Mike Jackson was the Chief of General Staff and Head of the Army until 2006. His career led to command of forces in Iraq, UN peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and UN forces in Kosovo. As an after dinner speaker and motivational speaker, Mike relates his military experience with both corporate and personal aspects of life, making him a highly sought after business speaker. Originally commissioned to the Intelligence Corps that specialised in the threat from the Soviet Union, Mike was transferred to the Parachute Regiment, serving on duty in Northern Ireland during what became to be known as Bloody Sunday. Jackson served as deputy in the 1990's to NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Wesley Clark.
Whilst commanding at Pristina airport, Jackson infamously told Clark that 'I won’t start World War III for you' after refusing the order to block the runway. History determined that if that particular order had been carried out, British and Russian troops would have initiated armed conflict shortly after. Delivering anecdotal tales as a motivational speaker, Mike's experiences of life on the frontline will inspire guests and intrigue audience members. In the wake of the Iraq invasion, images released by the Daily Mirror depicted alleged torture of Iraqi prisoners by British soldiers, leading to Jackson ordering an inquiry into the situation. Mike draws on a wealth of unique experience combining sharp-end military action and the heavy responsibility of many life-and-death policy and command decisions, inspiring audiences as an after dinner speaker and motivating businesses for the future. His presentations as a business speaker are sharp and memorable, featuring remarkable personal anecdotes and thoughtful examples of both success and failure.
How to hire Mike Jackson
Contact the Champions Speakers agency to provisionally enquire about Mike Jackson for your event today. Simply call a booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
"Fantastic Q&A session - topical speech, commanded the respect of the audience. A pleasure to work with." - Centaur Events
"A charming man who commands enormous respect among an audience." - Quintcomms
"An excellent after dinner address - and he took time to speak personally to the guests afterwards." - Intellect
"General Sir Mike Jackson was the perfect fit for helping promote video game Sid Meier’s Civilization VI. Participating through Q&A at a junket, his vast experience and knowledge in military and political diplomacy gave journalists a great insight into the realism of decision-making and combat compared to the content of the video game, where decision-making and diplomacy is key within Sid Meier’s Civilization VI. General Sir Mike Jackson was willing and eager to participate and also learn about the product, in return helping himself reflect his personal experiences compared to Sid Meier’s Civilization VI. It was thoroughly enjoyable working with General Sir Mike Jackson and would highly recommend for anyone looking for someone with huge military experience to speak or take part in a Q&A." - Yunus Account Manager Premiercomms
"Informative, quality, friendly, professional." - Gerry -Morrison, D A Calder
"Educational, entertaining and informative." - Gary - Investment choices
"Very clear, informative & motivational" - Paul - LWM Wealth Management
"Sir Mike was fantastic. Never have I been in a room with senior industry figures and the room has been silent – they were all hanging on Sir Mike’s every word!" - Paul – Landbay
