BAckground
Captain William J. “Bill” Toti, U.S. Navy (Ret.) is a distinguished author, former naval submarine commander, and seasoned defense-industry executive. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1957, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and later earned advanced degrees in spacecraft systems engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. During a 26-year naval career, he commanded the Los Angeles–class submarine USS Indianapolis (SSN‑697) and led Submarine Squadron 3 in Pearl Harbor. He also spearheaded the Navy’s maritime doctrine “Full Spectrum ASW” and held influential roles at the Pentagon, including as Special Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
Toti was pivotal in the exoneration of Captain Charles B. McVay III, the WWII cruiser commander, and demonstrated leadership presence on 9/11 while at the Pentagon. He later transitioned to industry, serving in executive roles at L3, HP Enterprise, Raytheon, and as CEO of Sparton Corporation—where he led strategic transformation and oversaw its sale. In 2022, he published From CO to CEO, a guide for military-to-corporate leadership, drawing from his rich experience
Signature Speech Topics
From CO to CEO: Transitioning Leadership
Insights into bridging military command and corporate leadership—covering mindset, culture fit, and executive impact.The Truth About Hiring Veterans
Strategies to effectively recruit, integrate, and support veterans in civilian workplaces.Doing the Right Thing: The USS Indianapolis Story
A true tale of moral courage and advocacy, revealing how advocacy and persistence can correct historic injustice.Serendipity at the Pentagon: Leading Through Crisis
A personal account of resilience and leadership during the chaos of 9/11, serving as a lesson in crisis management.Full Spectrum ASW & Situational Leadership
Exploring the doctrine he wrote and its parallels to agile leadership, team coordination, and mission-focused strategy.
