Brad Snyder

Independent Thinker and Leader

About

When asked about the meaning of life, the poet Ocean Vuong once offered a line that has stayed with me: “To engage with earnestness in the phenomena of the universe.” I have yet to encounter a more resonant articulation of what our human experience calls us to, and over time I have adopted it as my own compass.I strive—imperfectly but persistently—to meet each new experience with an open mind, a spirit of genuine curiosity, and a willingness to be transformed by what I encounter. I believe wisdom emerges not only from broad knowledge but from deep, patient consideration of humanity in all its complexity. Presence, too, is part of the practice: showing up fully wherever I am, with integrity, moral conviction, and actions that align with those principles.In all of this, my aim is simple: to share what I learn along the way, to serve my community rather than my ego, and to help others orient themselves toward truth, growth, and the courageous pursuit of the way.

Country

United States

City

Annapolis

Industry

Health, Wellness & Fitness

Skill

Big Data, Analytics, National Security, Intelligence Analysis, Analysis, Military Experience, Security Clearance, Operational Planning, DoD, Program Management, Military, Defense, Military Operations, Organizational Leadership, Intelligence, Leadership, Ethics, Civil-military Relations, Strategic Planning, Nonprofit Organizations

Experience

Independent Thinker and Leader

Self-Employed

2025-11 - Present · 11 mos

Annapolis, MD

I like to do things, think deeply about the things I've done, then talk about the things I think about.

Advisory Board Member

Polymath University

2024-2 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

Chicago, IL

Polymath University is a startup nonprofit university being built by Tillman Scholars and allies to serve the 1M+ young adults being left behind by the runaway costs of college. Our model is interdisciplinary, apprenticeship-based, and debt-free. Learn more at PolymathU.org.Polymath University is a startup nonprofit university being built by Tillman Scholars and allies to serve the 1M+ young adults being left behind by the runaway costs of college. Our model is interdisciplinary, apprenticeship-based, and debt-free. Learn more at PolymathU.org.

Board Member

United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee

2019-1 - Present · 7 yrs 9 mos

I represent the athlete voice on the Board of Directors for the USOPC. In this role, I aim to ensure that every athlete has the greatest chance to be the best version of themselves when they represent Team USA.

Pat Tillman Scholar

Pat Tillman Foundation

2020-8 - Present · 6 yrs 2 mos

Independent Corporate Trainer and Public Speaker

Agondo LLC

2012-1 - Present · 14 yrs 9 mos

I offer anywhere from 30-50 keynote addresses and seminars annually to a variety of audiences, where I draw upon my personal experiences to convey essential themes of resilience, perspective and the power of community.

Vice Chairman Executive Board

Navy Special Operations Foundation

2019-6 - Present · 7 yrs 4 mos

Virginia Beach, VA

In this role, I lead the Advisory Board's efforts to provide strategic guidance; social network connectivity; and fundraising support.

Brand Ambassador

Self Employed

2014-6 - Present · 12 yrs 4 mos

Currently serving as brand ambassador for Citi; Comcast/Xfinity; Eone; Hiring our Heroes; and Toyota.

Deputy Director of the VADM James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership

United States Naval Academy

2025-2 - 2025-12 · 11 mos

Annapolis MD

The Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy empowers future leaders to make courageous, principled decisions in the face of complexity and uncertainty. Inspired by the legacy of VADM James Stockdale, the Center integrates cutting-edge research, education, and outreach to shape leaders of character for the Navy, the nation, and the world. As Deputy Director, I help steward the Center’s mission by guiding strategy, supporting faculty and fellows, and advancing ethical leadership initiatives across the Academy. I work closely with senior leaders, researchers, and practitioners to develop and deliver programming that equips midshipmen and military professionals to lead with integrity. My role bridges academic insight and operational relevance to ensure our impact is both enduring and actionable.

Adjunct Professor

United States Naval Academy

2017-3 - 2020-8 · 3 yrs 6 mos

I teach in the Leadership and Ethics Department at USNA. In this role, I leverage my experiences in both the Navy and on the battlefield to provide perspective and guidance for the next generation of naval officers.

Intern

RedOwl Analytics

2012-4 - 2013-4 · 1 yr 1 mo

Baltimore, MD

RedOwl Analytics is a software company focused on big data analytics in commercial markets. The core approach is to combine cutting edge inferential statistical techniques and powerful visualizations with open source big data frameworks to create a powerful relational event analysis tool. RedOwl's key targeted markets include financial services, legal, compliance, consulting, and business operations.