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Transform leadership and crisis management with Kim Hughes, speaker and George Cross recipient. Kim works with organisations to develop courage under pressure and elite teamwork skills, delivering battlefield-tested insights from his extraordinary bomb disposal expertise in Afghanistan.
Kim Hughes' deployment in Afghanistan was marked by an extraordinary act of bravery. He risked his life to save his comrades by manually defusing bombs, even forgoing protective clothing. This act has been hailed as the most outstanding example of explosive ordnance disposal ever seen in Afghanistan.
Hughes successfully disarmed 120 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during his tour, earning him the prestigious George Cross, which was presented to him by Sir Jock Stirrup, the Head of the Defence Staff, in March 2010. His citation, which he read at Buckingham Palace, recognised his selflessness and courage.
Hughes' incredible story, exceptional skills, and knowledge of working in challenging environments make him an inspiring speaker. He is an authority on teamwork and leadership, and his fearless approach to one of the world's most dangerous jobs sets him apart.
Despite the dangers he faces, Hughes remains dedicated to his work, viewing it as his duty.
Topics, sessions and talks
Kim Hughes delivers an inspiring talk on motivation, emphasising the power of self-belief and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and achieving personal and professional goals.
Kim Hughes embodies unparalleled bravery and expertise in facing high-stakes situations, making him an exceptional source of inspiration on leadership and teamwork. His first-hand experience in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges offers invaluable lessons on resilience and decision-making under pressure. Booking him as a speaker will not only motivate your team but also equip them with practical strategies for success in any endeavour.
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frequently asked questions
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Kim Hughes draws on first-hand military experience to ground his talks, recounting specific incidents from his deployment in Afghanistan — including the manual defusal of 120 IEDs without protective equipment — to illustrate principles of leadership, teamwork, and operating under extreme pressure.
Kim Hughes speaks on motivation and self-belief, conquering fear and anxiety, and maximising performance under pressure. He is a George Cross recipient, awarded for manually defusing 120 IEDs in Afghanistan without protective clothing, recognised as the most outstanding example of explosive ordnance disposal seen in that conflict.
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