Kelly Brown is a widely respected figure in the world of rugby and leadership, known for his inspiring journey from professional sport to personal development. A former international rugby player with 64 caps for Scotland, he played as a flanker and captained his national side. After retiring from the game in 2017, Kelly transitioned into coaching, holding key roles with Saracens RFC and Glasgow Warriors before stepping into his current position as Regional Director at Places for People in 2023. Beyond his rugby achievements, he is an engaging speaker, sharing invaluable insights on resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity, particularly focusing on his personal battle with stammering.
Kelly’s club rugby career began with the Border Reivers before moving to Glasgow Warriors following the club's disbandment in 2007. His international debut for Scotland came in 2005, marking the start of a distinguished career on the world stage. A standout moment was his inclusion in the 2007 Rugby World Cup squad, where he made five appearances and scored a try against Portugal. His leadership qualities were further recognised when he captained Scotland in the 2012 Autumn Test against New Zealand, an achievement that coincided with his milestone of earning 50 international caps. Despite facing injuries, including setbacks in the Six Nations tournaments of 2011 and 2012, Kelly always made strong comebacks, demonstrating the resilience that now defines his speaking engagements.
Following his retirement from professional rugby in 2017, Kelly seamlessly transitioned into coaching, beginning as an EPDG Coach at Saracens RFC. His expertise and leadership saw him progress to Assistant Coach roles with Glasgow Warriors and Saracens RFC. His latest career move in 2023 as Regional Director at Places for People showcases his ability to transfer his rugby leadership skills into social enterprise. His success in both professional sports and business underscores his deep understanding of high-performance environments, making him a sought-after speaker for teams, businesses, and leadership groups.
Kelly is hired for his unique ability to connect with audiences through real-life experiences of overcoming obstacles. As a lifelong stammerer, he has worked tirelessly to master his speech and now inspires others to face their own challenges. His speeches combine leadership insights, resilience strategies, and humour, making him a compelling choice for corporate events, sports teams, and after-dinner engagements. Whether discussing elite performance, personal growth, or team leadership, Kelly captivates audiences with authenticity and passion.
