Jim Lawless

Jim Lawless helps senior leaders and their teams do things they’ve decided are impossible.

His methodology, the DARE Loop, is built on a simple premise: the limits people believe are fixed are almost always a product of the stories they tell themselves, not the reality they’re operating in. It’s a framework that puts ownership back where it belongs, on the decisions and actions you control, rather than the conditions you’re waiting on. It builds accountability, speed, and clarity by asking one disciplined question: what decisions and actions are actually required to deliver this result? Jim has tested this thinking in ways most advisors haven’t. He became a professional jockey at 40, losing 25% of his body weight and learning to race in 12 months while running a consulting business. He developed a five-minute breath hold to break a British freediving record. Both started with a decision, not a feeling.

That’s what he brings into boardrooms. Jim advises CEOs and executive teams at organisations including Apple, Diageo, and BDO on strategy, leadership behaviour, and the decisions that determine whether transformation sticks. He keynotes for audiences across five continents, and his book Taming Tigers is a bestseller described by the New Yorker as a shrewd, inspiring and practical blueprint. His sessions don’t end with applause and good intentions. Attendees leave with a concrete plan, built in the room.

He works with organisations facing the kind of change that feels too big, too fast, or too uncertain to act on. The DARE Loop gives teams a repeatable way to move from decision to action to result, without waiting for the right moment or the right feeling.

With more than 25 years of partnering with CEOs to deliver transformation under his belt, book Jim Lawless to ignite the courage, confidence, and commitment your organisation needs to achieve outrageous goals in uncertain times.

Topics & Talks

The DARE Loop: How to Deliver the Impossible

In this high-impact keynote, Jim explores overcoming fear and acting boldly amidst uncertainty to achieve ambitious goals. He shares strategies for navigating challenges and pushing beyond perceived limits. Attendees learn practical techniques to confront their fears, embrace bold actions, and tackle significant objectives they once thought unattainable.

The Next Dimension of Leadership

Jim guides attendees in creating agile, curious, and empowered organisations, contrasting them with outdated command-and-control structures. He addresses the challenge of cultivating a culture that can adapt to an uncertain future, equipping participants to lead effectively in an ever-changing landscape.

High Performance Under Pressure

Jim helps organisations build the mental frameworks and team disciplines required to sustain high performance when stakes are highest. Practical tools for resilience, focus, and bold decision-making under pressure.

How to Lead Others Through Disruption & Uncertainty

Jim equips leaders with the strategies to guide their people through change — managing both the practical and emotional dimensions of disruption, reducing resistance, and building genuine commitment to a new direction.

Topics: Change Management · Motivational · Goal-setting · Resilience · Imposter Syndrome · Transformation · Transformational Leadership · Growth Mindset · Dealing with Pressure · High Performance · Courage

Client Testimonials

“A truly inspirational session with Jim, one which has firmly embedded the notion of a ‘Growth Mindset’ within the group. Extraordinary day!”

“Jim transforms, motivates, enthuses, and moves an audience within minutes. He is THE person you need if you want to introduce creative, out-of-the-box thinking.”

“It exceeded expectations in so many ways. A standing ovation is not given lightly by our European Leadership Team — a true testament to the value you brought to our conference.”

“The reason he’s so good is that he’s actually done it.”

“Jim delivered energy, inspiration and wisdom. He had our people thinking differently and challenging themselves, which has had a lasting impact on the business.”