Solace International

Global Leadership Training

Together, we thrive. Empowering leaders, inspiring resilience, transforming futures.

Lee Drinkwater MSc CMgr FCMI
Founder

OUR VISION

We envision a world where resilient leaders drive positive change, guiding organisations through adversity with strength, wisdom, and purpose. By fostering resilience, we empower individuals and businesses to thrive and succeed in an ever-evolving global landscape.

A People-First, Tailored Approach

We focus on personalised leadership development.

Resilience Focused

We prepare leaders to excel in uncertainty.

High Impact, Enduring Results

We drive engagement, trust, and long-term performance.

Cutting-Edge Strategies 

We blend proven methods with innovative solutions.

OUR SERVICES

Leadership Training

Leadership training equips individuals with the skills and confidence needed to inspire, guide, and motivate others effectively.

Executive Coaching

Executive coaching is a personalised development process that helps senior leaders enhance their performance, sharpen strategic thinking, and achieve their professional goals.

Team Performance

Team performance training focuses on enhancing collaboration, communication, and productivity within groups to achieve shared goals more effectively.

HOW WE DO IT

The R.E.A.L.® Protocol – Our unique R.E.A.L.® approach empowers leaders to rise above challenges:

Resilience: Strengthening adaptability and endurance under pressure

Emotional Intelligence & Empowerment: Enhancing self-awareness and leadership impact

Agile: Building flexibility and responsiveness in dynamic environments

Lead: Equipping leaders to inspire and drive sustainable growth

WHO WE ARE?

With over three decades of leadership experience in high-threat and ambiguous environments, Solace International Ltd is a premier leadership consultancy dedicated to empowering leaders and organisations to navigate uncertainty with confidence. 

Rooted in our proud military heritage, we leverage strategic military experience to deliver high-performance leadership expertise across all business sectors. Guided by our R.E.A.L.® philosophy, we implement a unique set of practices that significantly enhance an organisation’s capacity to achieve sustained business results and elite performance in complex and competitive environments. 

At Solace, we believe in a people-first, tailored approach to resilience leadership development. By combining cutting-edge strategies with personalised guidance, we equip leaders with the tools they need to thrive in adversity, drive high performance, and foster long-term success. 

OUR PEOPLE

Lee Drinkwater

Founder
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Katy Parrott

Associate
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CORE VALUES

Integrity – We uphold honesty and ethical leadership

People-first – We prioritise the growth and well-being of individuals

Agility – We embrace change and innovation

Authenticity – We lead with sincerity and purpose

Humility – We continuously learn and evolve

OUR PRINCIPLES

Empathy – Understanding and addressing individual and organisational needs

Communication – Fostering transparency and trust

Collaboration – Encouraging teamwork and shared success

Empowerment – Enabling individuals to lead with confidence

Recognition – Celebrating achievements and growth

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Polly Bancroft
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As part of the FA Technical Directors Course, we were challenged to visit a high-performing environment outside of football. Thanks to Lee we were given an incredible insight into life at the Royal Marines Commando training centre in Lympstone. The visit offered a fascinating look at their recruitment, onboarding and retention practices. Entry standards are understandably uncompromising – physically and psychologically – and everything that follows reinforces that bar. What stood out most is that progression doesn’t end at pass-out. There is a clear expectation of continual development for as long as you wear the Marines badge on your rolled-up sleeve. Another powerful takeaway was their clarity of purpose. The centre is steeped in its 364-year history, with constant references to the Corps’ mission and achievements. For modern operations, the ‘why’ and ‘so that’ are explicit; the ‘how’ is left to the commandos, guided by their training, skills, culture and behaviours. The Marines are among the toughest and most adaptable people you’ll find. This visit was a brilliant lesson in setting and sustaining standards, brought to life by inspirational leadership from people like Lee
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Billy Meldrum
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I had the pleasure of working with Lee for many years, including whilst he was the lead in delivery of Leadership training for the Royal Marines. His passion and professionalism in being able to refine and deliver outcomes in line with a strategic intent was always impressive. The experience he has is applicable to any sector and it is that experience that allows tailored approaches to get the best out of everyone, ranging from the most junior, to the most senior positions within organisations. If you have leadership needs, in any way, Lee at Solace should be someone you reach out to.
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Darren Lewis
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I have worked with Lee for 20+ years, and he has a wealth of experience in Strategic Leadership and growth mindset. I highly recommend Solace Int to enhance your business Leadership strategy.
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ryan Morris
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Professional, experienced and considered would be the words used to describe my experience with Solace. They are able to unlock potential and deliver bespoke experiences and education that will have a lasting effect. Highly recommended!
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louis morris
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Outstanding. Our company has signed up to a 12 month programme with Solace and have seen instant results, literally within the first 48 hours! Cannot recommend Lee and Katy highly enough. Friendly, professional and most of all extremely well qualified to guide and inspire teams of all ages.
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dave kassapian
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Lee Drinkwater is the heartbeat of Solace International, and the beat is strong and dependable. Decades of experience in the cauldron of conflict and a firm moral compass, linked to a deep understanding of, and education in human behaviour, makes for an impressive CV. If you want to optimize your organisation and/or your people; or if you have a cultural challenge which needs objective advice and guidance, you would do well to seek the assistance of Solace.
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iStroudy 2.0
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Lee Drinkwater is an exceptional leader and leadership coach, known for his ability to inspire trust, foster growth, and deliver lasting impact across diverse teams and individuals. With a natural command of presence and an intuitive understanding of people, Lee blends strategic insight with emotional intelligence, enabling those he mentors to unlock their full potential. His calm authority, clear communication, and relentless commitment to personal and professional development make him not just a coach, but a catalyst for meaningful transformation.
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Rob Driessen
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Lee has a strong combination of expertise, sharp insights and excellent co.munication skills. He knows to convey complex themes around leadership in a clear and accessible way, always connecting with practice. What I particularly appreciate is that he not only transfers knowledge, but also actively thinks and gives direction.He really helps you set the course in your development as a leader. His guidance is both inspiring and practical and he creates a learning and stimulating learning environment.In short: an expert and enthusiastic trainer Who actually helps you in your growth as a leader.heartfelty recommended!
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Robert Dixon
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I can’t recommend Solace International highly enough. Lee and his team have been instrumental in helping us identify and address key areas within our organisation where leadership could be strengthened. Their insights, hands-on approach, and extensive experience have had a tangible impact on our leadership culture and overall performance. What sets Solace International apart is not just their expertise, but their genuine commitment to long-term growth. We’ve already seen measurable improvements in leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and overall productivity. As our organisation continues to evolve, we see Solace as a strategic partner—one we’ll continue to work with to support leadership development, reduce staff turnover, and enhance workforce performance over the long term. I strongly encourage other companies—regardless of size or sector—to invest in this level of consultancy. The value delivered by Solace International is far-reaching, and the long-term benefits speak for themselves. A big thank you to Lee and his team for their outstanding support and partnership—we’re looking forward to continuing the journey together.
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Andrew D
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Solace International is an exciting and innovative company that offers far more than your average leadership, coaching and performance management services. With a truly inspirational founder at its heart who is passionate, steeped in risk and resilience expertise and who truly cares about unlocking human potential - for anyone seeking to drive positive change at the individual or organisational level, Solace International should be your partner of choice.