Presenting...
Tom Petch
Former SAS Commander | Author | Film Director

Profile
​Tom Petch brings a rare combination of front-line military experience and award-winning media production expertise, offering audiences unparalleled insights into overcoming adversity, leading in uncertainty, and building resilience.
A former British Army Special Forces Officer with eight years of service, Tom transitioned into a distinguished career in film, directing and producing work that captures the psychological impact of conflict.
His film, The Patrol, was widely acclaimed, earning high praise at the Raindance Film Festival, while his bestselling book, Speed. Aggression. Surprise, delves into the real origins of the SAS with unprecedented depth.
Tom captivates audiences by intertwining his military insights with his extensive storytelling skills, making him a sought-after voice for leaders, strategists, and teams facing today’s volatile environments.
Highlights
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British Army: Former Tank Commander and Troop Commander in 22 SAS, with a remarkable service record in Cambodia and Bosnia, specialising in intelligence gathering and peace negotiations.
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Media Acclaim: Directed The Patrol, an award-winning film praised by critics for its authentic portrayal of soldiers in Afghanistan.
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Author: Speed. Aggression. Surprise, published in 2022, sheds light on the origins of the SAS and received notable endorsements from Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Andy McNab.
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Speaking Engagements & Media Appearances: Featured speaker at prominent festivals and media outlets, Tom is a trusted voice on resilience and uncertainty, offering insights from historical and modern conflicts.
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Key Themes
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Overcoming Adversity: Drawing from frontline experiences, Tom discusses how to face obstacles with determination and adaptability.
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Managing Uncertainty and Change: Lessons from his military career highlight how to thrive in unpredictable environments.
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Origins and Legacy of Special Forces: Unique insights from the SAS and their relevance to modern-day challenges.
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Leadership and Resilience: How to inspire, lead, and build teams capable of facing any challenge.
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The Lasting Impact
​Tom’s storytelling and military insights provide a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences, inspiring them to approach challenges with a fearless mindset. Known for his dynamic delivery, Tom turns each presentation into an immersive experience, leaving attendees with actionable takeaways on resilience, self-management, and adaptability.
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Measurable Outcomes:
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Enhanced understanding of resilience and adaptability in high-stress situations.
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Practical frameworks for leading in uncertainty, inspired by special forces methodologies.
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Strategies for building cohesive teams ready to tackle unforeseen challenges.
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Tom Petch
Quick Look
Represented by: Tracey Duke
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Location: West Sussex, England
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Who: Tom Petch, former SAS Officer and award-winning filmmaker, merges the grit of frontline experience with cinematic storytelling. Having served as an intelligence leader in high-stakes regions, Tom transitioned to film production, founding Salt Film and Dark Wave Film. His directorial debut, The Patrol, earned critical acclaim, praised for its authentic portrayal of soldiers in Afghanistan. His book, Speed, Aggression, Surprise, uncovers the untold history of the SAS and reflects his commitment to advocating for veterans and capturing the essence of resilience and adaptability.
What to Expect: Audiences can anticipate a powerful blend of military insights and narrative innovation as Tom guides them through his extraordinary journey from SAS missions to storytelling on the big screen. His talks explore leadership, resilience, and the art of creative adaptation, illustrating the synergy between tactical precision and storytelling. Attendees will walk away with a fresh perspective on the impact of narrative, team dynamics, and the courage it takes to adapt in high-stakes situations.
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The Lasting Impact: Tom’s talks challenge traditional perspectives, encouraging audiences to approach complexity with curiosity, embrace authentic storytelling, and rethink resilience. His insights inspire a bold approach to leadership, showing how discipline and creativity intersect to shape impactful stories and effective team dynamics.
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Available for: Keynote Talks. Panel Discussions. Film & TV
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Popular with: Literary Festivals. Veteran and Military Organisations. Film & TV Companies. Universities and Colleges.
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