Sporting Speakers

Eniola Aluko

The former Juventus, England and Chelsea striker was a natural goalscorer and a leading talent in the women’s game. She won Super League and Serie A titles as well as FA Cups, and played over 100 internationals. She served as Aston Villa Women's sporting director. Off the pitch she’s a lawyer, having qualified in the US and worked in the City. She's a regular pundit and commentator on both the men's and women's game, becoming the first woman pundit on Match of the Day. She hit the headlines with her stand against the discrimination, outdated behaviou...

Martin Bayfield

Martin has progressed from copper to Crimewatch presenter. In between he enjoyed a successful career as a rugby forward, earning 31 international caps. With natural comic timing, the 6’10” colossus compares his own sport to football, and reveals how he became a part of the Harry Potter phenomenon.

Baroness (Karren) Brady

Karren ran the business side of Birmingham City FC through promotion, relegation – and brain surgery. Karren’s mantra for leaders growing any enterprise can be summed up in 5 tips: work hard (be persistent); use every opportunity to network (spread your message); move on (failure is history); don’t get side-tracked, and do your sums.

Clarke Carlisle

Clarke made over 500 senior level appearances and led the football players’ union. He has also written a powerful memoir. Clarke is open about his struggles with alcohol, depression and gambling – the strains of a multi-billion pound industry in which both fans and club believe they own you. He’s similarly candid about racism and the Kick It Out campaign. Clarke talks about diversity and culture change in a game traditionally associated with macho behaviour.

Rt Hon Lord (Sebastian) Coe

On the track Seb’s talent and commitment earned eleven world records and two Olympic gold medals; he has since led the most successful Games in recent history. After serving as one of many Vice Presidents, Seb is tasked with turning around World Athletics and restoring the reputation of international athletics, in the gaze of the world’s media. In speeches he shares the lessons as an athlete and as a leader delivering a vision, managing crisis and bringing about change.

Bernie Collins

With over a decade’s experience at the forefront of Formula 1 Bernie was Head of Race Strategy for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team and is an accomplished strategy engineer. She has held senior strategy and performance engineering roles and played a central role in the teams she has worked for.

David Coulthard

Following Ayrton Senna’s death at Imola, David was promoted from test driver to the race team – where he sat alongside Damon Hill. With 13 Grand Prix wins and over 60 podium finishes during his career he became Britain’s highest point-scorer in the sport. Now a member of the Channel 4 commentary team, David talks first hand about how to succeed in a high performance and unremittingly high pressure environment. He also explains how F1 teams rely on the drivers, technicians, engineers and sponsors all working together, and the motivation and leadership skills required to succeed in this...

Matt Dawson

Possibly the best scrum half in the world, Matt’s performance in the World Cup-winning England rugby team, and especially his pass that led to the winning kick, earned enormous respect within the sport. A former England captain, Matt is a proven leader and a natural team player and he combines his playing experience with his more recent business lessons to consider the nature of teams, leadership and performance culture. He’s also an accomplished presenter of conferences and awards.

Dame Katherine Grainger

One of Britain’s most successful Olympians, after collecting three Olympic silvers Katherine finally took gold alongside Anna Watkins at the London Games. She returned to her boat in time for the Rio Olympics and once again won silver. After then gaining her PhD (in homicide), she went on to support the next generation of sportspeople as Chair of UK Sport before taking over at the British Olympic Association as the organisations first woman Chair.

Baroness (Tanni) Grey-Thompson

Britain’s best known Paralympian, Tanni amassed eleven gold medals in five consecutive Games. She also won six London Marathons and achieved a total of thirty four world records. Since retiring from competitive sport Tanni has taken an active role in the Lords, particularly on campaigns and legislation around disability. She believes that disabled people still face barriers that need to be removed, and calls for more genuine engagement rather than political rhetoric: “Public perceptions are changing.”

Nicolas Hamilton

Nicolas was told as a child he’d never walk due to his cerebral palsy and would spend his life reliant in a wheelchair. Not one to be told he can’t do things, with determination and gruelling training he not only walked unaided, but he started to realise his dream: to be a racing driver. Now a regular in the British Touring Car Championship, his story and ‘anything is possible’ attitude inspires everyone that hears it.

Christian Horner

After a successful career on the track Christian started his own racing team only to be approached shortly afterwards to run the new Red Bull set-up. As new entrants to one of the most technical and competitive sports in the world, within five years they’d won both drivers’ and constructors’ championships, and repeated the feat for each of the following three seasons. Christian reveals what it’s taken to build and maintain success in the face of rivals with more money, resources, and political power in the sport. He considers what makes the culture of Red Bull spe...

Sir Chris Hoy

Chris has amassed eleven World Championship titles and six Olympic golds. Since retiring from the track he's competed at Le Mans, launched his own bike range, published children's books, and spoken publicly about his cancer diagnosis and its terminal status. An inspiring figure on and off the track, Chris tells his story of highs and lows, resilience, rewards, determination and teamwork.

Michael Johnson

One of the greatest athletes of all time, Johnson’s medal haul includes 9 World Championship and 4 Olympic golds. He was the first man to win both 400m and 200m titles. Now a businessman and a columnist, Michael shares the techniques he used to stay focused and achieve long term goals. As in his book Gold Rush, he outlines the psychological and personal qualities needed to be a champion: “Ask yourself, if a competitor is doing better than expected – do I change my strategy?”

James Kerr

Business consultant and author James studied the New Zealand rugby team first hand, in training, the dressing room, before, during and after matches. The conclusions he draws about what has made them such a dominant force despite drawing talent from one of the smallest populations on Earth has important parallels in business. Whether it’s the value of character, understanding an organisation’s story, or avoiding complacency, James explains how a group can achieve and maintain real success.

