Chris Ashford is a speaker and consultant whose extensive military career provides invaluable insights into leadership, performance, and decision-making in high-pressure environments. With experience serving directly under Her Majesty and commanding artillery units in various global theatres, including Afghanistan, Chris brings a unique perspective to the corporate world.
His journey has taken him through roles that few encounter, from leading complex operations in combat zones to coordinating sensitive military movements and evacuations. As a former Executive Officer to military Generals and an Artillery Officer, Chris has honed his ability to make decisive actions under extreme pressure, successfully navigating complex situations, including military judicial proceedings.
Chris's expertise has significantly impacted organisations at the highest levels. He has optimised RAF early-service retention programmes and transformed employee wellbeing initiatives in major pharmaceutical companies, leading to reduced sick days and improved staff retention. He has worked with over 1,500 individuals on performance enhancement, alongside coaching for prestigious institutions like the Behavioural Insights Team, with a commitment to fostering both individual and organisational success.
As a dedicated father and husband, Chris understands the importance of balancing professional performance with personal well-being. This perspective informs his approach to sustainable success and energy management, which he shares with executives and teams worldwide.
Chris's unique skills are due to his combination of high-stakes military experience and a practical understanding of contemporary corporate challenges. His frameworks for building resilient teams, maintaining peak performance, and making critical decisions have been tested in environments where failure is not an option. Through his speaking and coaching, Chris translates these hard-won lessons into actionable strategies for business leaders aiming for exceptional results.
Resilience is not just about surviving adversity - it’s about thriving under pressure. Drawing from military experience, including commanding soldiers in Afghanistan and working directly under Her Majesty The Queen, Chris Ashford reveals the battle-tested strategies that ensure high performance in any environment. Attendees will gain actionable insights on mental toughness, stress management and adaptive leadership - skills forged in the most demanding conditions and tailored for the modern corporate world.
In both combat and business, success hinges on the ability to make decisive choices under pressure. With experience in high-stakes military operations, executive leadership and strategic decision-making, Chris Ashford translates battlefield-tested methodologies into boardroom success. This session equips leaders with the tools to assess risk, act with confidence and navigate complex challenges with clarity - ensuring they stay ahead in fast-moving, high-pressure environments.
Executives operate in a highly demanding environment where mental and physical endurance is non-negotiable. Drawing from a career in the British Army, including high-intensity operations and elite performance coaching, Chris Ashford provides a framework for sustainable stamina. This session covers energy management, strategic recovery, and performance optimisation - giving leaders the tools to maintain peak output without burnout.
Elite military teams succeed because they operate with trust, discipline and accountability. As a former military commander and executive coach, Chris Ashford brings first-hand experience in cultivating high-performance teams that deliver under pressure. This session unpacks the leadership principles behind military cohesion and translates them into practical strategies for building a culture of excellence, resilience, and execution in corporate teams.
The most important battle is often the one within. Having trained, led, and coached individuals in some of the world’s most demanding environments, Chris Ashford understands how self-talk shapes performance. This session explores how executives can harness the power of mindset, self-discipline, and mental framing to drive success. By mastering inner dialogue, leaders can unlock resilience, confidence, and sustained high performance.
Burnout is not a badge of honour - it's a leadership failure. Having operated in extreme environments where endurance and decision-making are critical, Chris Ashford understands the fine line between high performance and burnout. This session provides practical strategies for achieving long-term success without compromising health, wellbeing or personal life. Attendees will leave with a blueprint for balancing ambition with sustainability, ensuring they lead with energy, clarity, and resilience.
