Nigel Ridpath: Public Speaker


Bringing Leadership Insights to Life Through the Power of Story


With 35 years of experience in the IT industry and a passion for helping people reach their full potential, Nigel Ridpath delivers engaging, practical talks that challenge conventional thinking about leadership, communication and business differentiation.

Whether you’re hosting a conference, corporate event, team away-day or industry gathering, Nigel brings a unique blend of real-world experience, compelling storytelling and straight-talking wisdom that audiences remember long after the event ends.


WARNING: May contain bluntness which applies to YOU!

Signature Talk: Why Stories Stick

The Lost Art of Communication That Actually Changes Behaviour


We all know stories are powerful. We’ve heard that “facts tell, stories sell” and that the best companies win not because they have the best products, but because they tell the best stories.


But here’s the problem: most people in business are rubbish at storytelling. They default to bullet points, feature lists and corporate jargon. And then they wonder why their message doesn’t land, why their training doesn’t stick, why their pitch falls flat.


In this signature talk, Nigel reveals why storytelling is the most underutilised skill in business - and how to actually put it into practice.


Drawing on his experience writing The Time Traveller’s Guide to Management (a novel that teaches leadership through historical fiction), Nigel demonstrates:


  • Why our brains are wired to remember stories far better than facts, frameworks or PowerPoint slides
  • The fundamental difference between storytelling and case studies (and why one creates emotional connection whilst the other feels clinical)
  • How to find the story in anything - even something as seemingly boring as broadband or office stationery.
  • A practical framework for crafting stories that teach, persuade and inspire
  • Common mistakes people make when trying to tell business stories (and how to avoid them)


What makes this talk different:

Nigel doesn’t just talk about storytelling - he demonstrates it. You’ll experience compelling stories from different historical periods that teach management lessons without lecturing. Then he’ll show you exactly how to apply the same principles in your own context.


This isn’t theory. It’s a practical, actionable approach that audiences can use immediately - whether they’re leading teams, selling products, driving change or simply trying to make their next presentation memorable.


Audiences will leave knowing:

  • Why their current communication approach isn’t working (and what to do instead)
  • How to structure stories that actually change behaviour
  • Practical techniques for using storytelling in their day-to-day work
  • The confidence to try it (because Nigel makes it accessible, not intimidating)

Tailored Versions for Specific Audiences

Whilst the core content remains consistent, Nigel can tailor up to 30% of the talk to match your audience and objectives:


For Leadership & Management Audiences

Focus on storytelling for coaching conversations, communicating change, building team culture and making management training stick. Particularly relevant for leadership development programmes and management conferences.


For Sales & Marketing Teams

Focus on storytelling in pitches, proposals, client relationships and brand building. How to make your offering memorable in a crowded market. Ideal for sales conferences and marketing events.


For Technology & Professional Services

Focus on storytelling as human differentiation in the age of AI. As technical expertise becomes commoditised, your ability to connect through narrative becomes your competitive advantage. Perfect for technology conferences and professional services gatherings.


For Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs

Focus on storytelling for vision-setting, investor pitches, standing apart in competitive markets and building businesses people remember. Suited to business networking events and entrepreneurship forums.

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Speaking Formats

Keynote presentations

A high-energy, inspiring talk designed to open or close your event, delivering the core "Why Stories Stick" message to your full audience with maximum impact.


Typically 30-60 minutes.

Breakout sessions

A more intimate session for a subset of your conference attendees, allowing for deeper exploration of the storytelling framework with time for Q&A and discussion.


Typically 45-90 minutes.

Workshop-style sessions

An interactive session where Nigel works with real examples from the room, demonstrating how to find and craft stories from participants' own products, services or challenges.


Typically 60-120 minutes.

Half-day deep-dives

An intensive learning experience where participants not only learn the framework but practice applying it to their own context, leaving with stories they've actually crafted and tested.


Typically 150-180 minutes.

Further Detail

Why Book Nigel?

He Practices What He Preaches

Nigel literally wrote a novel to teach management principles because he believes in the power of storytelling that strongly. The Time Traveller’s Guide to Management uses historical fiction to make leadership lessons memorable and engaging - proof that he doesn’t just talk about this approach, he lives it.


Real-World Experience

Nearly 35 years in the IT industry, from consultancy to managing directorships, with expertise in CRM, ERP and Business Intelligence across organisations from start-ups to multinationals. He’s seen what actually works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to communication, training and influence.


Founder & Director

Founded and directed three innovative software services companies, bringing first-hand experience of pitching, selling, leading teams and building businesses that stand apart.


Engaging Delivery

Known for his straight-talking, no-nonsense approach. Nigel doesn’t do corporate jargon or theoretical waffle - he delivers practical insights with personality, conviction and compelling stories that stick.


Thought Leader

Host of the Standing Apart podcast, exploring business differentiation through real-world examples. Author of The Time Traveller’s Guide to Management, published by Troubador Publishing.


Proven Impact

Nigel’s training programmes consistently score 4.4 out of 5 from delegates, who particularly value his practical, experience-based approach and ability to make complex concepts accessible and memorable.

Industries & Audiences

Nigel has worked with organisations across multiple sectors and is particularly well-suited to:


  • Leadership and management audiences
  • Sales and marketing teams
  • Technology companies
  • Professional services firms
  • Business conferences and corporate events
  • Industry associations and networking groups
  • Entrepreneurship and start-up communities


His experience spans diverse industries, making his insights relevant whether you’re in IT, consultancy, manufacturing or any sector where communication, influence and differentiation matter.

What Audiences Say

“Nigel’s approach is refreshingly practical. He doesn’t just inspire - he gives you tools you can actually use.”



Nigel’s speaking style mirrors his training approach: engaging, direct and focused on practical takeaways rather than theoretical frameworks. He respects his audience’s intelligence and time, delivering content that is both memorable and genuinely useful.