Nigel Owens

The World Cup Final referee is widely considered to be the best official in rugby union. He implements rules fairly but allows the game to flow; he imposes his authority – but he isn’t afraid to show a sense of humour on the pitch. He’s also the only openly gay official in what’s seen as an especially macho sport. In speeches Nigel talks about the hurdles he had to overcome, and the skills you require to make tough decisions with tough characters.

Marc Priestley

Marc spent ten years as a mechanic on the McLaren Formula One pit crew. Looking at every aspect of F1, he explains the communication, teamwork, pressure and strategy to secure marginal gains. With each car generating 10mb of data per lap, analysts look ever more closely at competitors’ decisions in an effort to optimise their own team performance. Marc also provides F1 insight for Sky Sports, takes a look at some unconventional motorsports for the Discovery Channel, and covers events in the cutting-edge Formula E series.

Jamil Qureshi

Jamil is an internationally acclaimed performance coach who specialises in maximising the talent of individuals and teams. He’s helped sportspeople like David Coulthard and Darren Clarke enhance their performance and has helped six sportspeople to reach number one rankings in their fields. Believing that in order to do differently we must first think differently, Jamil considers how to create mindsets and attitudes that truly drive performance in business and sport, and how to challenge beliefs and shift perceptions.

Kate & Helen Richardson-Walsh

The nail-biting finale to the Rio 2016 Olympic hockey final provided one of the most memorable moments of the Games for British fans. For the scorer of the winning penalty (Helen) and the long-serving team captain (Kate) it was the pinnacle of two international careers stretching over 15 years. With lessons in overcoming setbacks, building a winning culture, teamwork and leadership, the first same-sex married couple to win gold in the same team also reveal how the team changed, life in the Olympic Village, and their views on inclusion and diversity.

Jaco van Gass

Jaco was a member of the Parachute Regiment. When was completing his second six-month tour of Afghanistan the helicopter he was in came under enemy fire and he was hit by a rocket propelled grenade, sustaining devastating injuries and losing his left arm. He didn’t let his injuries stop him and been a member of the GB Para-Cycling team. Jaco was also a member of the record-breaking team of wounded soldiers to trek unsupported to the North Pole and was joined by Prince Harry.

Jonny Wilkinson

The man who won England the World Cup, Jonny became one of the most famous rugby players ever when his drop goal decided the final in the dying seconds of the game. He went on to become one of the most decorated players in the game, becoming the highest international points scorer and a role model of professionalism and sportsmanship. The public success was only part of the story, however, and Jonny speaks frankly and inspiringly about the pressure of expectation, the mental health implications of leading a life defined by others, and how his lessons can offer practical advice to anyone ...

Nicola Adams

Nicola was the first ever female Olympic boxing champion and the first Brit to successfully defend an Olympic boxing title. After golds in London and Rio she turned pro and now faces new challenges. A popular figure in and out of the ring, she has spoken openly about challenges both personal and professional, the role of sport in helping her deal with problems, as well as her dedication, focus and the feeling of facing an opponent one-on-one.

Ade Adepitan

After being afflicted with polio as a youngster, Ade refused to let disability get in the way of his love for sport and became ‘the Michael Jordan of wheelchair basketball.’ He represented GB at the European and World Championships, and won Paralympic bronze. He has since covered climate change in Africa, trekked through rainforests and hauled himself to the top of a 5,000ft volcano. Ade describes how he realised his condition wasn’t a big obstacle, and how we can all set our own boundaries.

Rebecca Adlington

Rebecca swam in her first Olympics in Beijing, winning golds in 400m and 800m freestyle events, breaking a World Record on the way. She became the first woman to take swimming gold for Great Britain in forty years, and the first in a century to scoop two victories at a single Games. Going on to take two bronzes in London, and World and Commonwealth 800m titles, Rebecca then retired from competition. With a burgeoning media career as well as heading programmes to train swimming teachers and ensure primary school-age children can swim, Rebecca discussed the focus, motivation and ...

Sir Ben Ainslie

Ben is the first sailor to win medals at five Olympics. After seeing off the Danish boat in Weymouth Bay he masterminded tactics for the victorious US team in the America’s Cup - with his sights now firmly set on leading a British challenge. Ben demonstrates the physicality, techniques and strategic nous needed to compete at the highest level. He might also confess that his blocking tactics, now universally used, once led him to require police protection.

Benjamin Alexander

Benjamin was Jamaica's first-ever Olympic Alpine ski racer. He started skiing just six years before his Olympic glory at age thirty-two. His story is one of never accepting no for an answer, and fighting against all odds, through the pandemic to secure his place in history.

Maggie Alphonsi

As England rugby vice-captain Maggie won a record-breaking seven consecutive Six Nations titles, and got to the final of the World Cup twice, winning once. In speeches she covers leadership and performing under pressure.

Rasmus Ankersen

Rasmus describes himself as a ‘high performance anthropologist.’ For his book The Gold Mine Effect, he explored Brazil’s ability to mass produce football superstars, and why so many champion runners hail from one Ethiopian village. The former Co-Director of Football at Brentford FC has also written Hunger In Paradise, a look at how to sustain success, ward off complacency and develop new ideas before they become necessary. In speeches he looks at how to grow talent, create your own disruption, and why so many successful organisations struggle to stay at the top...

Keith Antoine

Keith has coached junior and senior runners in both Olympic and Paralympic competition – including the 2012 men’s amputee 4x100m team. His athletes won one gold and two silver medals in London. Bringing his sporting know-how together with a background in management training, Keith shares techniques to build trust between one another – like a relay team. Getting audiences on their feet, he shows how they can develop the will to improve their performance.

Steve Backley

Steve won medals in three consecutive Olympics and set three world javelin records. He was in the top ten for a decade, ranked No1 for three years. Steve shows how to plan for success, believe in yourself, enjoy rivalry and stay passionate about what you’re doing. He also demonstrates the cost of complacency and what happens when you rest on your laurels: “If you want to continue to be the best in the world, you must behave and compete as if you’re only the second best.”

Mark Beaumont

In an extraordinary show of endurance, Mark cycled around the world in 194 days, taking 81 days off the record. Almost a decade later he took on the challenge again, this time aiming to travel around the world in 80 days. He smashed the existing record for cycling over 18,000 by completing the trip in 78 days. He’s also cycled the length of the Americas and of Africa. His approach is straightforward: “Test your limits - but don’t allow the big picture to frighten you. Devise a series of manageable targets, develop consistent work output, and teach yourself to calculate ...

Roger Black

Roger was part of the team that clinched gold from the Americans in the 4x400m relay at the Tokyo World Championships. He also won Olympic silver, beaten only by Michael Johnson in Atlanta. Having achieved individually and as part of a team, Roger understands what it takes to become a champion and describes his 'Five Fundamentals' for success.

Hon Usain Bolt

Arguably one of the greatest sportsmen of his day, Usain Bolt is the first person ever to win back-to-back Olympic golds at 100m, 200m and 4x100m. A popular and flamboyant character, Usain takes questions on everything from the key to his success to what it’s like to be the fastest man on the planet.

Gemma Bonner

Gemma is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Liverpool, as well as the England women's national football team. She began her career with her hometown club Leeds United, before spending two seasons with Chelsea. She has also played for Manchester City, was the first woman to captain a team to back to back Women’s Super League Titles.

Kyran Bracken

Though plagued with injury, Kyran earned 170 Saracens caps and 50 for England – including a big contribution to the famous World Cup win. He explains how the team had several leaders, each responsible for their discipline but following a single game plan. As in business, they fought hard to deliver results and to leave the opposition in their wake. After dinner, the Dancing on Ice champion tells how his team became the best in the world - and describes the journey from turnovers to toe loops.

Steve Brown

Steve fell from a balcony in his early 20s and was paralysed from the chest down. Wheelchair rugby (aka murderball) provided the focus and support he needed to rebuild his life. Now a broadcaster and a regular on Countryfile, The One Show, and Springwatch, he speaks with humour and energy about his inspiring journey from injury to captaining his team at London 2012 to his lifelong ambition to present wildlife programmes, and the lessons in leadership, teamwork and motivation he learned along the way.

Dr Steve Bull

Steve served as HQ psychologist to Team GB at three Olympic Games. He also worked with the England Cricket Team for 16 years - during which time they regained the Ashes from Australia after 18 years and went on to reach No.1 in the world rankings for the first time ever. Steve considers resilience to be a crucial factor in organisational performance and outlines a range of techniques for creating the right mindset for thriving under pressure.

Phil Burt

Working with Dave Brailsford, Steve Peters, Chris Boardman and others in the Marginal Gains group, Phil offers a unique insight into how British Cycling became world-beaters. With examples from the likes of Bradley Wiggins and Chris Hoy, he considers innovation, elite performance, and leadership culture from one of the few areas that had input in almost every aspect of the team from medical to training to equipment design.

Thomas Castaignède

The smiling former French international and occasional Guardian columnist won three league titles and one European Cup. After dinner he muses on the game’s greats and what he’s learned about positive thinking and pressure management. He might also mention the post match meals, with “meat cooked the English way like the sole of a boot.”

Glenn Catley

The former world super-middleweight champion is now both a Eurosport pundit and a hypnotherapist, helping young people back into work. After dinner he talks about coming face to face with a man who wants to render you unconscious. He also explains why he failed to hypnotise himself.

Pierluigi Collina

Pierluigi is the most widely admired of all World Cup referees. The one-time financial advisor argues that he practised a simple creed as relevant to business as football: analyse each team’s tactics to ensure you’re in the right place at the right time; defuse any tense situation quickly and fairly; and above all learn from your mistakes: “In a fast moving environment, with a number of factors in play, use all the resources at your disposal to make the best possible decision.”

Sir Alastair Cook

In 12 years playing for England, four of them as captain, Alastair achieved almost everything the game had to offer, becoming England’s all-time leading test run-scorer with over 12,000 runs to his name and taking the team to the top of the test nation rankings. He led the team through good times and bad, and helped maintain team unity throughout.

Kadeena Cox

Kadeena is a history-making Paralympian, winning gold medals in two different sports at the same Games. A promising sprinter, her sporting career changed course when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis following a stroke. Not allowing her illness to get in the way of her dreams, she went on to secure a place at the Paralympics in both 2016 and 2020 winning a total of six medals across cycling and athletics. Away from the track, she champions diversity in cycling and has appeared on I’m a Celebrity and Celebrity Masterchef.

James Cracknell

After his partnership with Matt Pinsent, the double Olympic champion teamed up with Ben Fogle for a series of adventures. They rowed across the Atlantic and raced to the South Pole. In their next challenge (to run, swim and cycle across the States), James was very nearly killed by a truck. He endured a gruelling physical and neurological recovery – then took part in the coldest race on earth. James explains why we should all continue to test our limits.

Tom Daley

Tom Daley is an Olympic diver who won gold for Team GB alongside Matty Lee at the 2021 Tokyo Games, marking his fourth and highest-achieving Olympic medal to date. As well as a champion in his sport, Tom is a proud spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ community.

Karen Darke

Karen has kayaked through Alaska’s Inner Passage and cycled from Tibet to Nepal, in spite of paralysis from the chest down. After claiming silver in London she squeezed in (and filmed) an Iron Man contest as part of her build up to Rio, and then took gold in the Paralympics (despite losing a year’s training after being hit by a car). Karen shows how we can best understand ourselves and others by attempting challenges. The emotions they untap aren’t signs of weakness, they help us heal: “Listening to yourself and dealing with fear makes you stronger.”

Jonathan Davies

One of the greatest players of his generation, few sportsmen have been as versatile in both rugby codes as Jonathan Davies. He caused a major sensation when he left Wales and Rugby Union for the professional league - but he quickly silenced the detractors. Known for his fitness and physical commitment, it came as no surprise that he was still good enough to make the first team when he returned to Wales ten years after his debut.

Dr Frank Dick

Frank has trained sporting legends from Daley Thompson to Boris Becker, and was responsible for UK athletics during a period of unprecedented success at both team and individual level. Using sport as metaphor, his presentations prepare for the challenges of business: ‘What do you want to achieve, what will it cost – and are you prepared to pay the price?’ Frank examines the four factors that can knock the wind out of your sails, and sets out how to create the right climate to win.

Jonathan Edwards

Considered the finest triple jumper of all time, Jonathan Edwards is one of only four athletes in history to have held European, Commonwealth, World and Olympic titles at the same time. He remains the world record holder. Jonathan describes the pressures of competition and the battle to live up to his and others’ expectations in the most important sporting contest on earth.

Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards

Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards won the hearts of the nation when he came in last place ski-jumping at the Olympics, representing Great Britain for the first time. With his go-getter spirit, he continues to inspire people and reminds them that success isn’t always in the winning but in the trying.

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill

The ‘poster girl’ of London 2012 coped with the pressure of public expectations and led from the front, securing heptathlon gold in a magnificent 800m finale and provided one of the moments of the Games. One of Britain’s most popular athletes Jess retired from competition after the Rio Olympics in which she won silver.

Sir Mohamed (Mo) Farah

For many Mo is Britain’s greatest ever athlete having accumulated ten global titles which includes the ‘double double’ of gold medals over 5,000m and 10,000m at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. 

Rio Ferdinand

One of the most decorated players in the modern era, Rio’s career took in over 600 appearances for club and country, including over 300 games for a Manchester United team that won six Premier League titles and the Premier League and Champions’ League double. He has since become a popular pundit, he has interests in business and his own charitable foundation, and was lauded for his frank discussion of his experience of bereavement and mental health.

Sean Fitzpatrick

The former All Blacks captain led his team to success over the British Lions and a clean sweep in the inaugural Tri-Nations tournament. His proudest moment came when he led his team to victory in the first ever Rugby World Cup. Sean talks about benchmarking against the world’s best and encourages an attitude of continuous learning.

Mike Forde

As Director of Football Operations at Chelsea FC, Mike had overall responsibility for everything from recruitment to performance. He has also worked with Team Sky, and NFL and NBA teams, including NBA champions the San Antonio Spurs. He draws parallels between the requirements of business and sport, and explains the importance of analysis and adapting performance in a sector where return on investment is crucial.

Mark Foster

Mark won fifty one international freestyle and butterfly titles including six world titles and eleven European. He also set eight world records and competed at five Olympics before honing his punditry skills for the BBC, taking to the Strictly dancefloor and becoming the force behind FitSteps. As well as lessons in preparation and focus, he has more recently opened up about his sexuality and how his reluctance to be open about being gay with colleagues and coaches may have impacted on his professional performance and general wellbeing.

Nick Fry

Nick Fry is the Former CEO and co-owner of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1. He was responsible for building the teams that won several Drivers and Constructors Championships. As CEO at Brawn GP, he was instrumental in implementing a crisis management solution to a business on the edge of collapse and ensuring it could succeed in the toughest cauldron of world sport.

Mark Gallagher

As Eddie Jordan’s right hand man, Mark helped make Jordan the most motivated team in Formula One. He went on to work with Red Bull and Cosworth. He’s founded his own team, worked with some of the greats of F1, and even advised Pixar on portraying motorsport. Mark draws fascinating parallels between the challenging, high-speed environment of F1 and the fast-paced business world.

Helen Glover

Helen wrote herself into the history books by winning Team GB’s first gold medal at London 2012 becoming the first British oarswomen ever to claim gold, alongside her rowing partner Heather Stanning. After taking a step back from the sport to raise her children, Helen returned to the boat at the Tokyo Olympics as the first mother to compete in the sport. 

Will Greenwood

Starting out as a city trader, Will became one of England’s most successful rugby players. In his presentation he shows how the World Cup-winning team went from seventh to top place driven by self-belief and clear leadership. Will describes how under-performing players were encouraged, not blamed; how everyone needs to be heard; and how at club level, relegation made him more determined than ever.

Sally Gunnell

One of the UK’s greatest hurdlers, Sally held Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth 400m titles at the same time. In presentations she recalls those who told her she wasn’t sufficiently tough or the right shape and size – which made her even keener to prove that she could still become champion. She also argues for a new approach to health at work; rather than deal with illness when it arises, Sally advocates a fitness regime in the workplace.

James Haskell

One of England’s best back-row players, James has played top level club and international rugby all over the world. As well as being a Six Nations winner he has off-the-field interests stretching from a coffee brand to a health and fitness business. He considers his lessons in dealing with pressure, setting goals and getting the best from yourself and your team.

