Mike FordeSpecialist in elite performance and talent strategy

Mike Forde is a leading authority on high-performance cultures, having served as the Director of Football Operations for Chelsea FC. During his tenure at the London club, he oversaw the entirety of the sporting operation, bridging the gap between recruitment, psychology, and performance data. His career began to flourish at Bolton Wanderers, where his pioneering technical analysis helped establish the club as a Premier League mainstay. Known for his expertise in integrating big data and scouting, Mike has become a key figure in modernising the way elite organisations manage their most valuable human assets. His influence extends well beyond football, having consulted for championship-winning organisations across the NBA, NFL, and Formula 1. He has shared his methodologies with teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, McLaren, and Team Sky cycling, demonstrating how the principles of the sporting world apply to any competitive business environment. This multidisciplinary approach is also reflected in his literary work, having co-authored the book Quiet Leadership with legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti to explore the mechanics of fostering loyalty and winning mindsets. Mike is a highly sought-after speaker who bridges the gap between scientific sports analysis and corporate strategy. He provides audiences with a compelling look at how to build and maintain world-class teams while navigating the intense pressures of the modern global market. On stage, Mike Forde is best known for talks on Psychology & Neuroscience, HR & People, Peak Performance and Risk & Risk Management. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room. Mike Forde is regularly booked for Business Speaker and Conference Speaker, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. Based in UK, Mike Forde travels internationally for engagements. To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how Mike Forde would approach your audience.