Leadership Expert, Amazon Bestselling Author of ‘The Leadership Map’, Co-Host of The Gritty Leadership Podcast & Named Vistage International’s Most In-Demand New Speaker
Ian Windle’s Biography:
Ian Windle is an award-winning leadership speaker, executive coach and bestselling author known for helping leaders build resilient organisations and high-performing teams. Through his speaking, coaching and consulting work, Ian has delivered leadership programmes and keynote sessions to senior executives across the UK, Europe and North America. His book ‘The Leadership Map’ became an Amazon No.1 bestseller in Entrepreneurship, inspiring thousands of leaders to rethink how they approach ambition, strategy and impact.
Ian began his professional career in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where he spent sixteen years working in diplomatic and consulting roles across Europe and Asia. During this time, he worked in cities including London, Hong Kong, Lisbon, Berlin, Brussels, The Hague, Oslo, Stockholm and Rome, gaining international experience in policy, leadership and global collaboration. These early roles developed his understanding of leadership under pressure and the importance of effective strategy in complex environments.
After leaving government service, Ian moved into the corporate world where he became Managing Director of Celemi UK and Head of Global Consulting. In this role, he worked with international organisations on leadership development and business transformation initiatives. In 2006, he founded his own consultancy, IanWindle.com, where he now works with leaders and organisations to improve strategy, communication and performance through coaching and leadership programmes.
Ian has since become a highly respected leadership speaker and executive coach. He has delivered more than 130 sessions to Vistage CEO groups across the UK, Canada and the United States and has received multiple speaker awards, including Vistage International’s Most In-Demand New Speaker Award. Alongside his speaking work, he co-hosts The Gritty Leaders Podcast and continues to develop leadership programmes designed to help organisations build resilient, purpose-driven leadership cultures.
Why Hire Ian Windle?
Ian is hired as a speaker for his practical and engaging approach to leadership, strategy and organisational performance. Drawing on decades of international leadership experience across government, corporate consulting and executive coaching, he helps leaders understand how to build resilient teams and navigate complex organisational challenges.
He has also delivered a TEDx talk titled ‘Why You Should Have an Unreasonable Dream‘, which has been viewed more than 40,000 times and explores how ambitious thinking can inspire stronger leadership and meaningful change. Ian has worked with brands including Vodafone, Microsoft, BP, Toyota, the NHS, HSBC and the British Army, helping leaders develop strategies that deliver results and create lasting impact.
Ian Windle’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Ian Windle’s remarkable career in leadership:
- 2025 – Completed the Ironman Italy endurance race demonstrating his commitment to resilience and personal leadership.
- 2022 – 2024 – Completed multiple Ironman 70.3 endurance races across the UK and Europe.
- 2022 – Accredited as a DISC Profiling Facilitator supporting leadership development and team performance.
- 2021 – Published The Leadership Map which became an Amazon No.1 bestseller in Entrepreneurship.
- 2021 – Launched The Leadership Map Programme supporting middle and senior managers in strategic leadership.
- 2020 – Launched The Gritty Leaders Podcast with Ben Wales exploring leadership and resilience.
- 2018 – Delivered a TEDx talk titled Why You Should Have an Unreasonable Dream which has gained over 40,000 views.
- 2018 – Received the Most In-Demand New Speaker Award from Vistage International.
- 2018 – Became an accredited Vistage Leadership Speaker and received multiple Outperforming Speaker Awards.
- 2018 – Completed an Executive and Corporate Coaching Diploma at Henley Business School.
- 2012 – Appointed Vistage CEO Peer Group Chairman supporting executive leadership development.
- 2006 – Founded IanWindle.com launching his own leadership consultancy.
Videos
Ian Windle’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“A true strategic partner. Ian and his team made a vital contribution to our strategic change programme. Their expertise, passion and commitment elevated our programme and helped take the business to a new level.” – David Bowes VP Organisational Development WDSGlobal
“Ian brought clarity and authority at a critical moment in our transformation. We engaged Ian to support our all-colleague transformation conference as we prepared the business for significant change. He shaped the narrative with us beforehand and delivered a powerful keynote on Making Change Happen that aligned perfectly with our strategy. His preparation, professionalism and delivery were exceptional. I would highly recommend Ian to any organisation seeking a speaker on leading through uncertainty.” – Paul Wheeler Chief Executive Mansfield Building Society
“Ian delivered an outstanding programme to support widespread change across our national recruiting organisation. The approach was widely acclaimed across a demanding audience. Delivered on time, within budget and with exceptional professionalism. I would commend Ian to any organisation managing significant change.”- Lt Col I G Tritton Commandant The Army School of Recruiting
“State-of-the-art learning and cultural change with real business impact. Inspirational, challenging and authentic. Ian delivers high-impact leadership and cultural change work that translates into tangible business value.” – Morten Frimand CHRO, People & Culture Bang & Olufsen (ex-Lundbeck Pharma)
“A watershed moment for our leadership team. Ian has supported Flexeserve through conferences, leadership retreats and change programmes. The feedback from our Leadership Group has been outstanding, and one recent retreat felt like a genuine turning point for the team. He combines strategic clarity with personal challenge in a way that drives real growth — both professionally and personally.” – Jamie Joyce Global CEO Flexeserve
Speaking Topics
Ian Windle’s Official Keynote Topics:
- The Leadership Map
- Strategy that works and leaders who care, A powerful, practical framework for building strategy with purpose and heart – drawn from Ian’s bestselling book The Leadership Map.
- Purpose, Vision & Values
- Creating clarity and alignment. How to unite people behind a shared purpose, turn vision into action, and embed values that drive performance.
- Building High-Performing Teams
- What the world’s best teams do differently – and how leaders can create a culture of trust, ownership, and results.
- Finding Your Growth Zone
- Leading with energy and authenticity. Discover how to step beyond your comfort zone, tap into your energy, and lead yourself and others with confidence and authenticity.
- Leading and Living Change
- Practical insights for leading through uncertainty and transformation – with resilience, empathy, and clear direction.
How Much Does Ian Windle Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Ian Windle?
The cost of hiring Ian Windle depends on factors such as event location, format, duration and travel requirements. For an accurate quote tailored to your event, contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.