Nikki Henderson

The youngest person to ever skipper in a round-the-world yacht race, Nikki has become a leader in sailing and in challenging ideas of what is possible. She takes the lessons of bringing together a disparate group of individuals and forming an effective team to take on one of the toughest challenges in the world, and applies them to business and life. Alongside racing and teaching sailing, Nikki was also in the headlines as the skipper of La Vagabonde, the yacht used by environmental activist Greta Thunberg to travel from the US to Europe to attend the UN 2019 COP climate s...

Damon Hill

After a career on the track that saw him emulate his father and Grand Prix great Graham Hill, the former Formula 1 World Champion went on to serve as President of the British Racing Drivers’ Club where he managed to secure the long-term future of historic British racetrack Silverstone. Damon looks back on his rivalry with Schumacher and racing alongside teammates Senna and Prost, on dealing with risk, competition, and the focus required to win in the fastest, richest sport.

Dame Kelly Holmes

Colonel Dame Kelly Holmes is a British icon and inspiration. After joining the army at seventeen, she cemented her place in history as the first women ever in Great Britain to win two gold medals at the same games at the Athens Olympics.

Dr Phil Hopley

As the Founder and Managing Director of Cognacity - as well as being a Consultant Psychiatrist - Phil is a leading voice in how individuals and teams can achieve peak performance in high-pressure situations.

Professor Damian Hughes

Damian is a sports psychologist and co-host of the successful High Performance Podcast. He combines his practical and academic background within sport, organisation and change and highlights the psychological methods adopted by well-known achievers and leaders, and explains, in easy steps, how you can utilise them into your own life and business.

Ben Hunt-Davis

Ben spent nine years as a member of the Great Britain rowing team, competing at six World Championships and three Olympics - culminating in gold in the coxed eights in Sydney. Before they did anything during training, Ben and his team asked themselves the question: “Will it make the boat go faster?” He encourages audiences to apply the same question to their own goals.

Eddie Izzard

From running 43 marathons in 51 days with only six weeks training to learning to perform her standup shows in French and German to combining comedy, drama and political activism, Eddie Izzard’s career defies simple definition, and sometimes belief. She speaks about how she’s achieved all that she has and what lessons can be learned.

Colin Jackson

Colin was ranked among the top ten hurdlers in the world for nearly two decades – retaining the 110m record for thirteen years. He has since picked up his spikes to train young athletes. Away from the race track he’s become a polished presenter, and one of the driving forces behind Sport Relief. Colin speaks about the winning formula, the mental visualisation techniques and the unwavering dedication needed to stay at the top of your game.

Ben Kay

Ben joined England’s rugby team shortly before the famous World Cup victory, and was still playing four years later when they struggled to reach the final. In presentations Ben considers the differences between the two teams – and the lessons they teach us about leadership, culture and attitude. Now at the helm of his own ad agency, and a key member of BT Sport’s Premiership team, he’s very well placed to translate on-field experience into practical business tips.

Dame Laura Kenny

Britain’s most successful woman Olympian, cyclist Laura won double-gold at both London and Rio in the team pursuit and the omnium. Her win in the multi-disciplinary event formed a part of one of the most memorable Olympic occasions and Britain’s most successful Games ever. She won her fifth gold in the women's madison during the 2020 Tokyo games. 

Graeme le Saux

Graeme studied environmental science then signed to Chelsea – winning FA Cup, League and European honours. He’s since taken to commentating for NBC and dispensing expert advice for the City, travelling with the Prime Minister on a trade mission to China. Graeme uncovers the real business of football.

Dame Denise Lewis

Despite suffering an Achilles tendon injury, Denise swept to victory at Sydney, becoming only the sixth British woman to win Olympic gold in the history of track and field. In presentations, she encourages delegates to see her medal not just as a symbol of winning, but also of collaboration, passion and ambition.

Ben Lyttleton

Ben believes in the power of football as a force for good, and advises football clubs, organisations and brands on innovation, cultural insight, and fandom to help grow the game. His book Twelve Yards: The Art & Psychology of the Perfect Penalty, tells the definitive story of the spot-kick.

Dame Ellen MacArthur

The Vendée Globe is the toughest challenge the world's oceans have to offer: 100 days alone at sea, circumnavigating the globe. Ellen MacArthur captured the public’s attention as she battled against the elements and equipment failures during her gruelling 94 day voyage. Since becoming the fastest solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe, she has founded the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, world leaders in the field of bringing the ideas behind the circular economy to life.

Penny Mallory

The ex-rally champion’s career has taken in stunt driving and Top Gear. She’s also faced her own fears in a boxing ring, run marathons and climbed Kilimanjaro. Reflecting on her own experience of conquering adverse conditions, Penny considers the nature of high performance, the mindsets that hold people back and transformational leadership.

Charlie Martin

Charlie is blazing a trail in motorsport and aiming to make LGBTQ+ history as the first trans driver in the 24 hours of Le Mans. She captured the imagination of people around the world, and her story has been shared on television in the national news and in some prestigious international publications. Her fearlessness both in and out of the car makes Charlie one of the most eye catching and engaging drivers competing in motor racing today.

Perry McCarthy

Top Gear’s original Stig, Perry was once dubbed the world’s unluckiest driver. He fought tooth and nail to survive a chronic lack of sponsorship, an uncompetitive machine and the odd shunt.

Sir AP (Tony) McCoy

The first jockey to be Sports Personality of the Year, Tony rode to glory in the Grand National, Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle. He has over 4,300 wins under his belt. Now a Director of the PJA, Tony talks about the biggest moments – and the chilling fact that he’s broken hundreds of bones along the way. He also explains his will to win and how he’s come back from injuries and setbacks even more determined.

