Michael J. Penney – Biography
Michael J. Penney is a proven, battle-tested leader, patented inventor, author, business coach, and United States Marine Corps combat veteran. He is best known as the creator of the 5P, an action-oriented leadership and execution framework adapted from military operations planning and used by leaders to drive clarity, accountability, and results.
Penney is a well-known business coach, consultant, and speaker specializing in leadership development, strategic planning, and team building. He is the author of 5 Paragraph Business Plan and Wear It Right Marine, the owner of Door Kicker SEO, and the founder of the nonprofit Truth Trench Think Tank—a research institute dedicated to societal benefit through public education, civic vigilance, and empowering Americans to participate in campaigns of positive change at the federal level.
Michael is the leader organizations call on to provide training, coaching, and consulting services that help individuals and teams achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies, small- and mid-sized businesses, and nonprofit organizations, and has been featured in TEDxRaleigh, SHIFT Advanced Life Design Magazine, and numerous media interviews. He is also a contributor to columns and online media.
A combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, Penney served in the United States Marine Corps infantry, completing three combat deployments and an instructor tour at Quantico. During his service, he operated as a vehicle commander and patrol leader, leading Marines in complex, high-threat environments. He also served as an instructor, Combat Marksmanship Coach and Trainer, curriculum developer, and formal school instructor, ultimately earning recognition as a Master Instructor Trainer.
Penney was a member of the Special Operations Training Group (SOTG), assigned to the Advisor Training Cell and Advisor Training Group, where he prepared deploying forces for advisory missions. He later served as a Team Leader to a Special Operations advisory element, responsible for Assessing, Training, Advising, and Assisting (ATAA) local national forces—experience he often refers to as his first true consulting role. Across these assignments, he trained more than 50,000 personnel, covering disciplines ranging from operational planning and execution to instruction built on lessons learned from combat.
Honorably discharged in 2012 as a Sergeant, Penney transitioned into entrepreneurship, carrying forward the principles of accountability, disciplined execution, and leadership under pressure. Today, he focuses on building organizational infrastructure and cultures of responsibility inside growing companies.
Beyond business, Penney is a public speaker whose TED talk centers on a defining principle that guides his work and service: adding value to the world. This belief underpins his dedication to community, fellowship, and civic responsibility.
On a personal level, Penney is fifteen years sober from alcohol, a milestone he credits as foundational to his discipline, clarity, and leadership. He prioritizes his children and overall family— leading with integrity, responsibility, and intent in all areas of life.
Master yourself – DOMINATE your business.
