Colin Richardson MBE

Colin Richardson MBE – Former 22 SAS Officer & Counterterrorism Specialist

Colin Richardson MBE is a distinguished former 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS) officer with a decorated career spanning counterterrorism, special operations, and high-pressure leadership roles across the globe. Renowned for his operational command in volatile regions such as the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Asia, Colin has shaped some of the most important special forces counter-insurgency and counterterrorist missions of modern times. His ability to translate elite military experiences into practical leadership lessons makes him a powerful keynote speaker on resilience, teamwork, and operating under pressure.

Speaking Topics

Leadership in High-Pressure Environments
“Four Afghans for Christmas” (Humorous stories from the world of black ops)
Counterterrorism & National Security
Building, Leading & Motivating Elite Teams
Resilience & Adaptability in Adversity
Strategic Thinking & Geopolitics
Personal Development & Overcoming Challenges.
Setting the conditions for mission success.
National Security and Geo-political Subjects.

Credentials & Impact

After graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Colin Richardson was commissioned into The Parachute Regiment before joining the SAS. Throughout his career, he held multiple command roles within UK Special Forces, serving as Commander of UKSF Covert Proxy Units, Commander of the 22 SAS Targeting Cell, Commander of the 22 SAS Special Reconnaissance Unit, and UKSF Lead on Selection and Training operations worldwide. He also played a pivotal role as UKSF Lead on Resistance Forces Development and Training, as well as Unconventional Warfare across the globe. His leadership extended to high-profile operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq, and Afghanistan, in addition to low-profile missions in Africa, South America, and Europe. Colin was instrumental in developing large-scale proxy forces, designing organic covert targeting capabilities, and working with both national and international security structures to counter global threats.

Publications & Media

Colin Richardson MBE is a respected commentator on national security, leadership, and resilience. He has written extensively on the impact of geopolitics on operational strategy and advises multinational corporations on building resilient leadership networks. His analysis has been featured in leading defence publications, and he is regularly consulted on matters of international security and counterterrorism. In addition, Colin brings humour and relatability to his talks, offering audiences engaging anecdotes from his years in special operations, including his lighter reflections in talks such as “Four Afghans for Christmas.”

Why book Colin Richardson MBE?

Colin Richardson MBE is more than a decorated military leader; he is a master strategist who understands how to lead in high-stakes environments and inspire peak performance under pressure. His unrivalled experience in counterterrorism, resilience, and international operations makes him an invaluable speaker for businesses, governments, and organisations looking to strengthen leadership, adaptability, and teamwork. With powerful storytelling and actionable insights, Colin motivates audiences to think differently, act decisively, and build resilience in the face of challenges.

To book Colin Richardson MBE to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.