Keynote speaking · Manchester and UK
A leadership speaker who has lived the pressure.
Keynotes and sessions on leadership, resilience and high performance from FORGE co-founder Paul Wood, former Warrington Wolves and England rugby league player.
From the Challenge Cup to the boardroom
Paul Wood played professional rugby league for 17 years, most of it with Warrington Wolves, winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley and representing England. His career was built in an environment where performance is measured every week and trust in the people beside you is not optional.
Since leaving the game he has led leadership and performance projects across the NHS, Siemens Energy, Chubb Fire & Security and the education sector, and holds a Master’s in Sports Science.
His talks connect the two worlds honestly: what elite sport really teaches about alignment, resilience and trust, and what leaders can take from it on Monday morning. No hype, no clichés, just lived experience applied to the pressures your people face.
Popular talk themes
Every talk is tailored, but these are the themes audiences ask for most.
- 01
Performance under pressure
What really happens to people and teams when the stakes rise, and how leaders keep their composure.
- 02
Built on trust
Why trust is the foundation of every high-performing team, in sport and in business, and how it is earned.
- 03
Resilience that lasts
Moving beyond grit to the habits that let leaders sustain high performance for years without burning out.
- 04
The ART of Leadership
FORGE’s framework of alignment, resilience and trust, and how to put it to work in your organisation.
Questions, answered
Straight answers. Anything else, just ask.
What does Paul Wood speak about?
Leadership, resilience and performance under pressure, drawn from 17 years in professional rugby league with Warrington Wolves, two Challenge Cup wins, England honours and his work leading performance projects in the NHS and business.
What events do you speak at?
Leadership conferences, company away days, strategy days, sales kick-offs, staff development days and school or trust leadership events.
Can a talk be tailored to our organisation?
Yes. Every talk is shaped around your audience and the message you need to land, and can be followed by a working session with your leadership team.
Do you travel outside Manchester?
Yes. We are based in Greater Manchester and speak at events across the UK.
Explore more
Book Paul for your event.
Tell us the date, the audience and what you need them to leave with.