Jim Lawless

Jim Lawless is a leading training consultant and motivational speaker best known for his Taming Tigers programme designed to enable, inspire, or lead change in any individual or organisation. Jim put these rules to the test when he went from unfit businessman to professional-standard jockey in a year, and he now challenges organisations of all types and sizes, from schools to sports teams to multinationals, to realise their potential.

Jim began professional life as a city lawyer before moving to ICL (later Fujitsu), as International Legal and Commercial Manager. He then left the law behind and re-trained as an actor, going on to appear in plays across the UK, and on TV at home and abroad. He then established Optimise to bring a fresh approach to personal and business communications, based on his corporate and theatre experiences.

It was at this time that Jim accepted a bet that he couldn’t become a jockey. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Jim started a fitness regime which meant dieting and exercising (things he’d avoided up to this point), giving up smoking, and most importantly, learning to ride. Within twelve months Jim was riding in his first televised race. He then went on to become the deepest freediver in British history within eight months.

With passion and energy Jim speaks on communication, change, motivation and goals across the UK, Europe, and the United States.