Colonel In The First Conflict Of The War In Afghanistan, Founder of The Afghanistan Trust Charity & Bestselling Author of ‘SAS: Sea King Down’ & ‘Tank Action’
Colonel Stuart Tootal is a distinguished former British Army officer, bestselling author and respected authority on leadership, strategy and resilience. A decorated soldier and accomplished leader, Stuart is best known for commanding the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment during its deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order and an OBE for his service, he has since built a global career in corporate security and consultancy, bringing military precision and experience to leadership and performance development across the business world.
After graduating from SOAS University of London, Stuart began his military career with the British Army, serving across Northern Ireland and the Middle East. Rising through the ranks to become a Colonel, he held several senior positions, including Lieutenant Colonel Military Assistant to the Chief of the General Staff. In 2005, he took command of the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment and led his troops into one of the most demanding combat operations in Helmand Province. His leadership under extreme pressure earned him the Distinguished Service Order and an OBE.
Following two decades of service, Stuart transitioned into the corporate world as Chief Security Officer for Barclays, before becoming a Partner at Matero Management Consultancy, where he advises global clients on leadership, risk and resilience. He also founded the Afghanistan Trust Charity, dedicated to supporting wounded soldiers and their families. Stuart’s extensive experience in both military and corporate leadership has made him a sought-after voice on teamwork, decision-making and adaptive strategy.
Stuart is the bestselling author of four books: ‘Danger Close’, ‘The Manner of Men’, ‘Tank Action’ and ‘SAS: Sea King Down’. His works combine military insight with compelling storytelling, offering readers a powerful exploration of leadership, courage and camaraderie under pressure. Through his writing, Stuart provides a first-hand perspective on modern warfare, the human side of command and the lessons that apply beyond the battlefield.
Why Hire Stuart Tootal?
Audiences book Stuart for his engaging and deeply authentic approach to leadership and performance. Drawing on his experiences leading soldiers in high-stakes operations and later advising global businesses, he explores how to build trust, maintain focus and lead effectively under pressure. His talks address the realities of decision-making, resilience and accountability, providing actionable lessons for both individuals and organisations.
Known for his humility and clarity, Stuart connects military principles with business challenges, empowering audiences to embrace adaptability, collaboration and purpose-driven leadership. His inspiring and thought-provoking presentations have established him as a leading figure in leadership and resilience speaking.
To book Stuart to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.
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“I must tell you how inspiring the guest speaker – Stuart Tootal was, his passion, dedication and responsibility for his men was crystal clear. He is the true definition of a leade. His speech was so moving that the pictures in my mind were crystal clear and brought me to the edge of tears. The comments from attendees included; best speaker on the day, passionate, inspiring, admiration for the difficult decisions you made, definition of a true leader, expanded my knowledge beyond anything the government has told me, admiration for you as a person and a leader, etc.” – Barclays Finance
“My Chairman and I have heard lots of ex-military speakers, but I have never heard one so good; he takes the audience with him” – Kent Rotary Club
“Stuart was great yesterday and I’ve already received several emails and comments from attendees noting how fascinating he was and how relevant the points he was making were. Thanks for all your help in organising.” – Karen, JCCA
“I felt compelled to write – as I’m sure many others have – after listening to Stuart’s talk at the Royal Geographic Society. In short, it was excellent. He presented what was a very involved and intricate military (and political) experience with great honesty, eloquence, humility, passion and engaging clarity. …..I can understand why General Mike Jackson tried to persuade you to stay in the military.” –Royal Geographic Society
“Suffice to say the overwhelming view is that Stuart’s speech was fantastic, inspiring, eye-opening, to mention just a few of the superlatives. He really delivered in a most engaging and professional way, having taken care to understand our franchise structure” – Auditel
The cost of hiring Stuart Tootal depends on your event format, location, duration and any travel requirements. For an accurate and tailored quote, please contact a SpeakOut booking agent for expert guidance.