Military motivational speakers bring a rare combination of operational credibility, leadership under pressure and lived experience of high-stakes decision-making. For organisations seeking resilience, accountability and performance at pace, these speakers translate frontline lessons into practical insight for civilian teams.
Why Hire a Military Motivational Speaker?
The UK Armed Forces consisted of approximately 181,890 personnel as of 2025, representing one of the most highly trained leadership pipelines in the country. Military motivational speakers draw on environments where clarity, trust and performance are non-negotiable. They offer proven frameworks for leading through uncertainty, building resilient cultures and making decisions with limited information. For businesses navigating disruption, these speakers provide grounded, experience-led insight that resonates far beyond theory, inspiring teams to act decisively and collectively.
How Does Hiring A Military Speaker Impact Organisational Performance?
Employee engagement has a direct impact on performance and retention. Research shows that organisations with highly engaged employees see up to 20% higher individual performance and an 87% reduction in employees intending to leave compared to disengaged workplaces. Military motivational speakers strengthen engagement by reconnecting people to purpose, accountability and shared goals. Through real leadership experiences, they help teams rebuild trust, motivation and focus, driving measurable improvements in productivity, commitment and long-term organisational performance.
Who Are The 10+ Best Military Speakers In The UK for 2026?
- Brigadier Nicky Moffat
- Ollie Ollerton
- Jo Salter
- Stanley McChrystal
- General Sir Patrick Sanders
- Jason Fox
- Scotty Mills
- Mandy Hickson
- Colin MacLachlan
- Phil Campion
- Des Powell
- Tim Collins
- Kirsty Murphy MBE
1. Brigadier Nicky Moffat
Nicky Moffat is a former British Army officer whose career culminated in her appointment as the most senior woman in the Armed Forces. Serving for nearly three decades, she held command, training and strategic leadership roles, shaping policy around people development, inclusion and organisational performance. Her work focused on talent management, cultural change and building high-performing teams within complex, hierarchical environments. After leaving the Army, Nicky transitioned into leadership consultancy, advising organisations on inclusive leadership, decision-making and sustainable performance, drawing directly on her experience leading at the highest levels of defence.
Nicky delivers practical, people-centred leadership lessons grounded in operational reality. She is especially impactful for organisations focused on culture change, diversity and accountable leadership, translating military discipline into inclusive, modern leadership strategies.
Official Testimonial for Nicky Moffat:
“Nicky was GREAT and I have received nothing but positive feedback from the management team to which she presented. Please pass on my thanks, it was a huge benefit to us all in attendance.” – Paul, Head of HR , Air Liquide
2. Ollie Ollerton
Ollie Ollerton is a former UK Special Forces operative with extensive experience in counter-terrorism, intelligence and high-risk missions worldwide. After leaving the military, he became widely known through television, including the elite endurance and survival programme, SAS: Who Dares Wins. Alongside media work, Ollie built a career as a performance coach and author, focusing on mental resilience, adaptability and elite mindset development. His professional journey blends frontline operational insight with modern performance psychology, allowing him to speak with authority on operating under pressure, overcoming adversity and sustaining excellence in unpredictable environments.
Ollie’s sessions are intense, authentic and highly motivational. He connects powerfully with audiences by translating special forces resilience into practical tools for handling pressure, uncertainty and personal accountability in business and life.
Ollie Ollerton’s Official Speaking Topics:
- The Special Forces
- SAS: Who Dares Wins
- Royal Marine Commandos
- Special Boat Service
- BREAK-POINT
- Fitness & Nutrition
- Conquering Self Doubt
- Mental & Physical Limits
3. Jo Salter
Jo Salter made history as the first woman to fly a fast jet in the Royal Air Force. Serving as a Tornado GR4 pilot, she operated in demanding frontline environments where teamwork, precision and trust were essential. After leaving the RAF, Jo built a successful speaking and coaching career, working with organisations across leadership, resilience and high performance. Her experience spans aviation, operational command and post-service business leadership, giving her a unique perspective on managing risk, confidence and decision-making in high-pressure roles.
Jo combines trailblazing achievement with grounded leadership insight. She is particularly effective for audiences exploring confidence, inclusion and performance under pressure, offering practical lessons from aviation and frontline military operations.
