High-stakes leadership and decision-making under pressure, from the world stage to the boardroom
Keynote Talks
“You’re not here to be popular…”
Large organisations don’t fail because leaders can’t make decisions. They fail when decisions don’t hold up in the real world, when the problem is messy or “wicked,” the data is incomplete, stakeholders are misaligned, and the spotlight is on. That’s the environment Tom Foley knows inside out.
Tom spent 11 years as a professional Rugby Union match official, working in high-consequence, high-scrutiny arenas where every call is contested and every decision has immediate impact. In that world, being “right” isn’t enough. Your credibility depends on how you decide, how you communicate the decision, and how you manage what happens next.
Those are the same pressures leaders face in large organisations navigating transformation, regulation, reputational risk, and complex multi-stakeholder change. Tom now translates his lived experience into practical tools for executives and boards: decision processes that stand up in wicked problems, clarity around non-negotiables, and a proven approach to “selling the call” ethically so decisions land as legitimate, especially when they won’t be popular.
This keynote equips leaders with a repeatable decision-making operating system they can use immediately: how to frame messy problems, separate facts from stories, set clear principles, generate credible options, and commit with confidence under uncertainty. Most importantly, it shows how to communicate tough calls in a way that builds legitimacy and respect, reducing resistance and preventing the classic “yes in the room, sabotage in the corridor.”
In Tom’s keynotes, audiences get:
A clear, repeatable decision-making operating system for messy, high-stakes situations
A sharp focus on earning respect through consistency, fairness, and clarity
Practical methods for communicating (“selling”) decisions so they land as legitimate - even when unpopular
Stories and insight from the pitch that map directly to the boardroom: pressure, conflict, trust, and accountability
The result: faster alignment, stronger trust, and decisions that stick without chasing popularity.
About Tom
Tom spent 11 years as a professional Rugby Union match official, operating in high-consequence, high-scrutiny arenas where every call is contested and every decision has immediate consequences. He officiated 48 international Tests, 350+ first-class games worldwide, and served as TMO for the Rugby World Cup Final in 2023.
In that world, “being right” isn’t enough - your legitimacy depends on how you make decisions, how you communicate them, and how you manage the aftermath. Those are the same pressures facing leaders in large organisations navigating transformation, regulatory scrutiny, reputational risk, or complex multi-stakeholder change.
Recent Clients
Client Reviews
“Tom doesn’t give the answers, he gives food for thought. It made me sit up and think.”
“Whether sharing inspiring anecdotes, delivering insightful observations, or providing a touch of humour from a wealth of experience, Tom consistently leaves a lasting impression.”
“An honest approach to how to tackle complex decision-making, it made me sit up and listen”
“His charismatic presence and polished delivery ensure that attendees are not only entertained but also inspired and motivated.”
“No jargon, no fluff just open and honest – relatable from start to finish”
“Tom has a remarkable talent for weaving humour and storytelling into his presentation creating an atmosphere that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.”
