Jonny Ball

Jonny Ball is a former Staff Sergeant in the UK Intelligence Corps and served in the UK Armed Forces for over 22 years. Since his medical discharge, Jonny has remained dedicated to supporting veterans, co-founding The UK Afghanistan Veterans Community in 2022 to offer support and celebrate individual stories. He is also an accomplished athlete and was the first Int Corps Reservist to take part in the Invictus Games. At the 2023 games, Jonny won a bronze medal in powerlifting, captained the indoor rowing team and gained a personal best in cycling. As a speaker, Jonny draws on his diverse experiences to deliver engaging and inspirational talks on mental health, mental fitness, Afghanistan and UK politics. 

In 1996, Jonny joined The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and was soon deployed to Northern Ireland at 18. Whilst completing his BSc in Econ, International Politics and Strategic Studies at Prifysgol Aberystwyth University, he enrolled in the Wales University Officers' Training Corps. In 2010, Jonny became a language and culture specialist for the British Army and was later deployed to Afghanistan as part of a full-time reserve service. Over the coming years, he served as a Full Corporal, Sergeant in the Battalion Training Company and finally Staff Sergeant in the MI Battalion. For his outstanding service in the British Army, Jonny received the Commander Land Forces Commendation and a Voluntary Reserve Service Medal. In 2015, Jonny was appointed Assistant Director of the Defence Relationship Management team at the Ministry of Defence, where he helped develop strategic solutions to complex industry challenges.

Drawing on his experience as a political agent, regional development manager, and Party Chairman’s Agent for the Conservative Party, Jonny co-founded CampaignForce in 2018 to equip veterans with the skills and confidence to enter public life and politics. Central to this is the Veterans in Politics podcast, where he hosts insightful interviews designed to inform, inspire and empower listeners. Jonny also regularly appears across major media outlets, including Channel 5 News, BBC1, LBC, TalkTV, GB News and BBC Radio. In 2024, he was featured on Forces News to discuss Afghan veterans and appeared on the BBC, where he spoke about Remembrance Sunday and the Invictus Games. Alongside these appearances, Jonny has featured as a guest on podcasts such as VeteranX, H-Hour and The Sonya Morton Firth Show. He has also produced and managed several podcast series, including Deloitte’s 'Veterans Work' podcast and AJEX’s 'For Honour’s Sake'.

Jonny Ball is an inspiring keynote speaker whose story of resilience, service, and determination motivates audiences to overcome adversity and achieve their potential. His talks cover a range of topics, from his lived experiences with PTSD and anxiety to working within politics and high-pressure environments. With a coaching and mentoring certificate from ILM and a Mental Health First Aid certificate from Thoughtify, Jonny provides thorough frameworks and practical actions that leave audiences feeling inspired and energised. Jonny is able to deliver both in-person and virtual workshops, panels and conferences that align with your organisation’s culture and goals.  With his extensive media experience across TV, radio, and podcasts, both as a host and contributor, Jonny can also support organisations with media appearances, content creation, and communications coaching. Contact Champions today to book Jonny Ball for your next event!