Ollie Phillips: Sporting Legend

  • Highlights:
    • Rugby Icon: Ollie Phillips is a former England Rugby Sevens captain and one of the most successful players in the history of the sport. He was named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2009.
    • World-Class Career: Representing England, Ollie played in 60 tournaments on the World Sevens Series circuit, earning 11 tournament victories and multiple podium finishes. His dynamic style and leadership made him a fan favorite and a revered name in rugby.
    • Transition to Leadership: After retiring from professional rugby, Ollie transitioned into business and leadership development, applying his expertise in teamwork, resilience, and high-performance culture to inspire corporate audiences.
    • Adventurer and Record-Holder: Beyond rugby, Ollie has led extreme expeditions, including a Guinness World Record for the highest game of rugby ever played on Mount Everest. These adventures highlight his passion for pushing boundaries and embracing challenges.
    • Inspirational Speaker: Ollie captivates audiences with stories from his career and expeditions, offering insights on leadership, resilience, teamwork, and achieving peak performance under pressure.
Reading time: 3 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: London, UK
  • **Fee range: $5,001 - $10,000

Keynote Topics

  • Team-building
  • Leadership
  • Culture & resilience
  • Change management

England Sevens Captain and renowned rugby speaker Ollie Phillips is the most successful Sevens Captain in recent British history, with a career covering more than a decade Phillips is known for his position as a winger or fullback.

Ollie Phillips, who plays for both Stade Français and the England Sevens team, has competed in twenty World Series games and scored almost fifty tries for his country. He has worked as a rugby speaker for the England Sevens team since joining and more recently spent some time acting as a rugby speaker for Gloucester Rugby after spending six months with the club between January and July 2012.

As a rugby speaker and player Ollie Phillips is known for his leadership and ability to inspire, his tenure as Captain is one of the most successful to have ever been enjoyed by an England Sevens Captain. With Phillips at the helm the England team have participated in numerous World Sevens Series and Sevens World Cups and boast three Series victories and six Series finals.

Outside his work as an England player and rugby speaker Ollie Phillips has played for four different domestic clubs, including the infamous Harlequins and the Newcastle Falcons. As a domestic player, Ollie has enjoyed success with all four of his previous teams, participating in 3 Heineken Cups and a European Cup Final. Phillips was also voted 2011’s Best Overseas Player and has worked prolifically around the world as a rugby speaker and sports advocate.

Ollie Phillips | Sporting Legend

A PASSION FOR RUGBY
Energetic and multi-skilled, Ollie Phillips can work as a studio pundit, pitch-side presence and match co-commentator. A key part of Sky’s Sevens Series and Top 14 coverage, he’s also worked on World Cups in English and French.

  • Most successful England 7s captain
  • World Rugby 7s player of the year
  • Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons, Stade Français, Gloucester
  • Voted Best Overseas Player in France, 2011
  • European Cup Finalist
  • Leads international rugby outreach projects
  • ADVENTURE WITH OPTIMIST!

Ollie’s adventures have been many and varied and continue in support of chosen charities including Street Child, Alzheimers Society, Wooden Spoon and Cancer Research UK:

  • Sailed around the world in the Clipper Race
  • Cycled across America with RAAM
  • Rode a Rickshaw across India
  • Ran the world’s toughest marathon in Sierra Leone
  • Climbed Africa’s highest mountain in 2018
  • Coming in 2019: Mount Everest
  • Also in 2019: A world record attempt..

OLLIE PHILLIPS – FOUNDER, OPTIMIST PERFORMANCE
Like many former elite sportsmen and women, Ollie’s speaking is anchored in blood, sweat and tears. The crucial difference is that being a Director at PWC allows him to apply all of these life experiences to the business world.

  • Ex-England Rugby captain
  • World Sevens Player of the Year
  • Second-in-command sailing around the world
  • Cycled across America
  • Led team up Kilimanjaro in 2018
  • Leading team up Everest in 2019
  • Guinness World Record-holder
  • Director at PWC
  • Motivational speaker, mentor & consultant

He balances all of this with a demanding 9-5 at PWC but will never stop taking on new challenges with Optimist Performance and giving others the chance to join him.

