Tom Petch

From SAS Operations to the Art of Storytelling

What can military operations, filmmaking and entrepreneurship teach us about leadership and human connection? For Tom Petch, these seemingly different worlds share a common thread: understanding people and the stories that bring them together.

A former SAS Troop Commander turned filmmaker, author and entrepreneur, Tom has built a career around navigating complex situations, communicating powerful ideas and bringing ambitious projects to life.

His approach to storytelling goes beyond entertainment. He explores how stories give meaning to ideas, connect individuals around shared ambitions and influence the way people think and act.

Leadership Lessons from 22 SAS

Tom served for eight years in the British Army, holding positions including tank commander, adjutant, aide de camp and Troop Commander in 22 SAS, one of the world's most recognised special forces regiments.

His military career took him from gathering intelligence on the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia to supporting peace negotiations with Bosnian Serbs. Working in these demanding environments required sound judgement, preparation and the ability to make difficult decisions with limited information.

These experiences shaped Tom's understanding of effective leadership. He learned that success depends not simply on individual capability, but on personal responsibility, mutual trust and the ability to work together when circumstances are unpredictable.

Today, he draws on these lessons to explore how leaders can build capable teams, maintain perspective under pressure and respond constructively to unexpected challenges.

From the Military to Award-Winning Filmmaking

After leaving the military in 1997, Tom Petch pursued a career in filmmaking and advertising, founding his own production company and spending nearly three decades working across the creative industries.

His experience encompasses directing, location scouting, production planning and coordinating teams on complex projects.

His directorial debut, The Patrol, examined the experiences of British soldiers in Afghanistan. The film received critical acclaim, including recognition at the 2013 Raindance Film Festival.

Alongside filmmaking, Tom has founded and managed businesses, developing practical expertise in entrepreneurship, commercial decision-making and transforming creative ideas into successful projects.

Moving between military and creative environments has given him an unusual perspective on the different ways people collaborate, solve problems and achieve ambitious goals.

Author, Podcast Host & Explorer of Extraordinary Lives

Tom's fascination with human experiences extends into his writing and podcasting, where he examines the individuals and events that shape our understanding of courage, identity and personal transformation.

His book Speed. Aggression. Surprise. explores the origins of the SAS, while Made by the SAS (2026), written with the support of the SAS Regimental Association, examines the lives of former SAS members.

Rather than focusing solely on military achievements, Made by the SAS investigates how service within the Regiment influences individuals long after their military careers have ended.

As host of Irregular Lives, Tom continues to uncover remarkable personal stories, exploring the decisions, experiences and circumstances that shape people's lives. His expertise has also been featured across major media outlets, including the BBC, Sky News and LBC.

Why Book Tom Petch as a Keynote Speaker?

Tom Petch brings an exceptional combination of military experience, creative expertise and entrepreneurial insight to the stage. Through compelling stories and practical observations, he challenges audiences to reconsider familiar assumptions about leadership, communication and human potential.

Audiences can expect:

• A distinctive perspective on leadership and people. Tom draws on experience commanding soldiers, directing creative teams and running businesses to explore trust, collaboration, responsibility and what makes people work effectively together.
• First-hand experience of decision-making under pressure. From military operations to complex film productions and commercial ventures, Tom understands the importance of preparation, judgement and adaptability when circumstances change.
• An accomplished storyteller. As an award-winning filmmaker, author and podcast host, Tom brings a creative and human approach to speaking, using compelling stories to make complex experiences relatable and memorable.
• A broader perspective on resilience and performance. His experiences across the military, creative industries and entrepreneurship offer insights into uncertainty, personal agency, resourcefulness and the ability to adapt.
• Authentic SAS experience with a human perspective. As a former Troop Commander in 22 SAS and author of Made by the SAS, Tom offers audiences rare insight into the people behind one of the world's most recognised military regiments, exploring the experiences and choices that shape their lives.

By connecting lessons from vastly different professional environments, Tom makes his insights accessible and relevant to leaders, teams and organisations across industries.

Whether addressing leadership, communication, resilience or the art of storytelling, he encourages audiences to challenge their assumptions, recognise new possibilities and approach their professional and personal lives with greater purpose.