Presenting...
Rick Cooper
High Performance Coach | Educator
Profile
Rick Cooper is a highly sought-after High Performance Coach, and Educator with over 20 years of experience in high-performing environments. A former officer in the London Fire Service, professional rugby player, GB athlete, and creator of The Leadership Pathway Programme, Rick brings an extraordinary wealth of real-world experience and wisdom to his coaching and speaking engagements. Known for his engaging, straight-talking style, Rick empowers individuals, teams, and organisations to challenge conformity, inspire change, and unlock their true potential.
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Rick’s deep understanding of emotional intelligence, resilience, and the performance blockers that hold us back—such as fear of failure, judgment, and self-doubt—forms the foundation of his impactful talks and programmes. Whether he’s guiding students, corporate leaders, or sports teams, Rick’s ability to connect on a human level and provide practical, actionable strategies leaves a lasting impression on every audience he engages with.​​
Career Highlights
Professional Rugby Player: Developed teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills on and off the field.
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London Fire Service Officer: Spent 11 years navigating high-pressure, high-stakes situations, honing quick decision-making and collaborative skills.
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Athletic Achievements: Represented Great Britain in powerlifting at the European and World Championships; twice a finalist in the Mr. Britain bodybuilding competition; and a competitor in Amateur Boxing Association bouts.
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Educator and Programme Creator: Developed The Leadership Pathway Programme, a revolutionary curriculum for 15-18-year-olds, focused on emotional intelligence, resilience, and life skills. Regularly delivers workshops and keynote talks at prestigious institutions, including Harrow School, Seaford College, and The John Fisher School.
Key Themes
Resilience and Mental Toughness: How to navigate adversity and harness challenges as opportunities for growth.
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Authentic Leadership: Aligning values, words, and actions to inspire trust and long-lasting impact.
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Emotional Intelligence: Cultivating self-awareness, emotional literacy, and relational connection to optimise performance.
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Belonging and Connection: Building strong teams and relationships by fostering a sense of belonging.
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Empowering the Next Generation: Helping young people design purposeful lives with independence, passion, and clarity.​​
The Lasting Impact
Rick’s talks and programs resonate with diverse audiences, from corporate executives and sports teams to educators and students. His approach is both practical and inspirational, blending personal anecdotes, thought-provoking insights, and actionable strategies. With a dynamic and interactive style, Rick creates a space where audiences feel both challenged and empowered to embrace growth and unlock their full potential.
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Audiences leave Rick’s sessions equipped with:
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A deeper understanding of emotional intelligence and resilience.
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Practical tools to manage fear, stress, and self-doubt.
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Clear strategies for improving self-talk, decision-making, and team dynamics.
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The motivation to push boundaries and achieve purpose-driven outcomes.​​
Rick Cooper
Quick Look
Represented by: Tracey Duke
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Location: Sussex, England​
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Who: Rick Cooper is a High Performance Coach and dynamic Keynote Speaker with 20+ years of experience in sport, leadership, and resilience. A former London Fire Service officer and GB athlete, Rick empowers individuals and teams to overcome fear, foster authentic leadership, and unlock potential through emotional intelligence and actionable strategies.
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Popular with: Professional Sports Teams. Sports Academies and Training Facilities. Corporate Organisations. Sports Psychology Conferences and Seminars. Educational Institutions.
Available for: Keynote Talks. Motivational Talks. Panel Discussions. Film & TV. Coaching and Mentoring.​​