Adam Conlon Speaker | PHSCE & Careers

Adam Conlon

Former frontline soldier inspires pupils to shape a life and career on their own terms.

Adam Conlon is a former frontline British Army Officer whose fun speaking style engages pupils with the lighter tales from his incredible military adventures in Afghanistan to thought-provoking stories from his unconventional career path - designed to motivate pupils to think about their own future.

Despite not having a clear idea of what he wanted to do when he left school Adam eventually went on to lead soldiers on the frontline in Afghanistan to coaching sports in South Africa, to downhill ski-racing at over 100kph in the Alps, to working as deckhand on a 55 metre superyacht across the Mediterranean and working in Buckingham Palace for the Royal family. Adam has carved a life and career around what excites and challenges him and he hopes to empower pupils to do the same.

Adam can also provide incredible insights into what it is like to be a frontline soldier in the 21^st century adding another dimension to classroom teaching. After surviving officer training at the world’s toughest military leadership academy, he spent seven years in the Army leading soldiers which included two incredible frontline tours of Afghanistan. One memorable mission took his troop of thirty soldiers into previously unchartered areas of Afghanistan, and lasted 45 days, living on hard routine while keeping one step ahead of the Taliban. That’s 45 days sleeping on the ground and not having a shower. During these frontline tours he learnt important lessons about teamwork and leadership and that humour is a vital coping mechanism in high-pressured and dangerous situations. He is able to convey these lessons to the audience using his first hand accounts which are accompanied by stunning photos and videos.

Testimonials from Teachers

“Adam came to speak to Year 9 who had been studying The First World War. Adam brought the whole idea of war alive for the pupils as he gave a lively introduction to the topic and brought his own experiences of war to the pupils. He made connections for them between the past and the present, highlighting the challenges facing soldiers today –many of these same problems faced soldiers in the trenches. His presentation, both visually and orally, was well suited to his target audience. Adam helped to add a new dimension to classroom teaching and his talk was invaluable in giving an insight into the different aspects of war in the Twenty First Century.”

– Helen Parks, Head of History, Methodist College Belfast

"Adam was an excellent speaker to a big audience at the annual Poppy Ball at the magnificent Copacabana Palace Hotel, Rio De Janerio, Brazil. He both entertained us and made us think; and also showed me how to catch and hold an after dinner audience"

– Alex Ellis, British Ambassador to Brazil, The Foreign Office

“Our class had been studying leaders of the past and Adam came into to give his insight on what he regards as the most important leadership qualities. Using stories from his years of experience of leading teams on the frontline and at home he was able to give an incredible perspective on leadership and the pupils absolutely loved it. Thank you!”

– Miss Hannah Griffiths, Teacher, Marksbury Primary School

"Adam came to give a truly inspirational talk to our students about what life is really like on the front-line of Afghanistan. Using remarkable videos from his camera and talking about his experiences, he brought the challenges of being in high pressured situations to life."

– Mrs Emily Rathbone, Head of Combined Cadet Force, Marlborough College

"Adam was kind enough to come to St.Mary's primary school and gave a fabulous talk about what it is like to be a soldier in Afghanistan. Importantly the talk was carefully devised specifically for our very young audience. He also held a very interesting and thought-provoking question and answer session giving the chance for the pupils to ask him questions!"

– Mr Karl Russel, Head Teacher, St.Mary’s Catholic Primary School

"We were honoured to have Adam who give an inspiring talk to our pupils at Saint Saviour's Catholic Primary School. The students loved every second!"

– Mrs Ailsa Griffiths, St.Saviour’s Ebute Metta, Primary School, Nigeria

“Adam is an extraordinarily entertaining speaker who, time and time again, inspires our audiences through incredible storytelling and his infectious enthusiasm for life!”

– Mike Howe, Founding Partner, Escape the City

"Adam is a fantastic speaker who had our audience completely captivated throughout his presentation. He is able to present serious messages in an original and often humorous way and in doing so leaves the listener contemplating his message long after the laughter has died down. Such was his popularity with our students that one described him as "the best PSHE speaker that I've seen!".

– Caroline Desvaux, Concord College