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Ian Astley

Ian retired from the Army with over 30 years’ experience of operational leadership, coaching, mentoring, training design and delivery, operational planning, and strategic analysis. Passionate about helping organisations and individuals develop, he is a Level 7 Executive Coach and Mentor, and experienced public speaker, with a proven record of enhancing team performance and individuals’ career progress. His areas of significant coaching and mentoring involvement include Defence, NHS, utilities and property management sectors. He encourages leaders and teams, through improved self-awareness, to flourish and prosper in their personal and professional lives.

Ian was bitten by the public speaking bug as a teenager and still can't quite stop telling people that he won a national public speaking competition in his youth. It was a skill that proved extremely useful when communicating with his teams in the Army. Now he is enjoying being back on the stage inspiring and entertaining local business people, passing on the leadership lessons he learned the hard way in the world's hot spots of the last 30 years.

Ian is a sports and outdoor enthusiast who began coaching on the rugby field over 20 years ago. He still walks, runs, skis and sails, but chiefly spends an unreasonable amount of time on his bicycle. He claims that his greatest leadership challenge – from which he is constantly learning – is as father and husband in a large and vibrant family.

Expertise
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Previous Speaking Experiences

13 Nov 2023
Event Name: Rutland Business Network
Topic: JUST Leading - Ethical Fair Simple and Effective Leadership
Based on my model of just (fair) and just (simple) leadership, this inspirational keynote talk introduces many fundamental leadership traits interwoven with real-life lessons and vignettes from my experiences on operations across the world with the British Army
17 Apr 2025
Event Name: Grantham Business Club
Topic: Let Them Buy Bread - Secrets of Team Emancipation
This is an informational and inspirational talk - based on a real-life operational incident in Northern Ireland - that brings to life top tips for leaders on how to truly delegate, thereby emancipating their teams and giving themselves the time and space they need to think and make the big decisions.
05 May 2023
Event Name: Keynote Speech for Assure Consulting Ltd
Topic: JUST Leading
Keynote speech to middle management and senior leaders at Assure Consulting Ltd (Bedford) as part of their annual strategic development programme.
15 May 2025
Event Name: Connections Club Stamford
Topic: Let Them Buy Bread - Secrets of Team Emancipation
Talk to all members of Connections Club (networking) at The William Cecil, Stamford.
27 May 2025
Event Name: Rutland Business Network
Topic: Let Them Buy Bread - Secrets of Team Emancipation
Talk to all members of Rutland Business Network at Rutland Hotel Hall.

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Testimonials

Availability and Travel

I am available throughout the year, including weekends, with sufficient notice.  I am happy to travel across the UK, including overnight commitments, and do so regularly with other aspects of my work.

Books

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Reels

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