Richard Payne

Most people never talk about mental toughness until crisis forces it. I built the MTI framework: seven traits and a five-minute self-score, so men, teams, and HR leaders have a low-stigma way to start that conversation. I’m a mental toughness strategist.

The book, Unbreakable The Slow Burn

Latest Book Release

Unbreakable The Slow Burn

UNbreakable The Slow Burn mental toughness, biography memoirs, business money resilience, surviving, strategy, coaching, biography. For leaders who want the full strategic package (Executive Edition), contact Richard on button below.

Executive Edition – $295

More About Richard Payne

Richard Payne is an executive strategist, speaker, and author who, at 55, swam the English Channel solo — proof behind his belief that mental toughness is built slowly, not born. From that experience he created the Mental Toughness Index, a seven-trait framework (Resilience, Emotional Control, Focus, Discipline, Endurance, Adaptability, Confidence) designed to be self-scored and shared, giving people a low-stigma way to start real conversations about mental health.

Richard Payne and Alia Steglinski explore workplace resilience, burnout, and mental toughness

New Podcast

UNTOLD

Richard Payne and Alia Steglinski explore workplace resilience, burnout, and mental toughness — honest, evidence-informed conversations professionals rarely get to have.

As part of Unbreakable Toughness, Alia complements Richard Payne’s focus on mental toughness by addressing the physical foundations of resilience — nutrition, movement, recovery, stress management and sustainable wellbeing.

New Podcast

UNTOLD

Richard Payne and Alia Steglinski explore workplace resilience, burnout, and mental toughness — honest, evidence-informed conversations professionals rarely get to have.

As part of Unbreakable Toughness, Alia complements Richard Payne’s focus on mental toughness by addressing the physical foundations of resilience — nutrition, movement, recovery, stress management and sustainable wellbeing.

What The Critics Say

UNbreakable: The Slow Burn by Richard Payne was a genuinely life-changing read for me.

It was easy to follow, engaging, and filled with inspiring stories such as Richards English Channel conquest that brought the concepts of mental toughness to life.
What I appreciated most was Richard’s refreshing perspective. Rather than promoting the idea that we always have to push harder or be perfect, he shows that resilience is built through the everyday challenges we face. As a professional and someone who has often struggled with perfectionism, I felt like I always had to handle everything flawlessly and live up to the expectations of the culture around me.

After reading this book, I felt empowered to slow down, embrace being human, and recognise that growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about the journey. Richard’s practical insights gave me a healthier and more sustainable understanding of mental toughness that I believe will stay with me for years to come.

Alia Steglinski, Accredited Nutritionist | Master Personal Trainer | Author | Work Health & Safety (BSB41419)
(Bach App Sci Nutr)

Richard is incredibly genuine

He is helpful, and easy to talk to. Whenever you need guidance, he has a way of breaking things down so that his advice is clear and easy to follow. Knowing him personally, I truly appreciate how supportive he is and how practical his approach to life is. He is exactly the kind of person you want in your corner.

Nick Atkin

A Unique View On The World

“I’ve coached hundreds of swimmers across the years — including 30 across the English Channel. Very few of them have what Richard has.
The Channel doesn’t care how fit you are. Somewhere around hour 12 or 14, your body stops being the problem — your mind is. I’ve watched swimmers with better technique than Richard climb out early because they didn’t have what it takes upstairs. Richard didn’t just finish. He finished at 55, in 22 hours and 45 minutes, and he did it because he trained his mind as deliberately as he trained his body.”

John Van Wisse, Former World Record Holder , Enduroman Arch to Arc (2014–2016)

Richard’s Speciality Areas

Men’s Mental Health

You don’t have to figure this out alone. I spent a lifetime, self-taught, battle-tested, no shortcuts, building the mental toughness most men are told to just “push through.” Now I hand you what actually works.

HR & Recruitment Specialists

Richard helps HR and Recruitment Teams look beyond skills and qualifications to assess resilience, mental toughness, and performance under pressure.

Speaking Engagements

Richard speaks about building mental toughness through practical tools that strengthen resilience, emotional control, focus, discipline, endurance, adaptability and confidence.