Jane Leonard’s professional journey began with a distinguished tenure in the British Army, where she served as a Royal Engineer and Physical Training Instructor for ten years. This phase of her career laid the groundwork for her physical endurance, mental toughness, and ability to lead under pressure.

Her role as a Royal Engineer involved highly technical and demanding tasks, often in challenging environments. 

During her time in the Army, she also achieved remarkable success as an elite athlete, earning nine rugby caps for England.

This achievement underscores her ability to excel in high-performance environments, balancing the physical and mental demands of military service with the rigorous training and commitment required at the international level of rugby.

Jane Leonard | Trainer in the Middle East

Selected for her unique talents, Jane served as a pioneering trainer for the Saudi Ministry of Defence, where she developed and led programs for the inaugural cohort of women in the government’s Security Defence Force. She also trained the ruling family of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, further cementing her reputation as an innovative and inspirational leader.

Jane Leonard |  “P.I.E.C.E by Piece”

With a passion for helping others, Jane created The P.I.E.C.E by Piece Peak Performance Program, a dynamic framework for unlocking personal and professional excellence. Her book, What’s Your Numb3r?, elaborates on these principles, with all proceeds supporting the Motor Neurone Disease charity—a cause close to her heart.

Jane Leonard | Adventures at Sea

In 2021, Jane was part of a three-woman team that rowed across the Pacific Ocean. The trio covered the 2,400 nautical mile race in 60 days, 13 hours and 13 minutes, beating the previous world record by more than two days earning a Guinness World Record.

During their two months at sea, rowing from San Francisco to Hawaii, they lived on a compact 24-foot boat as they battled 15 metre waves, hazardous high winds and Hawaii’s famous shore breaks.

In 2024, Jane swam the English Channel from Dover to the French coast in a team of four. The incredible 21-mile English Channel relay was in aid of Mencap. 

The swim came after months of rigorous training in cold waters and night swims, and it was a challenge where they faced strong currents, jellyfish, and even fishing equipment as obstacles.

Jane Leonard | Life and Career Highlights

2006: Joined the Corp of Royal Engineers in the British Army. She became the first female Physical Training Instructor with the Royal Engineers. She served on overseas deployments, including a tour to Iraq.

2007: Made England rugby debut.

2009: Won Army Sportswoman of the Year Award.

2010: Winner of the Combined Services Sportswoman of the Year Award.

2012: Captained London Wasps, Combined Services and Army Rugby teams.

2016 -2018: Worked in the United Arab Emirates as a Personal Trainer to His Royal Highness Ras Al Khaimah and his family.

2017: Completed a full Ironman Triathlon. Finished second in the UAE 100km desert dash race

2018-2020: Trained the first group of women working in Saudi Arabia’s government Security Defence Force.

2021: Completed the Great Pacific Race as skipper for the Girls Who Dare team across the Pacific Ocean, starting in San Francisco and rowing 2,400nm to Hawaii.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book an inspiring and motivational Jane Leonard for your next event. Contact us.