Richard Wood is an AI business strategist who shows organisations how to transform uncertainty into opportunity and use artificial intelligence as a practical tool for growth. As CEO of Rocketeer.uk, he helps business leaders cut through the noise and build the companies of tomorrow. Over the past few years, Richard has worked with more than 150 business owners across a wide range of industries, guiding them on how to embed AI into strategy and operations.
With a background in consultancy and business growth, Richard brings a clear and practical perspective on how AI can support a company at every stage of its journey. His Rocketeer self-learning ecosystem is designed to grow smarter with every client, turning ambition into measurable enterprise value. Whether optimising workflows, automating customer communication, or unlocking new growth opportunities, Richard empowers organisations to use AI as a driver of sustainable success.
On stage, Richard has a gift for making complex ideas simple. This year alone, he has delivered close to a dozen talks across sectors including manufacturing, engineering, retail and tech. He has spoken at the University of Wolverhampton’s Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, engaged industry leaders on the future of AI in business, and contributed to the university’s Cyber and AI division launch. His sessions blend storytelling with strategy, leaving audiences both inspired and equipped with a practical roadmap for AI adoption.
Beyond speaking, Richard leads the RAI Centre Programme, partnering with universities and consultancies to deliver certified AI training. These accredited courses help organisations and individuals build lasting skills and confidence, ensuring AI is not just a passing trend but a tool for long-term growth. Known for sparking lightbulb moments, Richard shows founders, leadership teams and students alike that AI is not just a buzzword, it is a practical tool every business can use to thrive with confidence.
Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
- Making AI Work for Business Leaders
AI can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. Richard shows CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs how to spot the real opportunities (and avoid the traps) based on how their business operates and grows.
- Why Leaders Must Get Hands-On with AI
Delegating too soon is the biggest mistake in AI adoption. Richard explains why senior teams need first-hand experience to truly grasp AI’s risks, rewards, and transformative potential.
- Linking AI to What Really Matters
AI for AI’s sake doesn’t work. Richard shows how to tie AI adoption directly to growth goals, tackling constraints, boosting efficiency, and driving measurable results.
Teams & Staff
- AI Without the Fear: Empowering Your Teams
AI isn’t just about tools, it’s about people. This talk helps staff understand AI’s risks and challenges while showing them how to use it confidently, safely, and in ways that make their jobs easier.
- AI Talks That Count Towards CPD
Richard offers CPD-accredited AI training (through IOEE) so teams leave with not just ideas, but certified skills they can put into practice straight away.
Mixed
- AI on a Budget: Test Before You Invest
You don’t need a massive budget to get started with AI. Richard shares simple, cost-effective ways to trial tools, explore workflows, and see results without overspending.
- No-Code AI: Making It Simple for Everyone
You don’t need to be technical to benefit from AI. This talk introduces no-tech, no-code tools that project managers, leaders, and teams can start using straight away.
- AI, Cybersecurity and the New Rules of Business
From EU regulation to cyber threats, the AI landscape is shifting fast. Richard explains what leaders need to know now to stay compliant, protected, and ahead of the curve.
Official Testimonials From In-Person & Online Events
“He’s just amazing at giving confidence and telling you everything about the world of AI and how you can implement it into your business. I think it’s that word there - ‘confidence’ - because there is so much out there. Where do you begin? Where do you start? But hearing Richard talk about it has really given me the confidence and a real drive to implement it more into our business and our clients moving forward.” - Laura Dryhurst, Co-Founder, The Business Cube
“It was really, really interesting. Richard did a great talk on AI. If Richard’s about where you are, I recommend going to his talk. He keeps it very simple, which is an important thing for lots of people because a lot is going on with AI. But there is a fear of it, isn’t there? But Richard probably helped to reduce some of the fears.” - Phil Haynes, Marketing Consultant, AIM Internet
“The initial sessions completely changed how we think about our workflows and gave us the confidence to consider AI to improve consistency and customer communication.” - Becky, Business Manager, Express Curtains
“The AI strategy session with Rocketeer was a revelation. Richard mapped out a complete marketing and sales AI workflow for us that will automate the entire process.” - Chris & Kate, CEB Energy Consultants
“The AI Audit from Rocketeer was a huge eye-opener for us. Richard showed us a step-by-step plan to automate our entire email enquiry and order process, which will save us countless hours every week.” - Steve & Ruth, Tailored Branding
“Before we started, our understanding of how AI could benefit us was limited, but the process has given us total clarity and confidence. The initial meetings were incredibly valuable, helping us to think completely differently about our business operations and workflows. We would recommend Richard to any other business owner without hesitation (10/10) and will definitely be working with them again.” - Teresa, Chameleon School of Construction
How to hire Richard Wood
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Richard Wood 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.
** 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.
