David Sole

David Sole OBE has transitioned from a decorated international rugby player to a successful executive coach and business leader, bringing leadership lessons from the field to the corporate world. After leading Scotland to a historic Grand Slam victory in 1990, defeating England at Murrayfield, David Sole OBE established a notable career in rugby union, earning 44 caps as a prop for Scotland between 1986 and 1992. He captained Scotland in a record 25 internationals during this period, demonstrating unparalleled leadership and resolve on the field. Sole was also a key player for the British & Irish Lions, playing in three tests during their victorious tour of Australia in 1989.

Following his retirement from professional rugby, Sole was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1993 New Year Honours, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport. Since late 2000, Sole has applied his proven leadership acumen to the corporate world, transitioning into a successful career as an executive coach. He initially held senior roles with prominent firms such as Change Partnership and Whitehead Mann, advising top-tier executives on strategic leadership and performance. In 2011, he co-founded School for CEOs with Patrick Macdonald, a significant venture dedicated to developing senior business leaders through practical, experience-based training.

Sole’s executive experience is further underscored by his service as a Non-executive director for AM Bid Services, contributing strategic oversight and governance. He also shared his deep understanding of the sport as a co-commentator for BBC Scotland’s rugby union coverage. His leadership within School for CEOs solidified in 2017 when he became its Managing Partner, continuing to leverage his extensive experience from elite sports to guide C-suite executives and board members across various industries, focusing on driving tangible leadership growth and fostering high-performance cultures.