Biography

In October 2007, Lieutenant Colonel “Bob” Darling retired from the United States Marine Corps with just over twenty years of active-duty service. He flew attack helicopters in Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the first Gulf War and in Somalia, Africa, in support of Operation Restore Hope. In June 1998, he was selected to fly as a presidential pilot with Marine Helicopter Squadron One and in October 2000, was handpicked to work for the White House Military Office, Airlift Operations Department. It was in that capacity that Lt. Col. Darling supported the President, Vice President and National Security Advisor in the President’s Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) on September 11, 2001.

As a public speaker on crisis leadership and decision making, Bob has addressed numerous academic, government, and military organizations to include Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and as a guest lecturer on the subject of Crisis Leadership and Counterterrorism at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Bob is the author of 24 Hours Inside the President’s Bunker, 9/11/01: The White House and a contributing author to The Routledge Companion to Risk, Crisis, and Security in Business. He is the President and CEO of Turning Point Crisis Management-USA, a crisis leadership training and technology company located in Stafford, Virginia.

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Testimonials

I would have given him 10s if I could. Outstanding presentation! The most enlightening lecture I’ve ever heard.
– Spring Volunteer Development Conference
Overall, one of the best sets of speakers ever, at any conference! Congratulations!
– North Dakota Finance Agency
Bob Darling was phenomenal!
– Arkansas Bankers Association
He was absolutely wonderful! He was one of the best, if not the best, speaker I have ever booked.
– Alabama Bankers Association
The detailed insight into the decisions made in such a critical moment at senior levels of government was extremely valid translated into tools to draw from in our operation. One of the most inspiring and related subjects yet.
– Customs and Border Protection
Best speaker we’ve ever had…..period!
– Depositors Insurance Fund
All we can say is, WOW!
– Georgia Bankers Association

Booksby Robert Darling

24 Hours Inside the President's Bunker: 9/11/01 The White House

Blog Posts

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Learn how a heartfelt apology shared by Johnny Crowder can help you break stigma and ignite life-changing conversations about mental health and self-compassion.

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Discover Wendy Porter’s proven WPE Planning Process for crafting live, virtual, and hybrid events that foster genuine connections, boost engagement, and drive ROI.

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Blog Posts

 

How a Simple Apology Can Spark Healing and Mental Health Conversations

Imagine if a single, mental health–focused apology could dismantle stigma, validate someone’s pain, and launch...

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An Astronaut’s Guide on Leadership and Innovation Lessons on Earth

In the boundless vacuum of space, leaders face challenges that dwarf anything encountered on Earth....

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The Future of Event Keynotes: Personalization, AI, and Interactive Storytelling

Imagine a keynote at your next event that feels designed just for your audience—where every...

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The Power of Play: Why Entertainment Is Essential for Engagement

“Entertainment is the emotional glue that connects people to ideas.”—Robert McKee, storytelling expert There’s a...

Read More

Designing Events That Spark Lasting Connections

Imagine stepping into an event where every detail is designed to foster genuine human connection—from...

Read More

The Best Diversity and Inclusion Speakers

Why are diversity and inclusion speakers some of the most transformative voices on stage? Because...

Read More