Meet Whiz
Driving Success Through Tactical and Strategic Expertise
Decorated Navy Pilot, C-Level Executive, and Veterans Advocate
Transformational leadership and superior execution have been at the core of my journey from the fighter cockpit to the boardroom. I build high-performing teams by drawing from my 15 years of frontline leadership as a decorated Navy TOPGUN fighter pilot and over 25 years at the C-level in corporate America.
Today, that mission has expanded beyond business and aviation; through my work with the No Fallen Heroes Foundation and Sacred Warrior Fellowship, I help our nation’s veterans and first responders heal, reconnect with purpose, and remember who they truly are. The same principles that drive elite performance also drive deep human restoration - and I bring those lessons to every stage I step onto.
Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley
Decorated TOPGUN fighter pilot
C Level executive multi-billion-dollar trading firm
$25M media company startup in under a year
Founder No Fallen Heroes Foundation
Internationally recognized motivational speaker and best-selling author
Board Advisor Healing Realty Trust & DemeRx
Founder Sacred Warrior Fellowship
MAX Afterburner Podcast Host - ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts in the world
Decorated Navy Pilot, C-Level Executive, and Veterans Advocate
My journey includes flying F/A-18 Hornets over Iraq and graduating from the prestigious Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) Adversary course. I served as Managing Director of Strategy for PEAK6 Investments LP in the Chicago Board of Trade and later founded and led PEAK6 Media, the parent company of the Options News Network. I started TOPGUN Options LLC in 2009 to teach people how to trade and profit. My expertise spans strategic planning, raising capital, mergers and acquisitions, start ups, and leadership development, all honed through years of dedication to excellence in both military and business environments.
In 2021, I pitched into the fight to reduce - and ultimately end - the national tragedy of veteran suicide by founding No Fallen Heroes Foundation. Anywhere from 22 to 44 veterans take their lives every day. We refuse to accept that. Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to saving and transforming the lives of veterans, first responders, and their families through trauma-informed entheogenic healing.
That mission expanded with the creation of the Sacred Warrior Fellowship, a spiritual community committed to helping our heroes heal at home, reconnect with God, and remember who they truly are. Together, these two organizations form a powerful pipeline of hope, restoration, and purpose for those who have sacrificed so much for this nation.
Testimonials
"Whiz blew our event at the Aspen airport out of the water. His extensive business and military experience is unparalleled and his life story veering from tragedy to success is beyond moving. He flew his own fighter jet to the event and provided a couple people with the experience of a lifetime! Fight's On!"
Jeff Posey
CEO Genesis Capital Ventures
"I had the privilege of working with Matthew “Whiz” Buckley, and I can say without hesitation that his experience as a TOPGUN fighter pilot and C level executive sets him apart as an extraordinary motivational speaker."
Joe Mischler
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Stratton Street Litigation Funding LLC
"Whiz can walk into a crowded room of thousands and within minutes the thousands gather around him. He has the natural ability, demeanor and soul to engage everyone. Couple this energy with being an incredible family man, a decorated Navy fighter pilot and a high performing business leader and add a meaningful mission, saving Veterans lives. Whiz is THE man to take your team to the next level - he's done it from the front lines to the front office."
Karen Bertoli
Senior Marketing Advisor
NASDAQ Biotech & Aktivo Labs
"Whiz is the only speaker I've seen in over four decades who seamlessly weaves his military and business experience together to provide solid takeaways for organizations. Our team immediately implemented debriefing and red teaming which improved our business dramatically. His leadership experience from the front lines to the front office is unequaled. Usually speakers receive warm applause when they're done - Whiz brought the house down with a standing ovation. As the President of Consumer and Business Banking for Capital One/Hibernia Bank I strongly recommend Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley."
Paul Bonitatibus
President, Consumer and Business Banking
Hibernia National Bank/Capital One Bank
"I was very fortunate to receive a jet ride with Whiz, which was one of the best experiences of my life. During it, we immediately connected on our mutual Navy service, love of our families, and supporting veterans. When the opportunity arose for a keynote speaker at my organization’s leadership summit, I knew Whiz was the ideal leader to present. He flawlessly delivered! Whiz brilliantly connected the company’s specific strategy and goals to proven and practical methodologies in the military and corporate world that can be utilized to achieve them. He is genuine, passionate, motivational, and inspirational. Whiz was so memorable that every subsequent speaker referenced him in their own presentation. Employees are still talking about Whiz and already began implementing the tools he shared, including debriefing and red teaming. Whiz is truly the “best of the best”!
Jeremy Singer
Senior Assoc. General Counsel
MDVIP
"Had it not been for the red team process, we would not have been ready for what our competitors threw at us.
By being prepared, our global initiative turned out to be incredibly successful. Sales figures were off the charts. Thanks Whiz!"
Jim Bird
Alberto Culver SVP
Book Whiz As Your Next Keynote Speaker
Decorated TOPGUN Fighter Pilot, Experienced Business Executive, Faith Leader, Best Selling Author, Philanthropist
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