The Inspiring Leadership Conference is delighted to confirm the first two keynote speakers for its 2026 conference: World-record-holding British cave diver and one of TIME Magazine’s “Heroes of the Year”, John Volanthen, and former RAF combat helicopter pilot and Squadron Leader, Sarah Furness.

An experienced cave diver, John is best known for his participation in the Tham Luang cave rescue in 2018. He was the first diver to locate and make contact with the missing Thai youth soccer team and led one of the most extraordinary crisis-response missions in modern history. 

Having successfully applied his background in medical electronics to underwater cave exploration and rescue, John has continued to innovate and push boundaries.  He is a volunteer member of the South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue team and continues to be involved with cave rescues across the world.

Sarah Furness is a two-time bestselling author, motivational speaker and former combat helicopter pilot who served 20 years in the Royal Air Force (RAF). After graduating from Cambridge University, she pursued her dream of becoming a combat helicopter pilot.  She led combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and was the first female helicopter pilot to fly and lead UK Special Forces missions.

Drawing on her military experience, Sarah is a recognised performance expert and created the Healthy Automatic Behaviours in Threatening Scenarios (H.A.B.I.T.S.) Formula which trains the mind to achieve zen-like calm and self-belief under pressure.  An experienced mindfulness coach, she aims to empower people to lead fearlessly with a focus on self-confidence, team cohesion, trust, authentic leadership and emotional intelligence.

Georgie Butler, Director of Inspiring Leadership Events, comments: “We’re delighted to confirm the participation of two keynote speakers with such impressive credentials. Both Sarah and John have truly inspirational stories to tell and will no doubt provide some incredible insights into performing in high pressure situations when it really counts.”

Attended by 1,000 headteachers, senior leaders and educational professionals from the UK and overseas, the Inspiring Leadership Conference is the UK’s longest running leadership-in-education event. 

Entering its twelfth year next June (4 & 5 June, ICC, Birmingham), the CPD accredited event will include keynotes, workshops and roundtable discussions, the Schools Week ‘Meet the Leader Theatre’, a conference exhibition and the Inspiring Leadership Gala Dinner and drinks reception.

For more information and to take advantage of early bird discounts on individual and group bookings, visit https://www.inspiringleadership.org/