Ian Gardiner was commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1968. He fought in the Dhofar War in Oman from 1973 to 1975, where he was decorated with the Omani Distinguished Service Medal for Gallantry. He also commanded a rifle company in 45 Commando RM in the Falklands War in 1982. From 1994 to1996 he commanded 40 Commando Royal Marines, which included his fourth operational tour in Northern Ireland.

As well as serving in the Far East, the Arctic and the Mediterranean, he has commanded a Royal Marines detachment in a RN frigate, and the Royal Marines School of Music at Deal in Kent. He served twice at the Naval headquarters at Northwood and once in the Ministry of Defence. Concurrently with the latter appointment, he was the Royal Marines Equerry to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

He graduated from the Army Staff College, taught at the Royal Naval Staff College and, in 1997, was a member of the Royal College of Defence Studies. His final appointment was Secretary to the Military Committee at NATO Headquarters in Brussels where he was involved in the politicalstrategic direction of the Kosovo conflict.

He left the Royal Marines in 2001 in the rank of Brigadier. He was the Chief Executive of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals until 2004. He is now a freelance keynote speaker and writer. He also hosts on the Royal Scotsman Train.

In 2006 Ian Gardiner was appointed the Honorary Colonel of the Royal Marines Reserve in Scotland and, in 2007, he was elected to the Council of the Royal Scottish Society of Arts.

BUSINESSES LEARNING FROM WAR
Commerce and war are both about achieving goals with scarce resources in a dynamic, often hostile environment. In peace and war, on the battlefield and in the corridors of power, there are lessons in the military experience which can be learnt by commercial companies to their profit. Ian Gardiner offers keynote talks from which every company and organisation can benefit.

SUCCEEDING IN CHAOS
As the commercial environment becomes more and more competitive, only those companies which make relevant, effective and timely decisions will flourish. Using the chaotic nature of war as a stage, Ian Gardiner describes the process which has emerged from the crucible of defeat to deliver victory on the battlefield, and which all commercial concerns can adopt to their profit. His talks Succeeding in Chaos, Communicating in Chaos and Teams in Chaos are original, thought provoking sessions drawing lessons from the searing audit of war which offer valuable insights for all companies which will improve their bottoms lines.

QUALITY IS A GIFT FROM YOUR EMPLOYEES
This gift is of pivotal importance and cannot be elicited without good leadership. Excellence is not brought about simply by recruiting and training good people. Excellence arises only when you consistently get normal people to give of their best. In his talk, Leadership and the Delivery of Quality, Ian Gardiner explores the nature of leadership and morale, and how they can be developed. There is no-one who cannot become a better leader if they want to. Ian Gardiner offers practical suggestions distilled from war for all managers showing how they can raise their standards of leadership thus helping you to win that priceless gift, and enabling your company to improve the quality it delivers across the board.

THE REALITIES OF WAR
Ian Gardiner commanded a company of Royal Marines in the Falklands War. Eight years earlier, he commanded a company of Arab soldiers in the little known but hard fought Dhofar War in Oman where he was decorated for leadership and gallantry in battle. He also served four tours in Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles. In his final appointment, he was Secretary to the Military Committee at NATO Headquarters during the Kosovo crisis. Drawing on all this, he gives a remarkable talk on The Realities of War which will fascinate men and women of whatever age or experience. Those who hear him will receive a rich and profound insight into the lot of the soldier and sailor in conflict and their families which cannot be got from the TV, films or the Press. Since Britain has sent her Servicemen and women into lethal conflict almost every single year since the Second World War, this talk is relevant to us all.

OMAN - THE UNKNOWN WAR
Ian Gardiner is also available to give an absorbing illustrated talk based on his book 'In the Service of the Sultan'. This will appeal to all who are interested in irregular warfare, the history of the Cold War and the relationships between the Western and the Arab worlds. Go to Writer

THE SPEAKER...........
Ian Gardiner is a Visiting Lecturer at the UK Defence Academy and a member of the Professional Speakers Association. Drawing on extensive experience in the Royal Marines, and as chief executive of a 20 million charity employing 240 people, he is well qualified to explain how military thought and practice offers improved competitiveness in business.

TESTIMONIALS
''Powerful, passionate, professional and original Ian Gardiner gave us a most valuable and relevant tool to help us raise our corporate leadership and decision making to a new level.''
Simon Crowe, Vice President Corporate Planning, Transocean Inc

''Ian's presentation was professionally delivered in a style which captivated the audience. Ian's ability to link his real life experience on the battlefield to challenges and issues we face daily in the business setting was first class.''
Finance Director, RBS Global Banking & Markets

''The quality and professionalism of Ian's content and delivery were superb.''
Des Diamond, RFU Coaching Development Manager

''Ian provided a most enjoyable session. His historical and business leadership examples made the link clear to the delegates what they require for successful leadership and communication''
Aileen Strachan, HR Training and Development, Talisman Energy

''Ian's message was very relevant and his observations accurately bridged the Military and Commercial worlds. His delivery was thoughtful and compelling. Ian provided a very worthwhile part of our team-building and objective setting work''
Robin Watson, Director, Petrofac Facilities Management

''Fascinating talk drawing on some truly incredible experiences. Definitely setting a standard in leadership and team performance for us to aspire to. Of direct relevance to decision-takers and leaders in all commercial companies''
George Cobb, Brand Manager, Nestl

''The feedback .very positive. The lecture was encouraging and thoroughly enlightening. Your professional insight into leadership left them with many thoughts for reflection. I have learned a great deal from your presentations which have influenced many young officers, providing them with an inspirational role model''
The Director, Junior Naval Staff Course, UK Defence Academy

''Thank you for such an eye opening talk...like most non-combatants, I have spent any number of hours listening to grand plans, global strategies and battlefield tactics..but had no conception of.the sheer terror, the unpleasantness and the confusion which is what the grand plans are ultimately reduced to. An occasion which will live long in my memory...a stellar performance.''
Fettes College, Edinburgh

''..your lecture universally praised by the student body.simultaneously thought provoking and entertaining''
The Director, Advanced Command and Staff Course, UK Defence Academy