Chris Oliver was born and raised in Sunderland, North-East England, where many of his family members still live. He has three siblings and is the only immediate family member to have ever served in the military. As a child, he was a keen runner, spending most of his teens competing in Athletics and Cross Country for Sunderland.

Chris Oliver | Early Military Career

Joining the Royal Marines Commandos straight from school at the age of 16, Chris fulfilled a childhood ambition he had from a young age. His initial training with The Royal Marines training involved a nine-month course training in some of the harshest environments on the planet, from Scotland to Norway.

Having been told by his old running coach that he would struggle with the discipline needed in the military, Chris knew he would need to dig deep. Although the training was long and difficult, Chris found resilience and determination that allowed him to block out pain and endure extreme hardship to succeed and achieve his goals – resilience and determination that he still uses today.

Chris Oliver | Joining the Special Forces

Chris served nine years in the Marines before completing Special Forces Selection and joining the elite Special Boat Service, with whom he was deployed in active combat in Sierra Leone, Northern Ireland, Oman, Iraq, and Afghanistan before leaving the military in 2015.

During his tenure with the elite Special Air Service (SAS), Chris undertook numerous high-stakes missions that tested his physical and mental limits. Operating in hostile environments and under extreme pressure, he developed unparalleled strategy, resilience, and leadership expertise.

Chris Oliver | SAS: Who Dares Wins

Chris rose to prominence as a DS on SAS: Who Dares Wins when he joined the Channel 4 programme in 2023. The programme challenges participants to endure the gruelling selection process of the Special Air Service.

Known for his no-nonsense approach and compassionate mentorship, Chris has become a fan favourite. He inspires audiences with his ability to push participants beyond their perceived limits. His role on the show highlights his expertise in mental fortitude, physical endurance, and leadership under pressure.

Since joining the programme, his popularity has grown, and his Instagram following has grown to over 40,000.

Chris Oliver | Speaker

With an extraordinary military combat career behind him, Chris has become a sought-after motivational speaker for various events and audiences. His experience navigating the volatile environments of war-torn Afghanistan and Iraq has equipped him with unparalleled expertise in conflict resolution, thriving under pressure, managing risks, and maintaining peak mental resilience.

As a speaker, Chris captivates audiences by sharing the journey that honed his mastery in these critical areas.

Chris Oliver | Key Themes and Topics

– Resilience and Mental Toughness: Lessons from his military career on overcoming adversity and maintaining focus in the face of challenges.

– Leadership and Teamwork: Insights into building and leading high-performing teams under pressure.

– Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Strategies for thriving in uncertain and dynamic environments.

– Personal Growth and Goal Setting: Encouraging individuals to push beyond their comfort zones and achieve their full potential.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book former Special Forces military personnel and DS on C4’s SAS Who Dares Wins Chris Oliver for your next event.

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