Colin Richardson MBE

Colin Richardson MBE is a former 22 SAS officer, counterterrorism expert, and leadership strategist with over two decades of experience in some of the world’s most complex and high-risk environments. A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Colin went on to serve in The Parachute Regiment before being selected for the elite 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS) following one of the most demanding selection processes in the world. His exceptional service, leadership, and operational success earned him an MBE, recognising his distinguished contribution to the United Kingdom’s Special Forces. Today, he is an internationally respected consultant and keynote speaker, specialising in leadership under pressure, counterterrorism strategy, and organisational resilience.

During his distinguished military career, Colin commanded airborne and special forces units on operations across Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He also conducted low-profile covert missions throughout Africa, the Far East, South America, and Europe, often in politically sensitive and high-threat environments. Within UK Special Forces, he held multiple specialist command appointments, leading the 22 SAS Targeting Cell, the Special Reconnaissance Unit, and the Counter Proxy Forces division. He was also instrumental in developing and integrating proxy special forces units alongside host nation security structures, a pioneering model for modern unconventional warfare.

Colin’s expertise extended beyond the battlefield. As UKSF lead on unconventional warfare and counter-proxy operations, he played a key advisory role in shaping government and international counterterrorism policy. His strategic insight and experience in coordinating complex joint operations between intelligence agencies, special forces, and allied governments positioned him as a trusted expert in global security. Following his transition from military service, he has applied these same principles of leadership, teamwork, and adaptability to the corporate and governmental sectors.

Today, Colin advises governments, corporations, and multinational organisations on resilience, crisis leadership, and strategic decision-making. As a published writer and highly regarded speaker, he shares gripping lessons from his time in special operations, offering powerful insights into courage, discipline, and composure under pressure. His keynote sessions inspire audiences to think clearly, act decisively, and lead with integrity, even in the most uncertain of circumstances. Combining operational experience with practical leadership principles, Colin provides a rare perspective on what it takes to perform and lead at the highest level.