Ask The Experts

14 Nov Ask The Experts

Posted at 13:28h in Blog by

On the 31st of October I spoke at the Marketing Derby breakfast event, hosted by the University of Derby, to an audience of representatives from 60 of Derbyshire’s dynamic and vibrant businesses. Chris Scothern of Ace Sameday Couriers chaired a panel discussion with experts from the record-breaking team and I, for an insight into what differentiated our project from previous attempts and produced our outstanding result. Joining me on the panel were physiologist Dr Mark Faghy and psychologist Dr Phil Clarke.

“@leightimmis @MarketingDerby loved this morning’s event, couldn’t stop scribbling comments to pass onto my team and aid my own development”

The format of the event gave the audience multiple perspectives of the project, as I guided the discussion through obstacles we faced and the scientists brought their own points of view and expertise. The strong rapport and energy of the panel reflected the group dynamic that characterised our project, echoing our message of building a team based not only on ability but on mindset and personality.

Leigh Timmis Dr Mark Faghy Dr Phil Clarke Guinness world record fastest cycle across europe

Explaining the psychological interventions we used, Dr Phil Clarke described using simple methods to streamline everyday processes, promoting productivity and positivity. A key factor in creating an elite athlete’s lifestyle was my sleep routine, Dr Clarke stated “Sleep is the most powerful performance-enhancing drug – and has the most impact if used correctly”. Dr Mark Faghy explained the merit of reward and how, after weeks of difficult training, treating me to a Domino’s pizza increased my power by 15%. The audience left reassured that their weekend plans would be performance enhancing!

Delegates took away lessons from an elite sports project that could be directly applied to achieving their own personal and business goals. Edward Hollands, MD of Driven Media said “The mentality behind the attempt is very similar to running a business. The motivation to dig deep when things aren’t going your way”.

Highlights from Twitter following the event included “This morning’s Marketing Derby event with world record breaking Leigh Timmis was fascinating, inspiring and educational” and “Inspiring hearing about @leightimmis’ recent world record breaking journey across Europe & him finding his inner ‘why’ at today’s @MarketingDerby #bondholder event. Guts, determination & team effort all the way. Off to get a pizza”

I am available for motivational talks, after dinner speeches, keynote, schools and higher education talks and workshops. To learn more and to book me for your event, visit my website here: https://www.leightimmis.com/speaking-engagements/

On the 13th of March 2019, I’ll be presenting an evening of entertaining stories from my record-breaking project at the Guildhall, Derby. To buy tickets, click this link: https://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/leigh-timmis-161045/

Find out what’s next and keep up to date with my latest challenges on my website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn



  • When we invited Leigh to present to our staff about his experiences in creating a support echo system and team to help him break a world record, we never imagined that it would have had such a positive impact on everyone who attended. Leigh influenced, motived and inspired our staff to be the better version of themselves and gave them guidance and the tools to achieve this individually and within a team environment

    Steve Reynolds, CEO, TBS Mobility

  • The TEDxRNCM audience were utterly captured through Leigh’s account. This wasn’t just an account however, but an experience. Eloquently delivered but with real personality, Leigh gave inspiration, insight, enjoyment and even humour - a talk I won’t be forgetting for a long time

    Hayley Parkes, TEDx Event Organiser

  • Leigh delivered a fantastic presentation during our Global Health and Wellbeing day. We had a lot of positive feedback from his inspirational talk which definitely raised the profile of mental health within our organisation. Leigh is an inspiration to everyone

    David Wilson, Global Head of Health and Wellbeing, Victrex

  • Leigh is a natural communicator, using humour and his modest personality, Leigh's account of his fascinating experiences was delivered in a completely natural way that immediately connected with both the students and the teachers.

    Claire Tresidder, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Ashbourne Academy

  • Leigh delivered one of the most professional and engaging talks at the festival this year. It was clear that Leigh had put a lot of thought into what he wanted to convey in his talk, carefully pulling out the key stories and themes from all his years on the road. Leigh's talk was engaging throughout and delivered with a real sense of humility.

    Laura Moss, Cycle Touring Festival Organiser

  • The young people of Kingsmead School are generally from disadvantaged backgrounds and have low aspirations for their future. Leigh held the attention of the young people superbly, he was entertaining and funny and the pupils engagement was not lost at all. I would heartily recommend Leigh and his inspirational story to anyone, it left pupils and staff inspired and awestruck.

    Huw Lloyd, Assistant Headteacher, Kingsmead School

  • It’s was a real honour to partner with Leigh, he’s such an inspirational person and a great business speaker. The aim of the session was for delegates to leave in a positive, can do frame of mind, feeling confident that they can use some of Leigh’s tips to bolster team spirit, harness potential and exceed expectations. This is something I’m confident the event achieved

    Mary Maguire, MD, Astute Recruitment

  • Leigh articulates his passion and learning so well that his enthusiasm and motivation transcends the world of sport and is relevant for physical, psychological and organisational wellness and performance. He is a truly phenomenal speaker and comes highly recommended

    Deputy Chief Constable, East Midlands Special Operations Unit

  • Wow. Utterly, wow. Leigh certainly was inspirational and indeed such a breath of fresh air, he created such a buzz around the school. I was impressed by not only the attendance of staff and parents, but the volume of students who came along. Thank you – Leigh really has touched and motivated a lot of our students

    Roberta Keys, Deputy Headteacher, Malvern College


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