Solace International

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.

Solace offers an exceptional standard of global leadership training, and my experience with them has been nothing short of outstanding. Based in Devon, they bring a refreshingly practical and insightful approach to leadership development. Lee, in particular, stands out as a consummate professional. He has a deep understanding of people and what it takes to lead effectively in a global context. He’s approachable and always makes time for those he works with—but don’t expect hand-holding. Lee challenges you to step up, think critically, and grow in real, sustainable ways. That balance between support and accountability is what makes Solace truly effective. If you're looking for leadership training that respects your intelligence, pushes you to grow, and is grounded in real-world experience, I highly recommend Solace.

I had the opportunity to work with Lee who was my officer in command of the leadership and development team. I can confidently say Lee is one of the most naturally effective leaders I’ve worked with. He knows how to lead without being overbearing, is clear on direction, great at setting priorities, and always open to feedback. Lee always made time to check in, offer support, and help others grow—whether you were new to the team or had been in role for a while. Lee also had a great way of turning challenges into opportunities. He helped guide our team through some major transitions with a clear plan and the results really spoke for themselves. If you’re looking for someone who leads with empathy, builds strong teams and delivers with consistency, I highly recommend Lee and Solace International.

If you’re looking for leadership development that truly transforms mindsets and maximizes potential, look no further than the exceptional programs led by former Royal Marine Lee Drinkwater. His company doesn’t just train leaders – it forges them. Lee brings the discipline, focus, and mission-driven mindset of the Royal Marines into every aspect of his work. But what sets him apart is how he combines that strength with dynamic inspiration and a deeply human approach to leadership. Whether you’re an executive, team leader, or aspiring change-maker, you’ll find his ability to instill confidence and clarity under pressure nothing short of extraordinary. At the core of Lee’s leadership philosophy is controlled integrity – the ability to lead with decisiveness and strength, while remaining grounded in values. This isn’t leadership driven by ego or noise. It’s measured, respectful, and powerful. That kind of leadership earns loyalty, not just compliance. Every session, workshop, or coaching interaction under his guidance carries the weight of experience, the precision of elite training, and the inspirational energy of someone who’s lived it. Lee doesn’t just talk about leadership – he embodies it.

Having worked closely with Lee on numerous high-impact projects during our time in the Royal Marines, I can confidently say he exemplifies what it means to be a leader of the highest standard. Lee consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and management skills, always grounded in the Commando Ethos—courage, determination, unselfishness, and cheerfulness in the face of adversity. His ability to lead with integrity, inspire others, and bring out the best in those around him set him apart. Now, through Solace, Lee channels that same commitment and expertise into developing leaders who are capable, resilient, and values-driven. A truly authentic leader with a rare blend of operational credibility and emotional intelligence. Highly recommended.

I’ve known Lee for many years, and he consistently stands out as an inspirational leader, a gifted communicator, and an all-round top bloke. His ability to bring people together, lead with integrity, and motivate those around him is truly exceptional. Whether it’s in professional settings or on a personal level, Lee brings energy, clarity, and genuine care to everything he does. An individual who leads by example and makes a lasting positive impact on everyone he meets. Highly recommended. 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Lee for many years, beginning with our service together in the Royal Marines. Throughout that time and beyond, I’ve witnessed firsthand the integrity, determination, and leadership he brings to every challenge. Our collaboration has extended into the civilian world, delivering educational training within a further education college, as well as co-leading a charity resilience weekend. In every setting, Lee has demonstrated a rare combination of professionalism, emotional intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to helping others grow. His own experiences in high-pressure, demanding environments have shaped him into someone uniquely equipped—both mentally and physically—to deliver world-class consultancy. Whether he’s supporting individuals, teams, or organisations, Lee’s impact is always lasting and meaningful. I highly recommend Lee for any endeavour that demands resilience, clarity, and genuine leadership.

Having had the privilege of working with Lee Drinkwater, I can confidently say he's a remarkable leader and an exceptional mentor. He consistently demonstrates a positive leadership style, creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and excel. Lee's approach to leadership is truly inspiring. He doesn't just manage, he actively mentors and guides, always encouraging growth and fostering a sense of ownership within the team. He has a unique ability to empower those around him, allowing individuals to thrive while ensuring the team operates as a cohesive, high-performing unit. It's rare to find someone who so seamlessly combines strong leadership with genuine dedication to the development of others.