The Leading Speakers Bureau

Former Professional Tennis Player & Commentator

Conchita Martínez is a Spanish former professional tennis player. She is the only Spanish player to have won the women’s singles title at Wimbledon, where she beat Martina Navratilova to win the 1994 title. Conchita also was the singles runner-up at the 1998 Australian Open and the 2000 French Open. She reached a highest world ranking of No. 2 in October 1995 and finished the season in the top 10 for nine years. Conchita won 33 singles and 13 doubles titles during her 18-year career. She is currently the captain of the Spanish Federation Cup team and the Spanish Davis Cup team. She has worked as a commentator for Eurosport SpainCanal+, Marca TV and DIRECTV Sports for Latin American viewers.

“The only Spanish player to have won the women’s singles title at Wimbledon”

[expand title=”In detail”] Conchita is the Spanish national tennis coach, both for male and female players. Since her retirement in 2006, Conchita has devoted most of her time and energy to working as a coach. She has always believed that with dedication and direction one can exceed expectations on and off court. Her passion lies in watching players maximize their potential. Conchita has worked with a variety of different types of players such as Shahar Peer, Janet Husarova and Rennae Stubbs. She also assisted the Australian Tennis Federation working with different players, including Anastasia Rodionova.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Conchita Martinez started her sports consultancy firm with the purpose of helping athletes and companies achieve their dreams and grow exponentially. As a pro tennis player, athletics have always been a great motivation for Conchita. Driven by her passion, knowledge and experience, she collaborates with individuals and businesses so that together they can achieve their goals.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Conchita’s delivery is friendly, professional and extremely engaging. She captivates her audience with her energy and enthusiasm.[/expand]

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Cricketer, Coach, Commentator, Motivational Speaker

Rahul Dravid is a former Indian cricketer, who captained the national Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket teams. He started playing cricket at the age of 12 and later represented the state team at the under-15, under-17 and under-19 levels.

“An internationally acclaimed cricket player”

[expand title=”In detail”] Rahul was named one of the best five cricketers of the year by Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack in 2000 and received the Player of the Year and the TestPlayer of the Year awards at the inaugural ICC awards ceremony in 2004.In August 2011, after receiving an unexpected call to play in the ODI series against England, Rahul declared his retirement from ODIs as well as Twenty20 International (T20I), and in March 2012, he announced his retirement from international and first-class cricket. He appeared in the 2012 Indian Premier League as captain of the Rajasthan Royals. As of October 2012, Rahul is the third-highest run scorer in Test cricket, after Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting, and the third Indian cricketer to exceed 10,000 runs both in Tests and in ODIs, Wisden ranked him the third greatest Test batsman of all time, after Don Bradman and Tendulkar.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Rahul recollects some of the memorable moments of his cricket career. His speeches are anecdotal in nature and Rahul shares stories of some iconic moment in Indian cricket in a way that professionals can relate to. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An entertaining and inspiring speaker, Rahul is a hugely popular sports personality at a variety of events.[/expand]

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Williams F1 Development Driver

Susie Wolff is the only female F1 racing driver. She is a development driver for Williams F1 and an ambassador for Wings for Life and FIA Women in Motorsport. Sheis much more than just a great race car driver; she is a brilliant role model for women making headway in a profession dominated by men. In 2013 Susie was awarded an Honorary Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh in recognition of her role as an ambassador for women in sport

“The fastest woman in the world”

[expand title=”In detail”] Her debut came in 2001, when she started with Formula Renault. In 2003, she was selected as the BRDC Rising Star and qualified as the only woman for the final round of the coveted McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award. The following year, she made the leap into the British F3 International Series. In 2006, Susie had her debut in DTM and finished her first race within the top 10. In 2012, she was appointed development driver for the Williams F1 Team. Getting the FIA Super Licence in 2014, Susie was allowed to finally really be part of Formula 1. In November 2014 Williams announced that Susie will be stepping up to the position of Official Test Driver for Williams Martini Racing for the 2015 Formula One season. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Susie shares with audiences worldwide how it is possible to succeed in all areas of the sport. She is doing a magnificent job at promoting the sport to women, considering it is generally thought of as a man’s sport.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Susie’s presentations are packed with ideas, constructive suggestions and real life examples. Audiences always find them revealing, exciting, inspiring and brilliant. [/expand]

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Former Midfielder for Real Madrid & Chairman of the Luís Figo Foundation

Luís Figo is one of the greatest soccer players of all-time. Renowned for his creativity and ability to get past defenders, he played for Sporting CP, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Internazionale and won a record 127 caps for the Portuguese national football team. He is the Chairman of the Luís Figo Foundation which he set up in 2003 to help underprivileged children and youngsters. In addition, he is an Ambassador of the Laureus Foundation Spain and an Ambassador of the Play Safe Project, promoted by Fundación Mapfre. He retired from football in 2009.

