Chris Gibson MBE is a former British Army Colonel with more than three decades of experience leading elite teams in some of the world’s most challenging environments. A globally recognised expert in leadership, organisational culture, and high-performance team development, he brings deep insight into what drives success. Today, Chris shares those lessons as a highly sought-after keynote speaker, helping organisations across diverse industries to transform their operations and culture.
He began his military career as a Warrant Officer at the UK Ministry of Defence in 1984, rising through the ranks to lead operations around the world. Chris's frontline experience includes 18 months in Beirut with a joint Special Forces team securing the release of Terry Waite, 12 months in Sarajevo capturing indicted war criminals, and 16 months in Sierra Leone managing the President’s personal security during civil war. He also led close protection operations in the Middle East during the Second Gulf War, including the protection of former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
These high-stakes missions honed Chris’s ability to build trust, drive performance, and foster collaboration under pressure. He has since applied these skills to civilian contexts with great impact. As Chief Instructor at the Army Medical Services Training Centre, the world’s largest medical simulation centre, he co-developed a training methodology now adopted as international best practice by the US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand militaries.
Chris also played a critical role in the response to the Ebola crisis in West Africa, training and deploying over 1,200 military and NHS volunteers. For this work, he was awarded an MBE, the Health Service Journal Special Recognition Award, and was named International Innovator of the Year by Ideas UK. His expertise has also been called upon to reshape culture within UK institutions, including reducing violence in prisons with the Ministry of Justice and supporting the London Ambulance Service’s exit from Special Measures.
In sport, Chris has advised the Football Association and served as a Non-Executive Director at Bristol Rovers during the club’s promotion following relegation. His ability to shape strategy and drive culture change has made him a trusted advisor to the Bank of England, the College of Policing, and many private sector businesses. Chris’s mission is clear: to help leaders understand the power of culture and equip them to build environments where people and performance thrive. Hire him to today to hear his expertise first-hand.
As an official speaker agent for Chris Gibson, Champions Speakers had the opportunity in February 2023 to sit down virtually with Chris Gibson and discuss what businesses can learn from high-performance groups like sports and military teams. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Chris Gibson.
Reviews
Chris Gibson received a 4.5 star rating across 6 events in 2023
Agent Recommendation
"Chris Gibson MBE is an exceptional keynote speaker with 34 years of military leadership experience. His expertise in building high-performance teams, coupled with roles such as Senior Leadership Advisor and Non-Executive Director, ensures captivating and insightful presentations. Chris's inspirational journey and dynamic speaking style make him a top choice for any event."
Chris Gibson's official speaking topics are listed below:
Innovation
From Chaos to Clarity – Leading Innovation with Clarity
In a world where innovation is both a necessity and a challenge, how do leaders cut through the noise and make decisions that drive progress? Drawing inspiration from the high-stakes environment of the West African Ebola crisis and other major projects, this keynote explores how innovation under pressure is not just possible but transformative when leaders embrace clarity, structure, and decisive action.
Leadership
Courage, Clarity, Culture - The Blueprint for High-Performance Leadership & Unstoppable Teams
What does it take to lead teams to extraordinary success in the most challenging environments? Drawing on over three decades of experience leading elite teams in high-stakes military, healthcare, and corporate settings, Chris Gibson reveals the secrets to building high-performance cultures that thrive under pressure.
In this powerful keynote, Chris shares hard-earned lessons from the frontlines - whether securing the release of hostages in Beirut, combating Ebola in West Africa, or transforming volatile prisons in the UK. He distils military precision, resilience, and adaptability into actionable strategies for leaders in any industry.
Discover how to:
- Foster trust and collaboration in high-pressure environments.
- Drive innovation and performance by aligning culture with purpose.
- Lead with clarity and courage when the stakes are highest.
Chris’ insights will equip you with the tools to transform your team’s potential into measurable results, proving that the principles of elite leadership can be applied anywhere - from the battlefield to the boardroom.
Culture
Cultures That Win - Key Steps to Building a High-Performance Workplace
What separates high-performing organisations from the rest? It’s not just strategy or resources - it’s culture. Drawing on his unparalleled experience leading elite teams in some of the world’s most challenging environments, Chris Gibson reveals the key steps to creating a workplace culture that drives success, innovation, and resilience.
From commanding specialist operations in war zones to transforming volatile prisons and revitalising the London Ambulance Service, Chris has consistently proven that culture is the foundation of high performance. In this insightful keynote, he shares actionable strategies to:
- Align culture with purpose - Create a shared mission that inspires and unites your team.
- Foster trust and collaboration - Build an environment where people feel empowered to contribute their best.
- Drive accountability and excellence - Establish clear expectations and reward behaviours that deliver results.
- Adapt and innovate under pressure - Learn how to pivot quickly and thrive in the face of adversity.
Chris’ proven framework will equip you with the tools to transform your workplace culture into a competitive advantage. Prepare to leave with a clear roadmap to building a winning culture that not only achieves goals but also inspires loyalty, innovation, and long-term success.
Change
Embracing Change - Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity - Lessons from War Zones, Crises & the Football Pitch
Change is inevitable, but how we respond to it defines our success. Drawing on his extraordinary career leading teams through some of the most volatile and unpredictable environments - from war zones to global health crises - Chris Gibson shares powerful insights on how to not only survive change but thrive in it. In this compelling keynote, Chris reveals practical strategies to:
- Reframe change as an opportunity - Shift mindsets from resistance to resilience.
