Manley Hopkinson

Manley Hopkinson is a truly inspirational leadership speaker whose unique career spans the worlds of adventure, business, and leadership. As the Founder of the Compassionate Leadership Company, Manley has built his reputation on empowering organisations to cultivate transformational leadership and high-performing teams. His approach to leadership is grounded in empathy, resilience, and the ability to foster commitment in the face of adversity. In 2023, his expertise was further recognised when he was accepted into the Forbes Business Council, a testament to his thought leadership and impact on the business community.

Manley’s insights are deeply influenced by his extraordinary experiences as an adventurer. Having spent a decade as a professional skipper, he captained a crew in the BT Global Challenge, widely regarded as the “world’s toughest yacht race,” covering 32,000 miles with an amateur team. His thirst for adventure didn’t stop there – in 2003, he was part of the winning team of The Polar Race, a grueling 360-mile trek to the magnetic North Pole completed in just 10 days and 9 hours. These adventures taught him invaluable lessons on the psychology of performance and the importance of compassionate leadership in the most extreme conditions.

Beyond his adventures, Manley has also held several influential roles in the corporate world. He served as Director of People & Partners for Hewlett Packard Defence & Security and Director of Organisation People & Partners for Atlas Consortium, showcasing his deep understanding of organisational behaviour. In 2017, he became a Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Company, and more recently, took on the role of Director of People & Performance at Sweet Projects. His clients include industry giants like Waitrose, UBS, Citibank and Greenpeace, who all benefit from his rich blend of business acumen and motivational insight.

As an author, veteran, explorer and speaker, Manley Hopkinson brings energy and credibility to every event he attends. His book, Compassionate Leadership: How to Create and Maintain Engaged, Committed and High-Performing Teams, encapsulates his philosophy of people-first leadership. Whether speaking on The Power of Commitment or The Winning Mindset, Manley captivates audiences with his lived experience and inspiring message. For any organisation seeking to unlock the full potential of their leaders, Manley is a powerful and transformative voice.