“One of the greatest footballers of all time and an Ambassador for social projects around the globe”

[expand title=”In detail”] Luís was a member of the teams that won four La Liga titles, four Serie A title and a UEFA Champions League. He led Portugal to their best World Cup finish since 1966 in 2006. Luís works now closely with Internazionale, serving as an ambassador at functions across Europe. He is also a board member of the Inter Campus charity project run by Internazionale.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Football, which is passion, became a language in itself, and is now probably one of the most powerful languages in the world. In his presentations Luis Figo shares his passion for football as well as his commitment for social projects and solidarity towards those in the world who are in the need. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Highly charismatic with an impressive sports career and an immense social commitment, Luís Figo is a sought after commentator and guest at the most prestigious events around the globe.

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Solo Round the World Yachtswoman

Dee Caffari is arguably one of the most inspirational sports women. On three occasions, Dee has sailed into the record books. In 2006, she became the first woman to circumnavigate the world solo against the prevailing winds and currents. In recognition of her first world record, Dee was awarded an MBE. In 2012, she lead the only all female crew taking part in Sailing Arabia – established by Oman Sail, the first international sailing regatta joining together the nations of the Gulf to race competitively around the region.

“The first woman to sail solo non-stop around the world in both directions”

[expand title=”In detail”] A former schoolteacher, Dee Caffari’s life changed dramatically when she dared to follow her dream and her love of the sea and become a skipper. In no less than five years, Dee had proven her skills and talents and risen to the top of a very male-dominated profession. As the only female to sail solo, Dee added to her achievements in 2009 by claiming the overall crewed monohull Round Britain and Ireland Speed Record. In 2009, she was awarded ‘The Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration’ at the ‘Sportswoman of the Year Awards’ and in 2011 was appointed by the Royal Navy as an Honorary Commander in recognition of her service to the sea and Britain’s maritime.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]The contrast of leading and motivating in the classroom and on a crewed yacht has enabled Dee to formulate a unique and insightful take on the world of leadership and people management. Dee speaks from experience of staying motivated when things get tough, achieving high performance, self-belief and succeeding against the odds.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Dee has the enviable quality of being able to connect with her audiences at all levels. Gregarious, courageous but also candid about the challenges she has faced, Dee delivers powerful messages in an entertaining way and her talks engage those with no yachting background whatsoever.[/expand]

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Double World Champion in Free Diving & World Champion in Under Ice Free-diving

Christian Redl is known worldwide as one of the most successful in the spectacular extreme sport of freediving. He is today considered one of the best divers under ice, with his three world records. His increasing number of world records are spectacular; whether on ice or through caves. The mental component plays an increasingly important role in all of his work. In 2011, he again pushed the boundaries by achieving the deepest freedive (61m) under ice, becoming the new World Champion in under ice free-diving.

“Christian Redl lasts up to eight minutes on one breath of air”

[expand title=”In detail”] The Austrian Christian Redl holds several world records for Diving under ice in the 100 meters range. He is an excellent freediver, great freediving promoter, and a renowned underwater movie producer. He was the editor / director who put together the Ocean Men TV Documentary and author of many other underwater creations. He organizes a lot of stunts, and performances – such as underwater ice hockey, organising the first World Championship. Before he was a professional athlete, he worked in financial services, first in a bank and later in sales, responsible for fund companies for institutional investors.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his talks, Christian Redl motivates and inspires his audiences to reach for their own goals with discipline and passion and to overcome barriers. Through breathing and relaxation techniques, he shows how improved concentration, increased strength and mental stress can be reduced quickly. His experiences easily translate to the business world.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Christian Redl, a jolly maverick of freediving, is a captivating speaker whose strong message motivates and energizes.[/expand]

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Former Australian International Cricketer

Shane Warne is widely regarded as one of the finest leg spin bowlers in the history of cricket. Shane Warne’s knowledge of the game is second to none. He’s a talented broadcaster, his unique perspective adding to any cricket coverage. He knows what the next move should be, understands the foibles of the pitch, the weather and the circumstances of the game. In 2004, he launched the Shane Warne Foundation, dedicating time and resources to help seriously ill and underprivileged children.

