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

    • (16)
    Wendee Lee Curtis Emcee

    Wendee Lee Curtis is a seasoned Broadway performer turned motivational keynote speaker, emcee, and moderator. With over a decade of experience captivating audiences, Curtis has brought her powerful stage presence, magnetic charisma, and expertise in corporate communications to Fortune 500 companies worldwide. A favorite among industry giants such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, and CrowdStrike, […]

    • Travels from: Chicago, IL
    • Communication Speakers
    • (37)
    Mermaids - Image 01 (January 29, 2026)

    Elevate your corporate and private events with the mesmerizing allure of our mermaids performers. As purveyors of magical experiences, we bring a touch of fantasy to your gatherings, creating memories that will linger in the hearts of your guests. Our mermaids performers embody grace and elegance, seamlessly gliding through events with an otherworldly charm. Whether […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Water Performers
    • (47)
    • (4)
    Jay Baer, Standing Ovation Podcast

    Jay Baer is a Hall of Fame speaker who illuminates pathways to business growth through the twin pillars of customer experience and marketing innovation. With a career spanning decades, Jay has not only achieved acclaim as a speaker but has also carved out a reputation as an accomplished emcee and host, effortlessly guiding large events […]

    • Travels from: Bloomington, IN
    • Customer Experience
    • (6)

    Dale Smith Thomas is an esteemed professional speaker, revered for her unparalleled ability to connect deeply with audiences worldwide. Renowned for her dynamic blend of transparency, honesty, humor, and warmth, Dale embarks on transformative journeys during her presentations, leaving an indelible mark on each individual fortunate enough to experience her message. As an unapologetic optimist, […]

    • Travels from: Brentwood, TN
    • Motivational Speakers
    • (29)

    Heather Marie Zagone has been doing stand up for over 10 years for corporate events, comedy clubs, local underground shows, and more. She has been to over 20 countries entertaining our U.S. Military. She recently filmed a TV pilot that will air on Netflix along with many other TV and movie credits. Heather also produces […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Comedian Performers
    • (22)
    • (4)
    Drum as One

    Drum As One, formerly known as 1st Project, is a globally renowned drumming entertainment act that has captivated audiences with their electrifying performances and unique approach to rhythm. Established as pioneers in the field of percussion entertainment, Drum As One has seamlessly blended the power of drumming with innovative visual and auditory experiences, creating an […]

    • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
    • Drummers
    • (41)
    • (5)

    Peter Diamandis stands at the forefront of innovation, a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader dedicated to unlocking the potential of exponential technologies. Named by Fortune as one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” Diamandis is renowned for his groundbreaking work in incentivizing innovation through the XPRIZE Foundation and for his role in shaping the future […]

    • Travels from: Santa Monica, CA
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (34)
    • (6)
    Tammy Barlette

    Retired Lt. Col. Tammy Barlette, and seasoned military pilot, brings a fresh perspective to overcoming challenges with high-stakes mental performance strategies. Drawing on her 20 years of experience in the cockpit of some of the Air Force’s most demanding aircraft, Tammy inspires audiences to rethink their approach to handling adversity and reaching peak performance. Her […]

    • Travels from: Tucson, AZ
    • Military 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.