Official Testimonial for Jo Salter:
“Ollie was amazing! It touched quite a few people, to be honest, and people definitely seemed more positive afterwards, myself being one of them. It was an inspiring speech and the app has landed well. The humorous bits were a nice touch.” – Amy, Head of Marketing & Events, MKC Wealth
4. Stanley McChrystal
General Stanley McChrystal is a retired US Army General best known for commanding Joint Special Operations Command during complex global counter-terrorism operations. He later led NATO forces in Afghanistan, overseeing large, interconnected teams operating in volatile environments. Since retiring, he has co-founded a leadership consultancy and authored influential books on team dynamics, decentralised leadership and adaptability. His work focuses on aligning organisations around shared purpose while empowering decision-making at every level.
McChrystal offers strategic insight at scale. He is ideal for senior leadership audiences seeking to understand how to lead complex, networked organisations through uncertainty, change and rapid operational tempo.
5. General Sir Patrick Sanders
General Sir Patrick Sanders served as Chief of the General Staff, leading the British Army through a period of transformation and global uncertainty. His career included operational deployments, senior command roles and strategic leadership at the highest levels of defence. Known for his focus on readiness, people and modernisation, Patrick played a central role in reshaping the Army’s approach to future threats and workforce resilience. His leadership experience spans crisis response, organisational reform and long-term strategic planning.
Patrick brings gravitas and strategic clarity. He is a compelling speaker for senior executives and public sector leaders seeking insight into leadership, national resilience and decision-making in high-consequence environments.
General Sir Patrick Sanders’ Official Speaking Topics:
- Cyber, AI and Technological Change
- Geopolitics and Modern Warfare
- Global Security and Defence Strategy
- Leadership in High-Pressure Environments
- Mental Health and Resilience
- Organisational Transformation and Culture
6. Jason Fox
Jason Fox is a former UK Special Forces operator with extensive experience across counter-terrorism, reconnaissance and high-risk operations. After leaving the military, he became widely recognised as a lead instructor on the Channel 4 series SAS: Who Dares Wins, where he helped put civilians through the physical and psychological demands of special forces selection. Alongside his television work, Jason has built a respected speaking career, openly addressing resilience, mental health and performance under pressure. His professional journey combines elite operational experience with a deep commitment to helping individuals overcome adversity and develop inner strength.
Jason connects authentically with diverse audiences. His talks balance honesty and motivation, making him particularly effective for organisations addressing resilience, wellbeing and performance under sustained pressure.
Official Testimonial for Jason Fox:
“It was excellent! Jason had the audience mesmerised. They were really interested in everything he had to say and his style of delivery was pitched at the right level. I’ve attended a number of events in that hall and there is usually a restlessness towards the end of events (sometimes even in the middle of a particularly dry topic!) but during Jason’s event the audience was fully engaged throughout.” – Bank of America
7. Scotty Mills
Scotty Mills is a former Royal Marines officer who served on operations worldwide before transitioning into leadership development and mental fitness coaching. His military career demanded resilience, adaptability and responsibility under pressure, qualities he now applies to organisational performance. Scotty has worked with businesses and sports teams, focusing on mindset, accountability and sustainable high performance. His approach blends military discipline with modern coaching techniques, making his work highly practical and relevant.
Scotty delivers actionable tools for building resilient individuals and teams. He is especially effective for organisations seeking long-term performance without burnout, grounded in real operational experience.
Scotty Mills’ Official Speaking 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
8. Mandy Hickson
Mandy Hickson is a former RAF fast-jet pilot who flew the Tornado GR4 on frontline operations, including missions over Iraq. One of the first women to operate in this role, she later became an instructor and leader within the RAF. After leaving military service, Mandy built a career as a keynote speaker and leadership consultant, focusing on risk, resilience and decision-making. Her experience spans aviation, combat operations and organisational leadership.
Mandy’s talks are engaging and highly relatable. She translates aviation and combat lessons into clear leadership principles around confidence, trust and accountability in high-pressure environments.
Official Testimonial for Mandy Hickson:
“I just wanted to say following yesterday that I have been approached by so many people, telling me that you were the best speaker we have ever had. Not only were you very motivational and inspiring, but you were also very amusing with it which brought a really nice atmosphere to the room. If I could have the same speaker each year, you would be top of my list!!” – Orbit Group
9. Colin MacLachlan
Colin MacLachlan served as an SAS operative specialising in counter-terrorism, intelligence and hostage rescue operations. After his military career, he became known to the public as one of the original directing staff on SAS: Who Dares Wins, where he applied authentic special forces standards to civilian selection. Beyond television, Colin has worked as a leadership coach, security consultant and author. His career is defined by an ability to translate trust, teamwork and decision-making from elite operations into practical leadership lessons.