“The Sultan of Spin”

[expand title=”In detail”] Shane Warne played his first Test match in 1992 and his 708 wickets was the record until 2007 for the most wickets taken by any bowler in Test cricket. He took over 1000 international wickets (in Tests and One-Day Internationals). In 2008 he announced his retirement from playing first-class cricket. He was captain of Hampshire for three seasons, from 2005 to 2007. In March 2008, Warne signed to play in the Indian Premier League for the Jaipur team, Rajasthan Royals in the first edition of the tournament, where he played the roles of both captain and coach.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Shane Warne revolutionised cricket thinking with his mastery of leg spin, which many cricket followers had come to regard as a dying art due to its immense difficulty of execution. After dinner, Shane reflects on his career, from the ball that announced his arrival on the world stage.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]As one of Australia’s greatest cricketers Shane Warne style, character and sense of humour will make any event unforgettable. Shane Warne is a national hero in Australia, on and off the cricket field. The smile is omnipresent and there is still always a twinkle in the eye.[/expand]

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Legendary Danish Former International & Manchester United Goalkeeper

Peter Schmeichel, MBE is probably best remembered for his most successful years at English club Manchester United, whom he captained to the 1999 UEFA Champions League to complete The Treble. He was a key member of the Denmark national football team that won Euro 92. During his career, Schmeichel scored 11 goals, including one for the Danish national team, a great feat for a keeper.

Voted the “World’s Best Goalkeeper” in 1992 and 1993

[expand title=”In detail”] Peter Schmeichel is the most capped player for the Denmark national team, with 129 games between 1987 and 2001. Apart from Euro 92, he played for his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and three additional European Championship tournaments, captaining the national team in 30 matches. In 2007 he became the host in a new quiz, on TV3 named 1 mod 100. In 2008, he became the host of the European version of Dirty Jobs on the Discovery Channel. He is also a presenter for TV3 Denmark’s coverage of UEFA Champions League football. He famously competed in Strictly Come Dancing 2006.
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[expand title=”What he offers you”]Famous for his intimidating physique (he is 1.93 m = 6 ft 4 in. tall), Peter Schmeichel is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of football. An instantly recognisable character throughout the world, he still works occasionally as a pundit for the BBC. In his fascinating talks, which range from the start of his professional career at Brondby IF to how he fulfilled his childhood dream by becoming Manchester United’s goalkeeper, he elaborates on his greatest achievements throughout his football career.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Peter Schmeichel’s presence adds prestige to any event. Never afraid to mince his words, he has a style and charm that is truly unique.[/expand]

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Former World No. 1 Professional Tennis Player

Monica Seles is the former number 1 professional tennis player who in 2008, announced her retirement from professional tennis. Over her extraordinary career, she earned nine Grand Slam titles and won 53 singles and six doubles tournaments. Monica is also a Goodwill Ambassador and Spokesperson for the IIMSAM’s Global Sports for Peace and Development Programme Initiative to counter malnutrition and for the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

“A world class tennis player”

[expand title=”In detail”] Monica began dominating women’s tennis at the age of 17 when she became the youngest player in women’s tennis history to achieve the No. 1 ranking. With an impressive nine Grand Slam victories to her credit, including two U.S. Opens, she was still the No. 1 ranked player when she was stabbed in 1993 during a match change over. After a nearly 3-year absence from the game and overcoming many personal and professional pitfalls, Monica climbed back to the top of her game.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Monica shares her story and reveals how she regained balance, strength and happiness in her life. Monica explores her remarkable journey of brilliant tennis, fame, tragedy, loss and self-discovery. After years of having every aspect of her training, diet and life dictated and scrutinised by others, Monica took control, deciding what she wanted from life and she set out to obtain it.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]An affable and likeable personality, Monica is in great demand as a speaker around the globe by audiences eager to hear her inspirational message.[/expand]

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Cricketing Legend, Media Personality and Pundit

Matthew Hoggard MBE is one of the most successful international cricketers to have played for England. In 2013, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing a hugely successful 17-year career to an end. Matthew is now a rising star in the media, featuring across the national press and on a range of popular TV programmes. He is increasingly sought-after for his expertise and humour on cricketing coverage across a variety of networks including the BBC, Sky Sports and BT Sport.

“He became the fast bowling stalwart of one of the most successful England Cricket Teams of all times”

[expand title=”In detail”] Matthew played for and captained, Leicestershire County Cricket Club where, after leaving his home county of Yorkshire at the end of the 2009 season. He took his 700th first-class wicket during the 2010 campaign and continues to be an asset on the field as an opening bowler, and off the field as a mentor to the teams’ younger professionals. He was a vital member of the inspirational England side that won the epic 2005 Ashes series and has been a model of consistency throughout his test and ODI career, representing his country on 93 occasions. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]One of the world’s greatest bowlers, Matthew’s ultimate determination to succeed at the highest level has afforded him many fans in the cricketing world. With a unique take on life, the Yorkshire born cricketer is the ideal choice for any event and is a huge draw for audiences of all ages. Playing a pivotal role in one of the most successful periods in English cricket, Matthew has a remarkable story to tell and is a great asset to the after dinner circuit. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Delivering his speeches with great enthusiasm, he is sure to make any event a resounding success, entertaining with tales from over a decade competing against some of the greatest cricketers in history.[/expand]

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