Ben Williams

Ben’s focus is getting people to think differently and overcome adversity.  From an early age Ben was subjected to a violent parent relationship which saw his family break apart, with only his mother to defend both himself and his brother. Through severe bullying and family upheaval, he moved home six times and went to six different schools within ten years of his life.  To prove to himself as well as the bullies, when he turned 18, he applied to become a nightclub bouncer in his local town, which immediately catapulted him into a dark and dangerous world. Within the short career he witnessed stabbings, shootings, fighting, drug taking and murder which changed him for the worse. Ben became so involved with the violence and underworld, that he completely missed the fact that his life was falling apart.  Stuck in the thick of it, he found himself involved with people he shouldn’t, and inevitably found gangsters at his door demanding money for the trouble he had caused.

To make matters worse, he became addicted to marijuana, cocaine, other class A drugs, steroids and gambling.  Broke, with no home or anyone to turn to, he abused his addictions every day.

When he saw the advert for the Royal Marines, Ben knew he had one chance left at life and if he didn’t act fast, he would be either in prison; or dead. Joining the marines gave him a purpose, he trained religiously, day and night to get fit and read and revised military tactics to increase his knowledge.  And he didn’t have a single hand in getting clean from the drugs – his mind, determination and sheer drive got him clean – he was thinking differently.

During his ten years with the Royal Marines – one of the most elite regiments in the world, Ben travelled the world, seeing active operational duties in Afghanistan. During Herrick 14 in Helmand Province, he was subjected to one of the bloodiest years in the conflict. Losing friends along the way, he was injured in battle suffering lacerations and hearing loss and ending up back at home for months of recovery and rehabilitation.

Miraculously, Ben made a full recovery and returned to his unit, however his mind was still in Afghanistan.  In 2012 he was diagnosed with PTSD, and again stood down from frontline service. As his friends went off around the world again, he had to stay at home with his thoughts – now in a completely new battle.  He turned back into his old self before the marines, drinking, gambling and getting in trouble. Ben was spiralling out of control; but even worse this time. The dark thoughts were intrusive, and he drove almost everyone away. After one alcohol fuelled event, Ben was court-martialled and sent for trial; with his first son on the way he was staring at a four-year sentence for ABH.

The judge took pity on Ben and he escaped prison. But he was on his knees in life, ready to end it all. Broken and at his wits end, a friend lent him ‘the chimp paradox’; and he found myself immersed in self help books. Like a breath of fresh air, his life changed almost instantly. Ben finally found the answers from experts to understand his behaviour – it made him aware of psychology, neurology, depression and other key areas to thinking clearer.

Ben returned to his job and was offered the position to train commando recruits. He trained over 1000, awarded most inspirational corporal, and received the commandants prize; twice.  Now medically discharged from the marines for hearing, he has taken his message to the world. With his business he has worked with Gareth Southgate, Wayne Bridge, Manchester United, England football, Harry Kane, the premier league, and the national football leagues. Ben speaks corporately and coaches clients across the country on leadership, resilience, and thinking differently; having worked with VW, Travis Perkins, Keyline, Oneserve, UK finance and other large brands.

Thinking differently – Ben’s story on inspiring others to overcome adversity, and drive through the hard times, and overcome adversity.

Finding your edge – a talk designed around, well, finding your edge. To find a more resilient character and inspire others to have the confidence to do what they want to in life.

Leadership – Having worked with the military, business and sport, Ben now links the key areas of leadership that are prevalent during the generation and millennial crossovers.

“I loved every minute of it. Thanks for sharing part of your life with me!” – Harry Kane

“Thank you for your insightful presentation. With mental health being an important topic at the moment it was great to be given a view into how others might be feeling and also to answer questions around our own mental health. Plus, all the other hints and tips on how we can become more efficient in our everyday lives.” – Volkswagen Group

“Unbelievable experience. Ben is extremely diligent, motivated, and professional, with our best intentions at heart throughout.” – Professional Football Manager

“Inspiring, and unbelievably professional.” – Manchester United Ladies’ Manager

“Me personally I have taken so much from the experience and I feel blessed.” – Jermain Defoe