Paralympian | World Champion | Royal Navy Veteran | Resilience & Leadership Speaker
 

Dr Talan Skeels-Piggins is a globally respected authority on resilience, leadership, and peak performance in high-pressure environments. A former Royal Navy Lieutenant and NATO advisor, Talan draws on decades of experience in both military and elite sport to deliver compelling, actionable insights for organisations navigating challenge and change.

In 2003, Talan’s life changed in an instant when he was paralysed from the chest down in a motorcycle accident. Refusing to be defined by his injuries, he set an audacious goal just eight days later: to represent Great Britain at the Winter Paralympics. Seven years on, he achieved it — becoming GB’s top-placed male sit-skier at the Vancouver 2010 Games, later going on to win European and international titles.

Never one to follow the expected path, Talan became the first paraplegic in history to race a motorcycle against able-bodied competitors and later won two World Championships in the 600cc (paralysed) class. He also made history as the first paraplegic to be retained on active duty in the Royal Navy, breaking down barriers for injured service personnel and setting a precedent for inclusion at the highest levels of defence.

In 2011, Talan founded The Bike Experience, the world’s first charity to teach disabled individuals how to ride motorcycles — helping over 450 people regain independence, confidence, and purpose. He is also a senior mentor with The True Athlete Project, where he supports emerging talent, including Olympic and Paralympic athletes, in developing resilience, focus, and values-led performance.
 

As a keynote speaker, Talan delivers more than just inspiration. His sessions equip corporate audiences with practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, building mental resilience, and leading with clarity and purpose. Engaging, insightful, and deeply human — Talan’s story and message leave a lasting impact on teams and leaders alike.