Backley Black is a unique partnership that brings together two of Britain’s most respected Olympic athletes, Steve Backley and Roger Black. Drawing on decades of experience at the highest level of international sport, they have established themselves as leading motivational speakers, helping organisations unlock high performance, resilience and effective leadership. Their presentations combine personal insight with practical strategies, demonstrating how lessons learned through elite competition can be successfully applied to business, leadership and organisational change. Together, they inspire audiences with authentic stories of determination, teamwork and overcoming adversity.
Backley Black’s story is built upon the exceptional sporting careers of its founders. Roger was appointed MBE in recognition of his consistent performances and impact on international athletics, while Steve received an MBE for his own outstanding achievements in the sport. Roger was later awarded an Honorary Degree from Southampton University, acknowledging his contribution to athletics, before publishing the acclaimed book 'Roger Black: How Long’s the Course?', which explores the mindset, motivation and resilience required to succeed at the highest level. Steve’s achievements were further recognised when he was appointed OBE for services to athletics and later inducted into the London Youth Games Hall of Fame for his lasting contribution to British athletics. Building on their shared experiences, Roger and Steve became partners in BlackleyBlack Ltd, creating leadership and high performance programmes that translate elite sporting principles into practical business success.
Alongside their corporate work, Backley Black has continued to extend its influence beyond the speaking platform. Roger’s book remains a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the psychological demands of elite performance and sustained success. Their leadership programmes have been delivered to organisations across a wide range of sectors, establishing an international reputation for helping businesses navigate pressure, change and performance transformation. Roger has also continued his longstanding work with the British Heart Foundation, supporting awareness and education around heart health, resilience and performance following his own personal experience of cardiac health challenges.
Backley Black is hired as a motivational speaker because audiences benefit from the combined expertise of two individuals who have succeeded at the very highest level and successfully transferred those lessons into the corporate world. Their presentations move beyond inspirational stories by providing practical frameworks for leadership, resilience, communication, teamwork and sustained performance under pressure. With credibility earned through international sporting success, recognised honours and years of advising organisations, Roger and Steve deliver engaging, relatable and actionable insights. Their ability to connect elite performance with everyday business challenges ensures delegates leave motivated, equipped with practical tools and inspired to embrace change, perform under pressure and achieve lasting success.