Colin offers unfiltered insight into leadership under extreme stress. He is ideal for organisations seeking to understand trust, teamwork and decision-making when consequences truly matter.
Colin MacLachlan’s Official Speaking Topics:
- Resilience
- Planning
- Motivation
- Teamwork
- Performance
- Determination
- Education
- Leadership
- Risk
- Communication
10. Phil Campion
Phil Campion is a former SAS officer with extensive experience in special operations, intelligence and security leadership. He later brought this operational credibility to a wider audience through his appearances on SAS: Who Dares Wins, helping translate elite military standards into real-world challenges. Alongside television, Phil has built a career as an author and consultant, advising organisations on leadership, risk management and decision-making. His background bridges frontline military service with strategic insight, offering a rare perspective on how high-performing teams function under pressure.
Phil combines credibility with clarity. His talks are particularly impactful for leaders navigating risk, uncertainty and accountability, grounded in elite operational experience.
Official Testimonial for Phil Campion:
“Phil was fantastic! He really brought the room to life after a powerful RBL presentation and tour of the Arboretum. It was just what we needed. His life and career were an eye-opener and really talked up that we can always take a positive from a negative. It really resonated with the room and we are so pleased he was able to join us. Thanks for supporting me with this throughout the last few months” – Vanessa, Human Resources Manager, Suez Recycling and Recovery UK Ltd
11. Des Powell
Des Powell is a former SAS soldier with extensive experience in hostile environments, surveillance and protective operations. Following his military career, he founded a successful security consultancy, advising governments, corporations and high-risk individuals worldwide. His professional work spans leadership, risk assessment and crisis management, informed by decades of operating in complex threat landscapes. Des’s career reflects a seamless transition from frontline operations to strategic advisory roles.
Des provides realistic, no-nonsense insight into risk and leadership. He is well-suited to organisations concerned with security, preparedness and decision-making under pressure.
Des Powell’s Official Speaking Topics:
- Leadership & Resilience
- Risk Management & Security
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Special Forces Experiences
12. Colonel Tim Collins
Colonel Tim Collins is a former British Army officer best known for his leadership during the Iraq War, where his pre-battle address gained international recognition. His military career spanned decades, including command roles and operational deployments. After leaving the Army, Tim moved into speaking, writing and leadership consultancy, focusing on values, ethics and responsibility. His experience bridges combat leadership and moral decision-making at critical moments.
Tim inspires through authenticity and values-based leadership. He is a powerful choice for organisations seeking ethical leadership, accountability and purpose during periods of challenge and change.
Official Testimonial for Tim Collins:
“Tim gave a very entertaining after-dinner speech which he pitched perfectly to our young people who were receiving awards for their completed apprenticeships. The adventures he recounted were put in perspective for the audience, providing real-life lessons with great humour. Highly recommended.” – TTE Training Ltd
13. Kirsty Murphy MBE
Kirsty Murphy MBE brings rare frontline credibility and strategic leadership to military and defence events. As the first and only female Red Arrows pilot in the Royal Air Force, she understands what it takes to perform with precision under extreme pressure. Her career spans operational flying on the Tornado GR4, leading fast jet training capability, and serving as Chief of Staff at the UK Space Agency.
She speaks openly about overcoming RAF rejection, personal adversity and the impact of witnessing fatal crashes. Kirsty delivers practical lessons on resilience, accountability and teamwork, connecting strongly with audiences who value authenticity and lived experience.
Kirsty Murphy MBE’s Official Speaking Topics:
- Breaking Barriers in Military Aviation
- Diversity & Inclusion in Aerospace
- High-Risk Decision-Making & Resilience
- Innovation & the Future of Flight
- Leadership in Elite Teams
- Mental Health in High-Pressure Professions
- Women in STEM & Aviation
Book an Official Military Motivational Expert Speaker Today for your 2026 Event!
If you are interested in hiring an expert military motivational speaker for your business, contact the London Keynote Speakers Agency today! Give our booking agents a call on 0203 9580 428 or complete our online contact form.
