers, topics, and themes. You can learn something unexpected from every episode!
  
 
       
   Victoria Matey 
 June 27, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the pleasure of joining the Keynote Curators podcast as a guest. My experience collaborating with Seth and his team was great - fast, efficient, and most importantly, they are all wonderful human beings!
  
 
       
   Justin Chaffee 
 June 20, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Keybnote Curators and Seth Dechtman are a class act.

Timely, professional, and most of all hit the mark. Cannot recommend them with more emphasis.

If you need a speaker for your event conference or any program, do not hesitate to contact Seth and his team.
  
 
       
   Brandon Grimm 
 June 12, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth Deckman is the only Keynote Curator you’re ever going to need for your events and conferences that require the best Keynote speakers. His attention to detail and true concern about meeting your event’s needs to go above and beyond. I cannot recommend him highly enough call him as soon as you have your speaker need for your next conference or meeting.