Ollie is a proven team-leader and specialises in four core areas:

  • Team-building
  • Leadership
  • Culture & resilience
  • Change management

By applying these to the workplace with practical case studies we challenge you across three distinct stages – Inspiration, Exploration, Implementation – to think differently, improving management and productivity in key areas, including:

  • Helping leaders lead
  • Growing innovation
  • Developing teams
  • Building relationships
  • Resolving challenging or stressful situations

OPTIMISE YOUR PEOPLE

  • Are you getting the best out of your people?
  • They are your biggest asset and one of your biggest costs.
  • We help businesses create their own culture of success.

When he’s at corporate events, Ollie is known to cover the following topics:

  • Drive & Determination
  • Rugby Speaker
  • Rugby Union
  • International Rugby
  • Domestic Rugby
  • Rugby 7’s
  • Six Nations
  • World Cup

    View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

    Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

    The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

    Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

    Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    View further speakers

    • (124)
    Audrey Asistio

    Audrey Asistio anchors weekdays on NBC Bay Area News at 4:30. She joined NBC Bay Area in November 2021, co-anchored the weekend edition of NBC Bay Area News at 5, 6, and 11 p.m., and reported during the week. Audrey joined NBC Bay Area from NBC10 Boston, where she anchored the 4, 5:30, and 7 […]

    • Travels from: San Jose, CA
    • News Anchors
    • (71)
    Audie Cornish - Image 04 (January 20, 2026)

    Audie Cornish has become a recognized and trusted voice on the airwaves as co-host of NPR’s flagship news program, All Things Considered. Cornish’s career in journalism began at the Associated Press in Boston in 2001, just before the Sept. 11 terror attacks. The following year, her love of radio brought her to Boston’s WBUR, where […]

    • Travels from: Washington, DC
    • Political Speakers
    • (49)
    Phillip Koontz

    Phillip Koontz, a former Navy SEAL with over six years of service, stands as a beacon of resilience, leadership, and adaptability. Through the crucible of SEAL training, Koontz honed his skills and acquired invaluable life lessons that he now imparts to others, helping them navigate the challenges of their personal, professional, and family lives. Phillip […]

    • Travels from: Colorado Springs, CO
    • Military Speakers
    • (53)
    Chad Porter

    Chad Porter stands tall as one of the nation’s most esteemed and sought-after speakers. Renowned by corporate CEOs, fundraising executives, and esteemed figures within the realms of MLB, NFL, and collegiate athletics, Porter’s journey of triumph over adversity, perseverance, and navigating life’s hurdles serves as a beacon of inspiration. Through his compelling narratives, Porter delves […]

    • Travels from: Wilmington, NC
    • Motivational Speakers
    • (8)
    Watchen Nyanue

    Watchen Nyanue is a force to be reckoned with in the world of strategic marketing, business development, and professional speaking. Her journey from surviving the Liberian civil war to becoming the Founder and CEO of I Choose the Ladder is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Since immigrating to Chicago, […]

    • Travels from: Chicago, IL
    • Employee Engagement
    • (6)
    Deirdre Van Nest

    Deirdre Van Nest is the undisputed, go-to expert in the insurance and financial services industry on the topic of speaking! She is the creator of the Crazy Good Talks™ Blueprint, a system that teaches financial professionals how to build their brands and bring in business through the power of speaking. She is the host of […]

    • Travels from: Edina, MN
    • Finance Speakers
    • (37)
    Brad Sugars - Image 04 (January 21, 2026)

    Brad Sugars is a dynamic and influential speaker known for his powerful stage presence and ability to inspire and unify audiences. As a successful entrepreneur, business coach, and author, Brad has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations achieve their highest potential. His engaging presentations, filled with actionable insights and motivational anecdotes, resonate deeply […]

    • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
    • Business Speakers
    • (42)
    Relevant Leadership Podcast - Ty Bennett

    Ty Bennett is the Owner & CEO of the largest Ninja Warrior Gym in the world and it’s not stopping there – soon he will have three Ninja Warrior Gyms to add to his portfolio. An active CEO and serial entrepreneur, he has built three multi-million dollar businesses in three different industries. Ty and his […]

    • Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
    • Leadership Speakers
    Disclaimer
    The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

    These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

    Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

    All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

    Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
    Your subscription has been successful.

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

    We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

    Our Mission:

    We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

    © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

    AI Assistant
    Speakers Inc Logo 2024
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.