David Sole is a successful executive coach and the co-founder of School for CEOs, through which he has guided some of the most senior executives across various high-profile organisations, including Oracle, BT, Sainsbury's, Microsoft, Moet Hennessy, National Express, British Waterways, British Energy, Barclays, ASDA, and more.
Prior to joining the world of executive coaching in 2001, David enjoyed a successful career with Diageo and United Distillers as a Global Category Manager. Working his way to the head of Whitehead Mann’s Leadership Development, David soon set up his own business in 2007, dedicating himself to assisting senior leaders over the next two decades. In 2011, he co-founded the School for CEOs, changing the landscape of executive coaching programmes and filling the gaps that were present within the market. In 2017, he merged his own coaching business with the brand and has been a managing partner since. David was also a non-executive director for AM Bid Services and is currently the chair of the Board of Trustees for Worldwide Cancer Research and a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council. In 2025, he became an advisory board member for Eclisse UK.
Before his professional career, David was a professional rugby player, namely a former Scotland Rugby Captain with an impressive 44 caps, winning a Grand Slam in 1990, and leading Scotland to a Semi-Final win in the 1991 Rugby World Cup. David is also the co-author of ‘21st Century Networking – How to Become a Natural Networker’. With over two decades of experience, David is qualified in the administration of MBTI and FIRO-B, a certified business practitioner in NLP and international coaching federation. in 2021, he was listed among HR Magazine's Most Influential Thinkers, underpinning his commitment to bettering the performance of other leaders.
Having contributed to various newspapers and offering commentary on BBC, ITV, BskyB, and Eurosport, David is a seasoned speaker and expert in all things leadership coaching. Empathetic yet willing to challenge perspectives on the actions of senior leaders, David is the perfect addition to a multitude of events. With tailored approaches and a focus on achieving tangible, real outcomes, David offers transparent yet constructive advice and practical pathways to success.
Books
21st-Century Networking: How to Become a Natural Networker
David Sole's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Coaching
- Team Development
- Board/Team Facilitation
- Networking
- 2025 – Advisory Board Member, Eclisse UK
- 2017 – Managing Partner, School for CEOs
- 2017 – Chair of the Board of Trustees, Worldwide Cancer Research
- 2017 – Non-Executive Director, AM Bid Services
- 2015 – Published ‘21st Century Networking – How to Become a Natural Networker’
- 2015 – Director, BizPrompt
- 2007 – Owner, David Sole & Associates
- 2001 – Head of Leadership Development, Whitehead Mann
- 1990 – Global Category Manager, Commodities and Neutral Spirit, United Distiller/Diageo
How to hire David Sole
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring David Sole 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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