Jim McGuinness

Jim has had a successful career as both a player and manager. He has transitioned from coaching Gaelic Football to coaching soccer. Jim became the first All-Ireland winning coach to also coach a professional soccer team. He has had stints with Celtic and Beijing Sinobo Guoan FC as he looks to develop his managerial career. 

Paul McVeigh

International and Premier League player Paul helped Norwich City win promotion to the top tier of the English game. Since hanging up his boots he has published The Stupid Footballer Is Dead examining the mental as well as physical demands of the modern game. He’s also turned full-time consultant, taken his Masters in sport psychology, and taken on a performance psychology role at Crystal Palace. Drawing on experience of one of the most demanding leagues in the world, Paul speaks to audiences about understanding the choices you have, how to deal with pressure, and working to defined...

Scotty Mills

As Britain's highest-ranking black Royal Marine, Scotty passes on his wisdom to some of the world's most elite performers, both as a team-leadership coach and as a motivational speaker. He was a driving force behind the success of the England football team at the 2018 World Cup and continues to work in the world of elite sport and business to develop innovative leadership, team cohesion and peak performance.

Hannah Mills

Not only is Hannah a two-time world champion and Olympic gold medal sailor; she is also an advocate for sustainability after seeing firsthand the damage done to countless beaches, marinas and harbours during her travels on the 2016 Rio Olympic cycle. She subsequently launched the Big Plastic Pledge, a movement led by athletes to eradicate disposable plastics in sport. 

Billy Monger

Cited as one of Britain’s most talented young drivers, Billy was involved in a serious accident during a Formula 4 race. Hospitalised and in critical condition, his injuries were so serious it led to the amputation of both legs. But in a few months he was racing again, and in a year, he was competing in Formula 3. Now a familiar face on TV, Billy's story of resilience, determination and realising your potential is both gripping and inspiring.

Brian Moore

When he wasn’t practising litigation, Brian won 64 England caps and the Player of the Year crown. Well known for reciting Henry V before a match, he went on to write The Thoughts Of Chairman Moore. After dinner the former hooker (and qualified manicurist) mixes dressing room tales with tips on teamwork.

Martina Navratilova

When she defected from Czechoslovakia to the US, Martina was set on becoming the top female tennis player in the world. She achieved more tournament titles than any man or woman in history, enjoyed a 74-match winning streak and claimed a final Grand Slam at the age of 49. She’s now a powerful voice for diversity. In speeches Martina explains that true competitors aren’t put off by boundaries: “Most of their pressures are self-imposed.”

Gary Neville

In almost 20 years at Manchester United (including five as club captain) Gary became one of the most decorated English players of all time, winning 20 major trophies including two Champions’ League and eight Premier League titles. Noted for his work ethic and professionalism he has become a popular pundit and analyst on Sky Sports, has coached including a spell as England assistant manager, and has notably built an impressive business portfolio including extensive property interests.

Tracey Neville

Tracey and her England team produced a shock result in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, overturning not just a historical dominance of the sport by Australia, but beating them at home in a dramatic final. Tracey is credited with revolutionising English netball, creating a culture of dedication, support and professionalism in all areas, from training to sponsorship.

Brian O’Driscoll

Brian O’Driscoll is an internationally renowned rugby star and the greatest Irish player of all time. He has competed in the Six Nations, the Rugby World Cup and the Heineken Cup, and is regarded as one of the finest centres in the world. He also became the first Irish Lions captain for decades, before dislocating his shoulder during the opening match of the tour in New Zealand.

Richard Parks

When injury cut short his rugby career, Richard was inspired by Ran Fiennes to retrain as a mountaineer. He’s since taken on the most arduous physical challenges from climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents to the Yak Attack mountain bike race in Nepal, five consecutive marathons in Peru’s rainforest, two Ironman contests (back-to-back) in Snowdonia and a race to the South Pole. Testing his capabilities to the limits, and helping to further scientific understanding of mind and body through his expeditions, Richard reflects on what a person is capable of.

Jonnie Peacock

After losing his leg to meningococcal septicaemia as a child, Jonnie was spotted by scouts and sprinted to T44 100m Paralympic victory – beating Pistorius.

Stuart Pearce

Stuart moved up the ranks from non-league football to playing for England and managing both U21 and Team GB squads, and Manchester City. He is used to working under pressure: famously missing a penalty at Italia 90, scoring at Euro 96 – and deciding not to pick an out-of-form Beckham at London 2012. Stuart talks from hard-earned experience about beating his doubts, taking big risks, making tough decisions and “delivering your best to your employers.”

Adam Peaty

Peaty became Britain's first swimmer to maintain an Olympic title in 2021 when he scooped a gold medal in the men's 100m breaststroke. It was the first Gold for Team GB in the 2021 Tokyo Games. Philosophical on the definition of peak performance, Peaty has described an ambition to achieve what he calls 'Project Immortal': a swim so well-executed that it could be said to reach beyond ordinary human capability and which is virtually unbeatable. Peaty specialises in breaststroke. He claimed the 2016 Olympic title in...

Victoria Pendleton

The Olympic and World Track Champion was once described by her French Canadian coach as being “too skinny and too puny to be a sprint cyclist.” Victoria has gone onto become one of the world’s best female cyclists, after seven world titles and golds in Beijing and in London. In Q&A she talks about the immense physical and psychological challenges faced by elite athletes, and the lessons from her new career as a jockey.

Professor Steve Peters

As the resident psychiatrist at GB cycling, Steve was described as a genius by Dave Brailsford. Working in several sports, he has an unparalleled reputation for giving people an edge – as well as the confidence to overcome defeat. As in his book The Chimp Paradox, Steve shows how to deal with fear and ‘become the person you want to be’. He explains how to visualise and break each challenge into small stages, focusing on the process rather than the outcome.

