Brad Cooper: podcast appearances and interviews

Charles Bradford Cooper II, born in 1967, is an American performance expert best known for his work in enhancing individual and organizational effectiveness. Raised in Alabama and born in North Carolina, Cooper graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1989. Throughout his career, he has held various command positions, including leading a destroyer, a cruiser, and multiple naval forces including U.S. Naval Forces Korea and Expeditionary Strike Group 7. He has been deployed during several significant military operations such as the Gulf War, the lead-up to the Iraq War, the Yugoslav Wars, and the war in Afghanistan where he served as an advisor to the Afghan government. His service also includes roles within the White House, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Africa Command, and the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Cooper served as Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Navy and commanded the Naval Surface Force Atlantic. He was the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces from 2021 to 2024, and prior to that, served as deputy commander of Central Command. In his role as a performance expert, Cooper is known for his leadership in high-stakes environments, including overseeing military responses to regional crises, expanding international partnerships, and managing complex operations during conflicts such as the 2026 war against Iran. His experience combines strategic command with a focus on operational excellence and collaboration across diverse military and regional participants.