JAMES SHAW LVO
Leadership and Resilience when there is No Room for Failure
Former Head of National Military Ceremonial Operations, who led the team that delivered Queen Elizabeth II's Funeral and King Charles III's Coronation.
The keynote
“James Shaw explains what it takes to prepare people and organisations for the moments that matter most. His keynote considers how these principles apply equally to the world of business and events: whether delivering the biggest event of your life, closing the deal that could define your career, or managing a moment where failure simply isn’t an option.”
What I do
Five lessons for leading when there is no room for failure
Drawing on the experience from his role planning and delivering HM Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, one of the most-watched events in history, Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw LVO explores the lessons from delivering something truly complex, under extraordinary pressure, where there is only one opportunity to get it right.
01
People
Everything starts and ends with the team.
Delivering a State Funeral and a Coronation meant bringing together thousands of people from different organisations behind one purpose. James shares how to choose, trust and empower the right people — and why relationships built before the pressure arrives are what carry you through it.
02
Plan
A good plan gives a team direction when pressure rises.
Make time to plan properly, use a clear process and share the right level of detail with each audience. James explains how meticulous planning turns the impossible into the routine.
03
Practice
Plans become stronger through practice.
Stress-test them with people who challenge assumptions, involve the relevant experts, then rehearse the sequence with everyone who needs to deliver it. James shows how disciplined practice builds the muscle memory, standards and shared understanding that let teams perform flawlessly under the brightest spotlight.
04
Resilience
Resilience matters when the workload feels overwhelming.
Draw on experience, make space to think, and break large challenges into manageable steps. Leaders support the team by staying present. James explores how individuals and organisations absorb setbacks, adapt quickly and keep moving towards the objective.
05
Confidence
Confidence grows when capable, well-trained people understand the plan and have practised their roles.
Clear leadership, a supportive team and thorough preparation help people trust that they can deliver, even in demanding, high-pressure situations. James reveals how leaders build genuine confidence in themselves and their teams when it matters most.
How I work with you
Keynotes & conferences
Powerful, story-led keynotes for conferences, away days and leadership summits.
Leadership sessions
Intimate sessions for boards and executive teams, panels and fireside chats.
Media & commentary
Using his experience as a National Spokesperson and dozens of live TV interviews, James can prepare you and your team to face the media.
About me
Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw LVO
James served as an officer in the Grenadier Guards and British Army from 2003 to 2025. He served in over 20 countries and deployed on operations to Bosnia, Iraq and twice to Afghanistan, where he was commended for gallantry for his actions during an ambush in 2007. He also worked in the Ministry of Defence for the Head of the UK Armed Forces, and on UK Counter Terrorism Operations.
From 2022 to 2025 he was Head of National Military Ceremonial Operations and led the team that delivered Queen Elizabeth II's Funeral and King Charles III's Coronation. For his role on the Coronation he was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) by King Charles III.
He has appeared extensively in the media, both as a national spokesperson and supporting BBC commentary.
On the record
From Downing Street to the world's cameras
Contact me
Book James for your event
Tell me a little about your event and audience, and I'll come back to you personally.
Or email directly
james@jamesshawtalks.com