Francois Pienaar

Francois Pienaar’s defining moment came as he led the Springboks to World Cup glory, instilling immense national pride. The story was later told in the Hollywood movie Invictus, with Matt Damon portraying his role in attempting to unite the post- apartheid nation through sport. In presentations the ex-Saracens player and coach talks about his enormous respect for Nelson Mandela, and how unwavering belief can often make the difference between success and failure.

Sir Matthew Pinsent

The four-time Olympic champion oarsman has now become a polished presenter. After dinner Matt lets guests get their hands on his medals. With ready wit he recalls the punishing training regime, their need to adapt to circumstances and the sheer exhilaration of beating world class crews.

Samantha Quek

Sam boasts a dazzling array of achievements in field hockey, the sport in which she donned the number 13 shirt as England's defender. She is recognisable as a co-anchor on BBC’s Olympic Breakfast and a team captain on A Question of Sport. 

Ebony Rainford-Brent

Ebony threw herself into sport as a way of escaping the environment in which her brother was stabbed. She became the first black woman to play cricket for England, retaining the Ashes and winning the World Cup and Twenty20 in a single year. She is now TMS’ first female analyst and Director of Women’s Cricket at Surrey, training and mentoring management and players. Ebony encourages us to challenge ourselves and learn to see through a different lens.

Sir Steve Redgrave

Steve is among the greatest athletes Britain has ever produced. With the coxless four victory at Sydney he became the first athlete in history to win endurance events at five consecutive Games. In speeches Steve describes the pressure of wanting to stay at the top, the punishing training regime, the leader’s role and the mix of skills within each team. He underlines the need to adapt to circumstances, and the importance of setting a series of achievable goals.

Stef Reid

Former Paralympic long jumper and sprinter Stef has had a lifelong passion for sport. She is a five-time world record holder, but away from the track she also has a degree in biochemistry, was a finalist on Celebrity MasterChef, and made her modelling debut fronting Debenhams’ Diversity Campaign, which aimed to challenge the perceived norms of the fashion industry.

Helen Richardson-Walsh

A key part of the British hockey team for 15 years, Helen experienced the highs and lows of international competition. She came back from career-threatening injury to join a reinvigorated team at the Rio 2016 Olympics. In her fourth Olympic competition she and the team won a dramatic penalty shoot-out final to claim Britain’s first ever women’s hockey gold.

Kate Richardson-Walsh

The most capped woman player in British hockey and the international captain for over a decade, Kate guided the team through tough times, a revolution of personnel and culture, and on to Olympic glory. With lessons in leadership, teambuilding and vision, Kate reveals how a group of competitive individuals can come together to defy expectations.

Greg Rutherford

Without a big sponsor, Greg drummed up support in his community to pursue his dream. He then earned instant fame by becoming the first Briton to win the Olympic long jump in half a century. He thought he should have gone farther; it wasn’t even a personal best. With humour and humility he speaks about looking for improvement, staying focused and managing pressure.

Bradley Scanes

Bradley has worked with some of the biggest names in sport, helping them achieve success, including Olympic gold medals and Formula 1 championships. In speeches, he shares his insights to the lessons that businesses can learn from elite sports.

Alex Scott

After captaining Arsenal and playing over 100 matches for England, Alex is now one of the best-known faces in sports broadcasting. She's broken down barriers to become the first woman to commentate on men’s international and club matches for the BBC and Sky respectively. She has also hosted a game show, coverage of Tokyo’s Olympics and The One Show.

Jill Scott

Former England international Jill Scott had an illustrious eighteen year playing career with Manchester City, Everton, Sunderland, and Aston Villa. She won Euro 2022 with the Lionesses in her final game as a professional, and as the second-highest capped player.

Ellie Simmonds

Ellie became GB’s youngest ever individual winner in either Paralympic or Olympic Games in Beijing. She now holds five Paralympic golds, over a dozen world titles, and a world record in 400m freestyle.

Sir Gareth Southgate

After an impressive career on and off the pitch, as player, club manager, pundit and FA development director, Gareth led the England team to their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years as well as to two successive Euros finals. He created a widely-admired team culture of unity, determination, openness and professionalism and was praised for his open, intelligent leadership style.

Guenther Steiner

Guenther began his professional life in rallying, initially joining the Mazda Rally Team Europe as a mechanic. His career progressed to the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1, where he served as Team Principal of the Haas F1 Team. His appearances on the Netflix series Drive to Survive has made him a star, and his book Surviving to Drive reveals the highs, lows, pressures and demands experienced behind the scenes of the sport.

Dame Sarah Storey

As a talented and dedicated young swimmer, Sarah entered her first Paralympics at the age of fourteen. In all she won twenty gold medals in the pool, including five Paralympic golds, and broke forty one world records in various championships – only to then switch to cycling. She’s since won another thirteen Paralympic golds in her new sport and twice been crowned UK track champion against able-bodied competition, despite being born with a non-functioning left hand. Sarah demonstrates what it takes to push both body and mind to the limit.

Sir Andrew Strauss

Andrew Strauss is one of only three England cricket captains to lead his side to Ashes victory both home and away. He devised a plan to top the world Test rankings within five years; working closely with Andy Flower, the objective was met in half the time – and Strauss earned a reputation for gritty and intelligent leadership. He left the pitch and became England’s first Director of Cricket helping to restructure the set-up and steer the side through more difficulties. He talks about how to create and share a vision, build trust and encourage change. He might also reveal what...

