Eric Maddox

Eric Maddox is an author, keynote speaker, consultant, and negotiator who educates audiences globally on the art of empathy-based listening. He is the author of the book "Mission: Black List No.1," which recounts his role in the search and capture of Saddam Hussein.

After earning his degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1994, Maddox enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, a jumpmaster, and a graduate of Ranger School. He reenlisted in 1997 as a Chinese Mandarin linguist and interrogator. In 2003, he was deployed to Tikrit, Iraq, where he joined a Delta Force team tasked with locating high-value targets on the infamous Deck of Cards. After five months and over 300 interrogations, Maddox pinpointed the location of Saddam Hussein, leading to the dictator's capture. His exceptional work in intelligence collection notably shaped future methods both for the military and civilian sectors globally, earning him the Legion of Merit, the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement, the Defense Intelligence Agency Director's Award, and the Bronze Star.

Following the capture of Saddam, Maddox transitioned to a civilian role as the first-ever civilian interrogator for the Defense Intelligence Agency, conducting over 2,700 interrogations with prisoners from 25 different countries. Concluding a 20-year career with the U.S. Army and Defense Intelligence Agency, Maddox now focuses entirely on imparting the skills he honed during his service. His keynote speaker programs cover crucial topics like empathy-based listening, perseverance, leadership, innovation, change, and growth. He emphasizes how empathy-based listening not only builds trust and influence in all spheres of life but also has the power to transform customer relationships and leadership dynamics. Maddox's methods, proven effective in both business and battlefield contexts, inspire organizations to embrace risk and achieve unprecedented success. Through his speaking engagements, he continues to demonstrate the universal applicability and benefits of empathy-based listening, making significant impacts on both personal and professional levels.