Former Royal Marines Officer, Head of Performance & Training for the Royal Marines & Performance Expert Nicknamed ‘Gareth’s Secret Weapon’ Who Helped England Win the Rugby World Cup
Scotty Mills’s Biography:
Scotty Mills is one of Britain’s most respected performance and leadership experts, known for his exceptional 32-year career as a Royal Marine Officer and for helping shape the mindset of some of the nation’s most successful sports teams. As the highest-ranking Black Officer in the history of the Royal Marines, Scotty reached the elite status of Commando Green Beret and went on to lead performance, training, and culture across the organisation. His expertise later played a pivotal role in supporting England’s national teams, earning him the nickname Gareth’s Secret Weapon for his work during major tournaments.
His career in the Royal Marines spanned a wide range of leadership, operational, and performance roles. Scotty served as Media Operations Officer, Head of Rehab at the Commando Training Centre, Logistical Planning Officer, and Officer Commanding Royal Marines Recruiting and Selection. He later became Chief of Staff for the Royal Marines Reserve before taking on the role of Head of Physical Training, Performance and Sport for the Royal Marines. His influence extended beyond the military as he contributed to the Culture Panel of UK Sport and advised Be Military Fit, Only A Pavement Away, and Care After Combat, using his experience to support wider communities.
Scotty rose to prominence in the world of elite sport, becoming a trusted advisor to The Football Association and working closely with Gareth Southgate and the England Football Team during their journey to the World Cup semi-final and Euros campaign. His ability to instil confidence, unity, and mental resilience has also benefited top-level rugby, helping England Rugby achieve World Cup success. In addition to leading Royal Marines teams to endurance records, Scotty represented England as an Olympic Flag Bearer at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
His impact has been recognised with major honours, including the Sun Milles Award and the title of Most Inspiring Serviceman. He is also the author of the bestselling book Never Give In: The 12 Commando Rules for Life, which topped Amazon’s Movers and Shakers list in 2022. Today, Scotty is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for transforming teams and inspiring individuals through powerful lessons forged in elite military and sporting environments.
Why Hire Scotty Mills?
Scotty Mills is an exceptional choice for any event seeking powerful, practical, and deeply inspiring insight into leadership, resilience, and high performance. Drawing on more than three decades of elite military experience, along with his success advising England’s top national sports teams, Scotty shares strategies that help individuals and organisations thrive under pressure, build strong cultures, and overcome challenges with confidence. He is passionate about inspiring people to achieve their impossible dreams, blending real-life stories with clear, actionable lessons that resonate long after he leaves the stage. Whether delivering a high-impact 15-minute keynote or a week-long immersive training course, Scotty adapts his approach to ensure every audience gains meaningful tools for improvement and long-term success.
Scotty Mills’s Career Highlights:
Below showcases Scotty Mills’s inspirational career from the Royal Marines and more:
- 2025 – Delivered the opening keynote at the 3–18 Education Trust Annual Conference, setting the tone for a day focused on belonging, leadership, and community.
- 2022 – Achieved Amazon’s number one Movers and Shakers ranking for his book Never Give In: The 12 Commando Rules for Life.
- 2020 – Appointed Ambassador of Only A Pavement Away, supporting vulnerable people into employment.
- 2020 – Became Charity Advisor for Care After Combat, helping veterans rebuild their lives.
- 2020 – Served as Senior Advisor for Be Military Fit, contributing expertise in physical and mental performance.
- 2019 – Joined the Culture Panel of UK Sport, shaping culture and performance standards across British athletics.
- 2017 – Appointed Head of Physical Training, Performance and Sport for the Royal Marines, leading elite development programmes.
- 2017 – Became Advisor for The Football Association, supporting Gareth Southgate and the England squad.
- 2011 – Served as Chief of Staff for the Royal Marines Reserve, overseeing operations and organisational strategy.
- 2009 – Led Royal Marines Recruiting and Selection as Officer Commanding, shaping future generations of Commandos.
- 2006 – Became Head of Rehab at the Commando Training Centre, pioneering new approaches to recovery and resilience.
Videos
Scotty Mills’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Scotty Mills has truly left a lasting impression on the Team with his engaging, inspirational, and moving speeches. His ability to weave relatable stories into his presentations has resonated with many, making his messages both impactful and memorable. Scotty’s unique talent for connecting with his audience on both professional and personal levels is unparalleled. His speeches not only inspire but also motivate and uplift, leaving everyone feeling empowered and ready to take on new challenges. I recommend Scotty Mills for any event that requires a strong and impactful message.” – Sophie, PA to Pub Partners MD, Greene King Pub Partners
“Scotty was a real gentleman, so easy to work with. His keynote was uplifting and energising for the start of the final day of the conference… inspired us all to look at building and managing teams in a whole new light!” – Helen, Director of Learning & Professional Development, ISBA
“Scotty Mills was a triumph, and his talk was one of the most exceptionally moving and inspiring I have ever, ever seen at a conference.” – ISBA
“His whole back story and stories of trust and leading his troops into the Gulf War with only a 25% chance of survival, were both moving and profoundly inspiring.” – ISBA
“I was so impressed with his humility, humour and courage, and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house at the end of Scotty’s inspirational keynote” – ISBA
“In short, Scotty’s motivational session was a roaring success. It was exactly what we were looking for and went down fantastically with everyone in attendance. I will be recommending Scotty to my EDF colleagues for similar future sessions. On a personal level, he’s an absolute gentleman to boot!” – Scott, Training Interface Manager, EDF
“Scotty was incredible – if anything, he exceeded expectations. His whole presentation and journey were just so inspirational. His delivery and engagement were brilliant, and he even took the time to speak to our guests before and after his presentation – everyone was really grateful. I did express our gratitude to Scotty directly on LinkedIn to,o which he acknowledged.” – Cygnet Health
“Scotty Mills was an incredible speaker and a big hit for our event. He was professional and extremely engaging with all our attendees and really got stuck into the day. His talk went very well, and he incorporated aspects relevant to our company while being authentic and interesting. The feedback we have received from customers and staff members has been extremely positive, and everyone was impressed with his talk and engagement.” – Megan, Admin Assistant, Rose Scaffolding
Speaking Topics
Scotty Mills’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Develop a Culture of Excellence
- Leading Under Pressure
- Culture of Leadership Development
- Lessons in Leading in a Crisis
- Growing a Successful Team
- Leading When Things Go Wrong
- How to Pivot
- Build Resilience
- Commando Mindset
- Sense of Purpose and Belonging
- Values and Identity
- Performing Under Extreme Pressure
- How Key Values Can Become The Norm
- Invest in the Mental ‘Wealth’ of Your Team
How Much Does Scotty Mills Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Scotty Mills?
The cost of hiring Scotty Mills varies depending on factors such as event location, whether the session is delivered in person or virtually, the duration of the appearance, and any specific preparation requirements. For an accurate quote tailored to your event, please contact a London Keynote Speaker Agency booking agent for expert guidance.