Matthew Syed

Matthew Syed is an author, award-winning journalist and acclaimed speaker in the field of high performance, who has worked with leading organisations to build a mindset of continuous improvement. In his keynotes he talks about the power of growth mindset, and the profound impact it can have on individual, team and organisation performance. He also discusses cognitive diversity and how it can boost collaboration, creativity and innovation. Using examples from healthcare, aviation, business, education, sport and the criminal justice system, he explores some of the best-kept secrets of the ...

Gareth Thomas

Wales’ most capped rugby player captained his side to Grand Slam victory and led a British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand. He became the ninth highest try scorer in the world, then switched codes. Gareth also hit the headlines as the only openly gay man in the sport; he holds the tag with pride, but still looks towards the day when it’s no longer an issue. In his speech Gareth talks about success on the field and the hurdles he had to overcome.

Anna Turney

Anna dreamed of representing her country as an Olympic snowboarder, but then broke her spine in a training accident. She reappraised her goals and learned to mono-ski, finishing sixth in Vancouver and fourth in Sochi. Anna talks about the journey, the fear of trying to ski again and the need for single-minded focus. Whilst friendly competition is key to team morale, she also explains how being beaten by less talented sportspeople is a great motivator.

Beth Tweddle

Great Britain’s most successful female gymnast is only the fifth person in history to reach the top in two separate disciplines - the floor and asymmetric bars. Having become a role model for the next generation of gymnasts, and finally claimed that elusive Olympic medal, Beth is now a key part of the BBC’s coverage of the sport.

Phil Vickery

Having won the World Cup with the England rugby team, Phil is now almost as well known for his win on Celebrity Masterchef. He speaks about his part in the England team, how they took on, and beat the world, and whether the pressure of a World Cup final can match that of kitchen.

Chrissie Wellington

Chrissie is acknowledged as one of the greatest female endurance athlete on the planet. She is a four-time Ironman world champion – a race that comprises a 3.8km swim followed by a 180km bike ride, and then a full marathon. The former civil servant and now Global Lead for Health & Wellbeing for parkrun speaks about the mindset, persistence and motivation required to achieve your goals.

Arsène Wenger

The longest-serving manager in top-flight English football, Arsène was also one of the most successful. He introduced new levels of professionalism, talent development and performance culture to the game. He focused on stylish performances on the pitch and new techniques behind the scenes. In 22 years in charge he won three league titles and seven FA Cups, including the Premier League and FA Cup double twice.

Ellen White

Ellen has enjoyed many memorable moments during her career as an England international player. She is the record England women’s goal scorer and has competed at three FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments. Ellen also earned the Bronze Boot award at the FIFA Women's World Cup in France, and was named England's International Player of the Year three times.

Professor Greg Whyte

Greg was a pentathlete before becoming Research Director at BOA, helping prepare Team GB for five Olympics. He’s also trained David Walliams to swim the Thames and Izzard to run 43 marathons. He continues to help celebrities with charity challenges as well as elite athletes in professional competition. In speeches Greg demonstrates that success is not a question of chance – witness the four remarkable women he trained to cross the English Channel.

Joe Wicks

After becoming an online hit with his health and fitness tips, Joe moved to TV and published his Lean in 15 series of books. He also became ‘the nation’s PE teacher’ as he led daily workout sessions via YouTube during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Jake Wightman

Middle-distance runner Jake represents Scotland and wanted to be an athlete from an early age. He comes from rich athletic stock with dad and coach Geoff, and mum Susan both former athletes. Geoff is a commentator and was the stadium commentator for Jake’s Olympic debut in Tokyo, and called his stunning victory in Oregon, where he won gold and was the first British man to win the world title in the event since Steve Cram in 1983.

Amy Williams

Travelling at 90mph on a sled called Arthur, Amy became the first British individual female gold medalist at the Winter Olympics for 58 years. She achieved the remarkable feat in spite of the fact that the UK does not have an ice track. Instead Amy trained on a dry-push facility with a bespoke device known as The Assassin. She explains the lessons in viewing problems differently, focusing on the things you can control, and how team effort is vital even in a solo discipline.

Claire Williams

Claire is the former Deputy Team Principal of the Williams Formula 1 racing team. Her late father Sir Frank Williams was the founder of the Williams Grand Prix Engineering F1 team. During her tenure, she was a keen advocate for greater diversity and inclusion across the sport. Claire is now Brand Ambassador to Williams F1 team offshoot, WAE Technologies.

Marc Woods

As a keen teenage swimmer Marc was distraught to be diagnosed with cancer. He lost his lower leg, but within months he was swimming faster than before. He went on to win four golds over five Paralympics. Marc has now published Beyond The Call, exploring how fairness, trust, empowerment and self-sacrifice all combine to produce extra, ‘discretionary’ effort. In speeches he shows what happens by focusing on those things that are under your control.

Sir Clive Woodward

Back in 2003 the nation held its collective breath as Clive’s men fulfilled their promise and clinched the Rugby World Cup. He has now helped elite athletes achieve unprecedented success and has launched a new app to capture knowledge on any subject. In presentations and workshops Clive demonstrates the power of collaborative leadership – and how to create a winning mindset. He also unpicks the DNA of a champion, which goes way beyond talent.

Martine Wright

Martine lost both legs in the 7/7 Circle Line bombing. She was last to be rescued. Trapped in debris for an hour, she’d lost 80% of her blood supply. Then came a year of rehabilitation during which she learned to walk again, with prosthetics. Yet she still sees herself as lucky: the Paralympics, secured the day before the bombings, gave her a new goal. She now has 40 GB caps in sitting volleyball. The ex-marketing manager addresses change, goal-setting and diversity.