Lead Elite. Thrive Balanced.

Unconventional

Why Unconventional?

High stakes. Relentless pressure. Too much noise. Most leadership advice fails here.

You don’t need buzzwords or recycled frameworks. You need tools forged in chaos. That’s what Unconventional delivers.

Born from CIA and elite military strategy, Unconventional is a battle-tested playbook for making clear decisions, building trust fast, and thriving—without burning out.

Mental Toughness, Redefined.

The Unconventional Advantage

Forged for pressure. Built for balance.

  • Cut the noise. Act with purpose.
    Resilience is built—not born.

  • Act with intent. Communicate with credibility.
    Leadership is influence, not authority.

  • Build trust, Drive accountability. Win together.
    Great teams with through preparation.

  • Recover. Adapt. Evolve.

    Balance drives high performance.

Wayfinding For the Willing.

Valentino Stuppard
US Navy Intelligence Officer & Lieutenant Commander | Former Acting Deputy Director, CIA’s Special Activities Center

Valentino led operations where failure wasn’t an option—synchronizing multiple mission partners in the world’s most complex environments. Ranked the #1 Military Officer at CIA by the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, he now equips leaders to navigate complexity with clarity and control.

“I founded Unconventional after reflecting on four back-to back deployments before joining the CIA—where I realized elite leadership doesn’t survive chaos. It thrives in it.”

Meet Your Guide

What Unconventional Offers:

Keynote: Navigate the Noise

60-minute keynote or 2-hour workshop.
Master the Signal vs. Noise Filter to turn clarity into a competitive edge.

Resilience Blueprint Course

3-module, self-paced system for unlocking elite resilience and fast trust.
Includes the Trust Catalyst framework + optional Team Audit.

Unconventional Advantage Coaching

4-week 1:1 performance accelerator.
Starts with your Individual Performance Audit, ends with a custom protocol.

Build Your Unconventional Advantage

Who We Serve

We work with high-performers who move fast and aim high:

  • Founders building legacies

  • Executives navigating pivots

  • Managers forging trust

  • Teams thriving in chaos

  • “He didn’t pass the buck or look for a scapegoat; that’s courage and that’s leadership.”

    Charles F. Wilson, Former Director, CIA Special Activities Center

  • “He’s part of that very small cadre who can both lead at an elite level and teach it.”

    Alex Armatas
    Former Flight Leader / Commanding Officer, US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels

    Disclaimer: Personal opinion. No DoD endorsement implied.

  • “The rare combo of strategic insight and pressure-tested execution.”

    Melanie Stephan

    Former McKinsey consultant & Entrepreneur

  • “Valentino gets it. He connects. He delivers impact — every time.”

    Bridget Topp

    Film and Television Producer, Hollywood

  • "I've known Valentino for more than a decade. He's my go-to for both work and personal advice. He understands people and knows how to help them unlock their potential."

    Dmitry Goulik

    Former Director of Global Business Analytics at Crunchyroll (Sony Pictures Entertainment)

The Outcome

Leaders: Make clear decisions when the pressure peaks

  • Teams: Move fast, with deep trust

  • Cultures: Deliver results—without burning out

  • Organizations: Perform under pressure and sustain it

Let’s work together.

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly