Available to book

Strategy advisor & psychologist

Mike Jones

Business Strategy

Strategic Decision Making

Effective Leadership

Transform strategy execution with Mike Jones, speaker, organisational psychologist, and strategy advisor. Mike works with CEOs and senior teams to bridge strategy-reality gaps, lead effectively through complexity, and eliminate strategy theatre, delivering proven insights for clients including Network Rail, the NHS, and Amazon.

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Trusted by Network Rail, NHS, Amazon

Mike Jones

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

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mike.jones@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

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£6–10k

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+44 203 835 2929

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Mike Jones's biography

Business Consulting

Psychology

Business Leader

Military

Author

Founder

Inspirational

At a glance

Organisational psychologist helping CEOs build strategies that survive complexity
Host of the Strategy Meets Reality podcast
Trusted by top organisations including Amazon, the NHS, and Network Rail

Mike Jones is a strategy advisor, organisational psychologist, and former British Army officer who helps senior leaders close the gap between strategy and reality in complex, high-stakes environments. After leading soldiers on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and training future officers at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Mike left the Army with a medical discharge and complex PTSD—and a hard-won scepticism of tidy plans. That experience, of watching elegant strategies collapse on contact with chaos, became the foundation of his work. As founder of LBI Consulting, Mike works with CEOs, boards, and senior teams in organisations including Network Rail, the NHS, Amazon, and England Rugby. His focus: helping leaders move beyond "strategy theatre"—the endless decks, slogans, and off-sites that look impressive but fail to change anything—toward organisations that can adapt while they act. Drawing on complexity science, systems thinking, and military doctrine like mission command, Mike challenges the orthodoxy that strategy is about control and prediction. Instead, he helps leaders build structures where information flows freely, authority moves to where the knowledge is, and decisions survive contact with the real world. Mike hosts the Strategy Meets Reality podcast and writes for a growing international audience of senior leaders through his Substack and LBI Consulting insights series. His forthcoming book, When Strategy Meets Reality, will be published later this year. Mike speaks with candour, cuts through corporate nonsense, and brings hard-won lessons from war, trauma, and organisational life to help leaders think differently about strategy itself.

Mike's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

When Strategy Meets Reality

In this talk, Mike Jones reveals that most strategies fail not due to poor execution, but because they are designed for an unrealistic world. Drawing on his military leadership experience and work with complex organisations, he highlights how traditional planning often leads to ineffective strategies. Mike advocates for viewing strategy as a dynamic process of orientation, decision-making, and adaptation. Attendees will learn how to create strategies that withstand real-world challenges and drive effective decision-making.

How To Build Disciplined Adaptability

Mike Jones discusses how traditional organisational structures hinder agility by centralising control, leading to paralysis in fast-paced environments. He advocates for decentralising authority, empowering the individuals closest to the challenges to make decisions while remaining aligned with organisational goals. By applying principles from complexity theory and military practices, Mike emphasises the importance of clear intent at the top and freedom of action at the edge. Attendees will learn how to foster disciplined adaptability for successful transformation in their organisations.

The Secret Power Of Strategic Ambiguity

In this keynote, Mike Jones addresses the common call for clarity in boardrooms and strategy reviews. He argues that an excessive focus on clarity can lead to strategic self-harm, creating fragility rather than alignment. Mike introduces the concept of strategic ambiguity as a disciplined capability, allowing organizations to remain agile while maintaining coherence. Attendees will learn how to balance clarity of intent with flexibility in methods, enabling them to respond effectively to dynamic environments.

How To Lead When You Can't See The Whole Picture

In his talk, Mike Jones challenges traditional leadership models that rely on predictable cause and effect. He emphasizes that such assumptions lead to fragile organizations. Drawing from complexity science and his own experiences, Mike presents a new approach to leadership focused on fostering conditions for intelligent action rather than controlling every decision. Attendees will learn how to lead effectively in uncertain environments, recognizing that those closest to the work often possess the most valuable insights.

Why we recommend booking Mike

Book Mike Jones to gain practical, battle-tested insights on turning strategy into real-world results, drawn from his unique blend of military leadership and organisational psychology expertise. Invite him to challenge your team’s thinking and unlock new ways to adapt and thrive in complexity.

Check Mike's availability

Trusted by Network Rail, NHS, Amazon

Testimonials

Mike fundamentally changed how our executive team thinks about strategy. He cut through the jargon and helped us see the gap between what we were saying and what we were actually doing. Uncomfortable at times, but exactly what we needed.

Clinical Director, NHS England

We brought Mike in to speak to our leadership programme, and he was the highlight of the year. His military background gives him credibility, but it's his clarity of thinking and willingness to challenge that make him stand out.

Senior Leader, Network Rail

If anyone really gets strategic thinking and what to do with it in practice, it's Mike. He reads the room, his timing is immaculate, and he sees what others miss. He's really on this—and just getting started.

Governance Director, Fintech

Featured Projects

Mike Jones - Strategy Meets Reality podcast cover

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How do I book Mike Jones for my next event?

Email mike.jones@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Mike's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

What is Mike Jones's speaking style like?

Mike Jones structures his sessions around a contrast between conventional strategic planning and what he terms "strategy theatre" — the gap between polished plans and operational reality. He draws on case material from military doctrine, specifically mission command, alongside complexity science and systems thinking, to illustrate how decentralised decision-making functions in practice across organisations such as the NHS, Network Rail, and Amazon.

What topics does Mike Jones specialise in?

Mike Jones speaks on strategy design for complex environments, decentralised decision-making and organisational adaptability, and the role of strategic ambiguity in maintaining coherence under uncertainty. He is a strategy advisor and organisational psychologist, a former British Army officer with operational experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, and founder of LBI Consulting, whose clients include Amazon, the NHS, and Network Rail.

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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

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Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

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Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

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Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

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Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

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Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.