Mike Bates combines elite military expertise with extraordinary personal achievement to deliver transformative insights for organisations navigating complex challenges. As a former covert counter-terrorism operations leader and the first officer in MOD history to qualify for frontline counter-terror response, Mike brings unparalleled credibility to his presentations.
His remarkable credentials include becoming the fastest British solo rower to complete the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge (3,000 miles in just over 46 days), raising £175,000 for charity, and founding one of Europe's most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies with over 500 students. Mike also co-founded UNIFY, which supports men of all ages through mental health challenges using world-class events and resources.
Mike translates his experiences from high-stakes intelligence operations and extreme physical challenges into practical strategies for organisational resilience. His unique perspective helps leadership teams develop authentic cultures that thrive under pressure, implement effective goal-setting frameworks, and build teams capable of performing consistently in volatile environments.
Audiences leave Mike's presentations with concrete tools for building personal resilience during organisational change, actionable frameworks for setting and achieving ambitious goals, and proven methods for creating high-trust teams that excel under pressure.
Book Mike when you need a speaker whose extraordinary life experiences deliver both inspiration and practical strategies your organisation can implement immediately.
How can I book Mike Bates for my next event?  
Email mike.bates@getapeptalk.com, or call us 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 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.
PepTalk are the official speaking agents for Mike Bates available to book for corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity endorsements, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Mike Bates's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. For media interviews, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Mike directly.
What topics does Mike Bates specialise in?  
Mike Bates specialises in discussing resilience, leadership development, goal setting and more.
What is Mike Bates's speaking style like?  
Mike delivers authentic, inspiring sessions that engage and motivate. His unique story and credibility captivate audiences, leaving them energised and equipped with practical takeaways. Effortlessly influences and inspires business professionals.
Does Mike Bates offer virtual speaking engagements?  
Yes, Mike Bates offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.