David Rutherford is a dynamic force in motivational speaking, performance coaching, and leadership development, whose remarkable journey from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the boardrooms of corporate America and the dugouts of championship sports teams has inspired thousands worldwide. A South Florida native, David’s life is a testament to resilience, service, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
A former Division I lacrosse player at Penn State University, David’s competitive spirit and leadership acumen were honed early on. He went on to serve eight years in the Naval Special Warfare Community as a Medic, Operator, and Instructor, including a combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2002. After his honorable discharge, David continued his service as an international training and curriculum development specialist for Blackwater, where he trained Navy personnel in high-stakes shipboarding operations across Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and the U.S.
In 2006, David founded Froglogic Concepts, a motivational training company dedicated to forging self-confidence in children. From 2006 to 2008, he spoke to approximately 7,000 young people across North America, igniting their potential. Following the 2008 economic crash, David was recruited by the CIA as an instructor, developing curriculum and teaching case officers to integrate with Special Operations Forces (SOF). From 2010 to 2011, he deployed as a contractor with the CIA’s Global Response Staff (GRS) in Afghanistan and Pakistan. After missing his daughter’s first birthday, David made the courageous decision to step away from operational life to focus on speaking and coaching.
David’s transition to the professional speaking industry was meteoric. In 2012, with the support of a fellow Navy veteran, he conducted over 30 speaking and training events in the financial services sector, launching Froglogic Concepts into prominence. Over the next decade, David averaged 50 to 70 engagements annually, captivating audiences for Fortune 500 giants such as Bank of America, UBS, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Comcast Cable, Revlon, and Johnson Controls.
In 2013, David expanded his performance coaching to professional and collegiate sports, working with elite organizations including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, Nebraska Football, UPenn Football, Brown Men’s Hockey, and his alma mater’s Penn State Lacrosse and Hockey teams. He also coached individual athletes in the USTA and UFC, and in 2024, delivered an inspiring address to the entire Penn State Athletic Department. David’s banner year came in 2018, when he played a pivotal role in the Oregon State Men’s Baseball Team’s Collegiate World Series Championship and supported the Boston Red Sox in their World Series victory. His leadership program for Mookie Betts, aiding his 2018 AL MVP win, remains one of David’s proudest achievements.
A prolific author, David has penned two children’s books and one adult book, sharing his insights on resilience and leadership. He is also the host of The David Rutherford Show on iHeart Media’s Premiere Network, under the Clay and Buck Podcast network, following his contributions to an award-winning podcast. Together with his wife, David runs a small charity dedicated to developing a pilot program to support Special Operations Forces and government operators facing the medical and mental health challenges of Operator Syndrome.
Currently, David serves as a key leader at a prominent asset management firm, where his strategic expertise continues to drive success. A devout Christian, devoted husband, and father to four teenage daughters, David balances his professional achievements with a deep commitment to faith, family, and service.
