Tim Collins

Tim Collins is a retired British military officer best known for his inspirational leadership during the Iraq War in 2003. On the eve of battle, he delivered a rousing address to the 1st Royal Irish Battle Group, urging his troops to be fearless in combat yet generous in victory. His words have since become iconic, even displayed in the Oval Office as a testament to their enduring power. Today, he is sought after as a leadership speaker for his rare ability to connect personal conviction, duty, and resilience with the challenges faced in business and public life.

Tim’s path to leadership began with a degree in economics, followed by rigorous training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Signals in 1981, he quickly distinguished himself and transferred to the Royal Irish Rangers the following year. Over the next two decades, he rose through the ranks, gaining first-hand experience in demanding theatres of operation, from Berlin to the Falklands and Northern Ireland. His progression to Lieutenant-Colonel and eventually Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment in 2001 reflected not only his tactical skill but also his talent for motivating those under his command.

His career was marked by numerous high-profile assignments, including a pivotal role in the Sierra Leone hostage crisis, service as aide to the UN Chief of Staff, and Project Director at the Peace Support Training Centre. In recognition of his outstanding service, Tim was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in 2002 and appointed OBE in 2003. Since retiring from the Army in 2004, he has written ‘Rules of Engagement: A Life in Conflict’, appeared on programmes such as BBC’s Today and Panorama, and taken on leadership roles in business, notably as Chairman of Pinpoint Corporate Services.

As a speaker, Tim brings unparalleled insight into the qualities of leadership forged in extreme circumstances. His career demonstrates the importance of clarity, courage, and compassion in guiding teams through uncertainty and adversity. Whether addressing corporate leaders, public organisations, or future decision-makers, he translates lessons from military service into strategies that inspire resilience, integrity, and decisive action. He is hired not only for his story, but for the timeless leadership principles he embodies.