12 Best Military Speakers

Military speakers offer an unbeatable combination of grit, leadership, and resilience. At Evolve Talent, we’ve assembled some of the most compelling military voices who know a thing or two about overcoming challenges. From fast-jet pilots to former SAS operatives, here are 12 speakers guaranteed to inspire your audience and leave them ready to conquer their own battles.

Mike Bates

Ever wondered what it’s like to lead under extreme pressure? Mike Bates has been there and done that as a former a human intelligence specialist, covert counter-terrorism operations leader, entrepreneur and adventurer. He’s a master of turning military experience into real-world leadership lessons, with a focus on making decisions when the stakes are high. Mike’s not here to lecture, though—his talks are practical, engaging, and filled with real-life stories that connect with any audience.

Colin Maclachlan

Imagine being dropped into hostile territory with one mission: to get out alive. Colin MacLachlan, former SAS operative, doesn’t just imagine it—he’s lived it. But instead of just telling war stories, Colin dives deep into resilience and decision-making in critical moments. His gripping stories and relatable insights make him a hit with anyone who wants to learn how to thrive under pressure.

Tim Peake

Tim Peake has quite literally gone where few have gone before—space. As Britain’s first ESA astronaut, his talks are out of this world (pun fully intended). From flying helicopters to orbiting the Earth, Tim’s got stories that will leave your audience wide-eyed, while dropping key insights about teamwork, innovation, and staying calm when floating in the void of space.

Dame Kelly Holmes

Dame Kelly Holmes isn’t just an Olympic champion; she’s also a former British Army physical training instructor. Her talks are packed with heart and inspiration. Kelly’s journey is about pushing limits—both physically and mentally. She’s refreshingly honest about her struggles, making her talks about resilience and mental health as motivational as they are personal.

Mandy Hickson

Flying fighter jets in a male-dominated squadron? Mandy Hickson’s been there, done that, and got the call sign. As one of the first female fast-jet pilots in the RAF, Mandy’s story is all about breaking barriers and leading with confidence. Expect fascinating anecdotes, humour, and powerful lessons on teamwork and decision-making under fire.

Jo Salter MBE

Jo Salter was the RAF’s first female fast-jet pilot, and she’s used to taking on challenges headfirst. Jo talks about how preparation and a strong mindset can take you far—whether you’re piloting a jet or navigating tricky boardroom politics. Her story of breaking stereotypes and succeeding in a high-pressure, male-dominated environment is as inspiring as it is empowering.

Matt Lindley

Matt Lindley brings a unique blend of military and aviation expertise to his talks, with a focus on human performance under pressure. As a former RAF pilot and commercial captain, Matt’s insights into leadership and communication hit home for anyone who’s ever had to make a tough call. He’s all about keeping things real, offering practical takeaways that are perfect for corporate teams looking to up their game.

Garry Banford

Think leading a team in high-pressure environments sounds tough? Garry Banford’s been doing it for years as a former special forces operative. He specialises in turning military tactics into actionable strategies for businesses, with a focus on leadership and trust. His talks are straight-talking, no-nonsense, and full of practical advice on how to succeed when the stakes are high.

Gareth Timmins

As a former Royal Marine Commando, Gareth Timmins knows a thing or two about resilience. His no-holds-barred approach to mental toughness, discipline, and self-motivation makes him a force to be reckoned with on stage. If you’re looking for a speaker who can inspire your team to push beyond their limits, Gareth’s your guy.

JJ Chalmers

JJ Chalmers went from Royal Marine Commando to Invictus Games medallist and TV presenter after overcoming life-changing injuries. His talks are all about bouncing back—whether from physical challenges or mental health struggles. JJ’s warmth, humour, and genuine connection with audiences make him a favourite for events that need both inspiration and heart.

Rosie Steevenson

Rosie Steevenson brings a wealth of experience from her time in the British Army, specialising in crisis management and leadership. Her talks focus on handling high-pressure situations with grace and leading teams through uncertainty. With real-life examples and a calm, relatable style, Rosie helps audiences see how military lessons can apply to everyday leadership.

Helen Seymour

Helen Seymour is credited as being the RAF’s first ever female pilot and one half of one of the institution’s only all-female crews, along with Rosie Steevenson. Coupled with her business expertise, makes her an in-demand speaker on leadership, risk management, and personal accountability. Helen knows how to break down military strategies into bite-sized, actionable steps that teams can apply immediately. Her talks are full of practical wisdom, ideal for businesses looking to level up their leadership.

Whether you’re after heart-pounding stories from the field or practical leadership lessons, these 12 military speakers have something unique to offer. At Evolve Talent, we know how to match the right speaker with your audience to create an unforgettable event. Ready to take your event to the next level? Check out our speaker profiles and book your ideal speaker today! Contact us directly at 0115 718 0831 or emailing info@evolve-agency.co.uk.