Jim Lawless

Jim Lawless has inspired over a million people across five continents, earning recognition as one of the world’s most in-demand keynote speakers. Voted the #1 motivational speaker outside of the US in the Global Gurus public rankings, he brings unrivalled authority and authenticity to every stage.

A record-breaking freediver, bestselling author, and a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 leaders, Jim is regarded as a leading voice on transformation, performance, and culture change. His clients include global powerhouses such as Apple, Microsoft, and Diageo, where he has worked directly with senior leadership to instill agility, resilience, and decisive action in fast-changing environments.

Jim’s impact goes far beyond inspiration. His methodology equips leaders and teams to challenge assumptions, embrace uncertainty, and deliver breakthrough results. Audiences value his unique blend of credible business insight, lived high-performance experience, and practical tools that can be applied immediately to business and personal challenges.

What sets Jim apart is that he embodies transformation himself. With no prior background, he became the deepest freediver in British history — achieving a 101m dive without oxygen in just eight months. He also reinvented himself from a non-rider to a televised jockey in under a year. These achievements, paired with his global bestseller Taming Tigers, position him as a world-class keynote speaker who doesn’t just talk about change — he lives it.

Jim’s dynamic presence combines energy, humor, and powerful storytelling, built on a deep understanding of human emotion, vulnerability, and courage in the face of risk. His sessions are designed to spark clarity, drive action, and leave audiences with a clear pathway to achieve the extraordinary.

Formerly a City of London commercial lawyer, Jim went on to study at the Guildford School of Acting to master human connection and communication. In recognition of his business writing, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2008.

Testimonials

“Jim’s session was inspiring and motivating, resulting in unanimous positive feedback from our attendees. Thank you, Jim, for an entertaining and powerful speech.”

– Maria Sebastian, Director of Worldwide Sales & Marketing, Virgin Atlantic

“At Apple we pride ourselves in thinking differently. This is why we work in partnership with Jim. Our big conference pitches and our key sales presentations have both been inspired by the Lawless touch.”

– HR Director, Apple Europe