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

    • (51)
    Minda Dentler Motivational Speaker

    Minda Dentler is the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship Minda’s life is one of inspiration, courage, and determination; she will have you on your feet ready to face your personal Ironman and set even higher goals. As an infant in India, Minda Dentler contracted polio, resulting in the paralysis of […]

    • Travels from: Scottsdale, AZ
    • Motivational Speakers
    • (17)
    Keelan Leyser

    Keelan Leyser is a world-renowned illusionist and master of digital magic, redefining the boundaries of modern entertainment. Blending cutting-edge technology with mind-blowing illusions, Keelan has captivated audiences in over 60 countries, earning his place as one of the most innovative performers in the world of magic. With his engaging stage presence and astonishing skill, Keelan […]

    • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
    • Mentalists
    • (10)
    • (4)

    The Swing Kittens are a vibrant and talented swing vocal trio hailing from the heart of Orange County, California. Renowned for their harmonious blend of vintage style and modern charisma, The Swing Kittens have quickly established themselves as a premier act in the entertainment industry. Their engaging performances captivate audiences with a nostalgic nod to […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Singers
    • (59)
    Jessica Kriegel

    Dr. Jessica Kriegel is a renowned workplace culture strategist, researcher, and speaker dedicated to transforming company cultures for business success. With a dynamic presence and an evidence-based approach, she has helped Fortune 100 companies, global brands, and industry leaders foster intentional cultures that drive performance, innovation, and employee engagement. Her expertise lies in decoding organizational […]

    • Travels from: Sacramento, CA
    • Culture Speakers
    • (9)
    Abbie Maroño

    Dr. Abbie Maroño is a renowned behavioral scientist whose deep expertise in human behavior, decision-making, and non-verbal communication has revolutionized the field of psychology and behavioral science. She combines her academic research with practical applications, making her an authority in areas such as persuasion, influence, and trust-building. As a keynote speaker, she engages audiences with […]

    • Travels from: Orlando, FL
    • Behavior Speakers
    • (45)
    • (2)
    Clint Pulver - Image 13 (January 16, 2026)

    Clint Pulver is an award-winning keynote speaker, author, and mentor, renowned for his dynamic and impactful presentations that inspire organizations to retain, engage, and lead their people more effectively. With a message that blends storytelling, humor, and real-world research, Clint is not only a motivational speaker but a workplace advocate, addressing critical issues in employee […]

    • Travels from: Pleasant Grove, UT
    • Motivational Speakers
    • (31)

    Rana Florida is a name synonymous with creativity, innovation, and business transformation. As the CEO of the Creative Class Group, a global advisory services firm founded by her husband, renowned urban theorist Richard Florida, Rana has carved out a formidable reputation in the world of business. She is an influential author, thought leader, and business […]

    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • Business Speakers
    • (6)
    Amy Ashton

    Amy Ashton is a force of comedic brilliance in the corporate world, renowned for her unique ability to blend humor with professional insight. With a career spanning over a decade, Amy has established herself as a sought-after conference comedian, known for her quick wit, engaging stage presence, and ability to tailor her performances to a […]

    • Travels from: San Diego, CA
    • Comedian Performers
    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.