Des Powell

Des Powell is a former SAS Sergeant Major and the Sunday Times bestselling co-author of SAS Bravo Three Zero and SAS: My Trial by Fire. Today, he is a captivating high-performance speaker renowned for bringing audiences into the heart of some of the most intense environments on earth. His delivery is rooted in authenticity, shaped by an exceptional military career, and driven by the lessons he has carried from elite operations to the world of business and personal resilience.

Des began his journey at nineteen when he joined the British Army, starting in the Parachute Regiment. During eight rigorous years with the Paras, he specialised in unarmed combat and high altitude free-fall parachuting, eventually becoming a physical training instructor for the 1st Battalion. His ambition and determination led him to attempt one of the most demanding selection processes in the world, earning his place in the SAS. Over the next two decades, he served across South East Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East in counterterrorism and covert operations. Rising to Sergeant Major, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, discipline and the ability to stay composed under immense pressure.

After leaving the military, Des moved into the private security sector, providing consultancy and close protection for celebrities, VIPs, journalists, media organisations and charities working in high-risk regions. Alongside this, he became a bestselling author. ‘SAS Bravo Three Zero’ shares the remarkable story of an SAS patrol during the Gulf War and the lessons drawn from surviving behind enemy lines. ‘SAS: My Trial by Fire’ offers an unfiltered insight into the relentless perseverance required to join the army and ultimately the SAS, while championing the values of humility, humour, discipline, a classless culture and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

These experiences form the backbone of Des’s reputation as a high-performance speaker. He translates the mindset, teamwork and resilience forged in extreme situations into clear, actionable lessons for modern organisations. His stories captivate but also equip listeners with practical approaches to strategy, collaboration and operating with purpose under pressure. Whether addressing businesses, teams or large-scale events, Des empowers audiences to tackle challenges with greater mental fortitude and a renewed commitment to excellence, making his sessions unforgettable and profoundly impactful.