Floyd Woodrow MBE DCM

Elite Military Leader | Founder, Compass for Life | Chairman, Quantum Group

Floyd Woodrow is a decorated former SAS major turned international leadership consultant, fintech executive and social impact champion. Best known for his distinguished 23-year career in the British Army, including service in the elite 22 Special Air Service (SAS), Floyd was one of the youngest soldiers ever selected for the SAS at age 22. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for bravery in Iraq and later received an MBE for his service in Afghanistan.

Floyd’s story doesn’t end with the military though. In fact, that was just the first act. Upon leaving the forces, he pivoted into business, law, psychology, and education. Today, he is Chairman of The Quantum Group, a fintech innovation firm, Founder of Compass for Life, a global training, and consultancy advising elite per- formers and senior leaders across business, sport, government, and education, and he is the Founder of the Compass for Life Foundation helping disadvantaged children build purpose and direction through aspiration and structure.

In the book Balancing Act, Floyd’s voice offers a powerful blueprint for what it means to design a life of alignment, lead under pressure, and keep recalibrating towards your mission, even when the route changes. Floyd is a firm believer that success is not bestowed, it’s created. His widely used Compass for Life model blends military precision with personal purpose. His leadership philosophy is values-driven, deeply human, and laser-focused on strategic clarity and self-awareness.

Floyd doesn’t describe himself as successful, he just gets on with the work. But his life, across extreme environments, shifting sectors and lifelong learning, offers a clear message. You are the architect of your future, but only if you choose to be. Most recently, Floyd has been exploring how artificial intelligence can be used to support human performance. He has developed NLighten, a digital AI tool designed to help individuals track behavioural patterns, assess progress, and stay aligned with their goals. The concept reflects Floyd’s core mission to equip people with the awareness and systems they need to realise their potential. As with every chapter of his journey, from elite soldier to educator, business strategist to AI innovator, Floyd continues to evolve with purpose and precision.

View Floyd’s Top Tips For A Purpose-Driven Life, along with many other tips from Balancing Act Guests and Contributors over on our Advice Wall

Listen to Floyd's Podcast, an extended interview recorded as research for the book Balancing Act.