About Benjamin

Hi, I’m Ben Tartell. With over 15 years of experience in operations leadership across the defense and tech sectors, I’ve led teams through challenging environments and complex projects. Most recently, I served as Vice President of Operations at Firestorm, a venture-backed 3D printing drone startup. Before that, I oversaw the deployment of autonomous vehicle fleets at Cruise Automation and directed strategic planning and special projects for the leadership team at GoPuff. Before moving into the private sector, I spent 12 years as a Navy SEAL Officer, overseeing global combat deployments and addressing strategic challenges. I led cross-functional teams during combat operations across the Middle East and Africa, and as the first Executive Officer of Naval Special Warfare Tactical Communications Command ONE, I helped enhance encrypted satellite communications for the SEAL community. I’ve been honored with several awards, including the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device for valor in combat, and I was selected ahead of my peers for the Navy SEAL Executive Officer role. I hold an MBA from Wharton and a B.S. in Social Studies Education from Penn State. On the personal side, my wife Meghan and I have been married for 11 years, and we’re raising our 5-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son in San Diego. I enjoy Brazilian jiu-jitsu, surfing, yoga, grilling on my Big Green Egg, and hiking with my family. Throughout my journey, I’ve faced and overcome significant mental and physical health challenges, which have deepened my understanding of resilience, perseverance, and emotional strength. These personal experiences have shaped my leadership approach and reinforced the importance of balance, self-compassion, and mental well-being in high-performance environments. If you’re looking for leadership coaching that’s grounded in emotional intelligence and practical experience, I’d love to connect and help you reach your goals.