Project Director of the Peace Support Training Centre, Former British Army Officer, Former Chairman of Pinpoint Corporate Services & Author of ‘Rules of Engagement: A Life in Conflict’

Colonel Tim Collins OBE is a retired British Army officer celebrated for his stirring 2003 eve-of-battle speech to the 1st Royal Irish Battle Group during the Iraq War, an address so powerful that it now hangs in the Oval Office. A distinguished leader and strategist, he commanded the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment and earned the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service. Throughout his military career, Collins served in Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone, the Falklands and Iraq, becoming renowned for his integrity, composure and humanity in conflict. Today, he is a respected author, speaker and symbol of inspirational leadership worldwide.

Tim began his distinguished military career after earning a degree in economics and graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Commissioned into the Royal Signals, he soon transferred to the Royal Irish Rangers, where his leadership ability saw him rise steadily through the ranks. His early service included deployments in Berlin, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, and Sierra Leone, where he played a crucial role in the successful hostage rescue mission. In 2001, he was appointed Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment and earned the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service for his exceptional leadership.

After retiring from the Army in 2004, Tim transitioned into business and leadership consultancy. He became Chairman of Pinpoint Corporate Services, offering strategic and security expertise to global organisations. Alongside his business career, he has held advisory and board positions supporting veteran welfare, leadership development, and education. His enduring commitment to service and leadership was recognised when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Today, Tim continues to inspire through speaking engagements and consultancy work, translating decades of operational experience into practical lessons on resilience, ethics, and high-performance leadership.

Tim is the author of ‘Rules of Engagement: A Life in Conflict’, a compelling memoir exploring leadership, ethics, and modern warfare. His perspectives have featured across major outlets, including BBC Radio 4’s Today, BBC Panorama: Forgotten Heroes, Sky News, Good Morning Britain, and ITV News. A frequent commentator and guest speaker, Tim provides expert analysis on defence, leadership, and current affairs in both national and international media.

Why Hire Tim Collins?

Tim is an exceptional speaker whose insight into leadership, resilience, and performance under pressure resonates with audiences across every sector. Drawing on decades of experience in high-stakes military operations, Tim shares powerful lessons on teamwork, integrity, and decision-making that are directly transferable to business and organisational settings. His storytelling, drawn from years of commanding and motivating others in challenging environments, is both engaging and deeply practical.

Renowned for his authenticity and clarity, Tim delivers speeches that inspire individuals and teams to operate with purpose, courage, and composure. He connects military precision with the realities of modern leadership, helping audiences understand how to remain calm, adaptable, and effective under stress. Whether addressing corporate leaders, public sector professionals, or international conferences, Tim Collins leaves a lasting impression, empowering people to achieve excellence, strengthen collaboration, and lead with integrity in the face of challenge.

To book Tim to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.