- Build adaptability into your team’s DNA - Foster a culture that embraces uncertainty and innovation.
- Lead with confidence during transition - Communicate clearly, inspire trust, and maintain focus under pressure.
- Turn challenges into breakthroughs - Learn how to leverage change to drive growth and transformation.
Chris’ unique experiences include turning around a professional football club from relegation to automatic promotion the following season, showcasing his ability to inspire teams to achieve the extraordinary. Whether navigating organisational restructuring, market shifts, or personal transitions, Chris’ lessons from the frontlines - whether in Sierra Leone, West Africa during the Ebola crisis, or volatile UK prisons - will equip you with the tools to lead with courage and clarity.
Prepare to leave inspired and empowered to turn change into your greatest competitive advantage.
Resilience & Wellbeing
Resilience Redefined - Building Wellbeing & Strength in the Workplace - Lessons from Life, Leadership & Survival
What does it take to build true resilience and wellbeing in the workplace? For Chris Gibson, the answer is deeply personal. As a widower raising two young children, a recent cancer survivor, and a leader who has navigated some of the world’s most challenging environments, Chris brings a unique perspective on overcoming adversity and fostering strength - both individually and collectively.
In this deeply moving and practical keynote, Chris shares his journey of resilience and the strategies he’s used to build wellbeing in high-pressure workplaces, from war zones and healthcare crises to corporate boardrooms. He reveals how to:
- Create a culture of support and connection - Foster environments where people feel valued and empowered.
- Build personal and team resilience - Equip individuals and organisations to thrive in the face of challenges.
- Turn adversity into growth - Learn how to harness difficult experiences to drive purpose and performance.
- Lead with empathy and authenticity - Inspire trust and loyalty by showing vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
Chris’ story is a testament to the power of resilience, and his strategies are grounded in real-world experience. Whether you’re leading a team, managing change, or striving to create a healthier workplace, this keynote will leave you with actionable tools to build a culture of wellbeing and resilience that lasts.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"Fascinating insights from Lt. Col Chris Gibson MBE" - Leaders Performance, At Home with Leaders Podcast
"Brilliant presentation by Lt Col Chris Gibson, MBE on ‘Lessons from military medicine on how to innovate" - Brian, Prof Leadership in Healthcare, University of Salford
"Fascinating presentation `creating capability in a crisis" - SU Medical School
"An invigorating talk by Chris Gibson from The Leadership Team who shifted the thoughts of business leaders in that room with his first-hand knowledge & experience of putting military practice into business leadership. Truly inspirational." - Talent in Logistics
"Really enjoyed this morning’s round table chat with Chris Gibson- all things leadership and high performance. Loads to think about and reflect on. Thanks." - Brendan, Performance Services Manager, Cricket Ireland
- 2023 - Keynote Speaker for Microsoft Office on "Innovation"
- 2022 - Director of Evolving Vitality
- 2022 - Non-Executive Director of Bristol Rovers Football Club
- 2019 - Director of Growth Pod
- 2018 - Director of System of Systems Medical Limited
- 2018 - Adviser of the Ministry of Justice
- 2018 - Senior Leadership & Business Culture Advisor for The Leadership Team
- 2017 - Ambassador of the Forces Children's Trust
- 2017 - IdeasUK Finalist Award
- 2017 - Winner of the International Health & Safety Award & the International Innovation Award from IdeasUK
- 2017 - Ambassador of citizenAID
- 2016 - Recipient of the Ministry of Defence Quality Award
- 2015 - Recipient of the Ivan Houghton Award from the Tri-Service Anaesthetics Society
- 2015 - Strategic Organisational Development & Surgeon Generals Department of the UK Ministry of Defence
- 2015 - GEMS Award for Innovation from the Ministry of Defence
- 2015 - Blewitt Memorial Trophy recipient & Health Services Journal Special Recognition Award
- 2015 - Defence Information & Knowledge Excellence Award Team of the Year & GEMS Award for Innovation & Design from the Ministry of Defence
- 2015 - Appointed MBE
- 2013 - Chief Instructor for the UK Ministry of Defence
- 2012 - Assistant Chief Instructor of the UK Ministry of Defence
- 2012 - Leadership & Management Advisor for York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- 2008 - Major of the Canadian Forces Medical School
- 2006 - Lead Staff Officer for the UK Ministry of Defence
- 2003 - Provided close protection for world leaders, including Prime Minister Tony Blair
- 2003 - Close Protection Advisor Iraq of the UK Ministry of Defence
- 2003 - Special Forces Team, led efforts to secure the release of Terry Waite in Beirut
- 2002 - Presidential Security Advisor for DFID
- 2000 - Head of Security British High Commission Freetown for the Foreign & Commonwealth Games
- 2000 - Managed the President’s personal security during the Sierra Leone civil war
- 1995 - Special Forces Team, tasked with capturing indicted war criminals in Sarajevo
- 1994 - Close Protection Instructor of the UK Ministry of Defence
- 1984 - Warrant Officer of the UK Ministry of Defence
- Trained and deployed 1,200 military and NHS volunteers in response to the Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa
- Contributed to the Football Association’s High-Performance Module for the Pro Licence
- Advised the Bank of England on high-performance culture
- Advised the College of Policing Strategic Command Course
- Helped reduce violence in the 10 most volatile prisons in Britain, working with then-Minister Rory Stewart
- Supported the London Ambulance Service’s exit from Special Measures, tasked by the Department of Health
How to hire Chris Gibson
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Chris Gibson for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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