Public Speaking
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 combines decades of military discipline and elite sporting experience to deliver compelling, actionable insights for organisations across the UK, Europe and worldwide.
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 later, he achieved it — becoming GB’s top-placed male sit-skier at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games, before going on to win European and international skiing titles.
Driven by determination and a refusal to accept limits, Talan became the first paraplegic in history to race a motorcycle against able-bodied competitors. He went on to win two World Championships in the 600cc (paralysed) class and became the first paraplegic to be retained on active duty in the Royal Navy — setting a landmark precedent for injured service personnel and advancing inclusion within defence at the highest level.
In 2011, Talan founded The Bike Experience, the world’s first charity dedicated to teaching disabled individuals how to ride motorcycles. The charity has since helped over 450 riders regain confidence, independence and purpose. Talan also serves as a senior mentor with The True Athlete Project, supporting emerging Olympic and Paralympic athletes in building resilience, focus and values-driven performance.
As a corporate keynote speaker, Talan delivers far more than inspiration. His sessions equip teams and leaders with practical frameworks for navigating uncertainty, strengthening mental resilience, managing adversity and leading with clarity and purpose. Engaging, authentic and deeply human, Talan’s message leaves a lasting impact on audiences across business, sport, education and government.
