/

Our Speakers

Our diverse roster of handpicked speakers ranges from explorers and entrepreneurs, to innovators, thought leaders and activists. Each speaker shares inspiring ideas, stories and content that helps organisations manage key issues and motivate their teams in these increasingly challenging times.

44 Speakers

Somi Arian

Somi Arian is a Tech-Philosopher, Filmmaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Investor, and LinkedIn Top Voice. With a background in philosophy of science and technology, Somi describes her role in society as a 'Transition Architect'. As humans merge with technology, and society enters a new phase of human evolution, Somi works on frameworks to address the challenges ahead.

Creativity and innovation, Diversity and inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Leadership Speakers, Resilience and self belief, Social impact,

John Barclay

Transforming team culture, the importance of strong leadership, self-belief, self-doubt and overcoming adversity

Leadership Speakers, Presenters, Resilience and self belief,

Sally Bee

Heart attack survivor helping organisations and individuals overcome setbacks, develop resilience, maintain a positive mindset and introduce healthier ways of living

Resilience and self belief,

Gib Bulloch

Corporate insurgent, intrapreneur and thought leader using a powerful personal story to discuss mental health in the workplace and reimagine the role of business in society to create meaningful social impact

Creativity and innovation, Leadership Speakers, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief, Social impact,

Lorna Collins

Art and creativity helped Lorna recover from 20 years’ of psychiatric illnesses and she now researches arts in health and campaigns to reduce stigma around mental illness

Creativity and innovation, Diversity and inclusion, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

Kenton Cool

Known as ‘The Everest Leader’, Kenton is one of the world’s leading high-altitude mountaineers and a world-renowned speaker who helps others develop a mindset that anything is possible

Resilience and self belief,

Stuart Cosgrove

Journalist, author and presenter, advocating the power of culture to make social changes

Creativity and innovation, Diversity and inclusion, Leadership Speakers, Presenters, Social impact,

Lauren Currie OBE

Lauren Currie is a on a mission to democratise leadership development and boost women's confidence in a business context

Creativity and innovation, Diversity and inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Leadership Speakers, Resilience and self belief,

Russell Dalgleish

Entrepreneur, strategist, investor, board advisor, creating supportive work cultures which unlock potential

Entrepreneurship, Leadership Speakers, Presenters,

John Davidson

John is a truly remarkable individual – a former SAS soldier, bodyguard and hostage negotiator turned senior executive, entrepreneur and educator who is deeply passionate about helping others fulfil their potential through outdoor adventures

Entrepreneurship, Leadership Speakers, Resilience and self belief,

David Eustace

International photographer and film maker, showing what can be achieved with passion, courage and hope

Creativity and innovation, Resilience and self belief,

Jonty Evans

Olympic horse rider who has battled back from a fall which left him in a coma, showing the power of a positive mindset to overcome adversity

Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

JoJo Fraser

Mental health campaigner, author and vlogger, promoting physical activity and music to improve sense of wellbeing

Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

Suranjana Ghosh

Based in India, Suranjana has faced a number of adversities in her life and is driven by determination to make social impact in the areas of gender, disability and diversity

Diversity and inclusion, Resilience and self belief, Social impact,

Alister Gray

Transformational coach infusing neuroscience, intuition, psychology, mindfulness and meditation

Leadership Speakers, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

James Gwinnett

From a broken neck and alcoholism to appearing on SAS: Who Dares Wins and running ultramarathons, James’ story of transformation is inspirational

Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

Jasmine Harrison

At the age of 21, Jasmine became the youngest woman in the world to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean – and the youngest female to row solo across any ocean

Diversity and inclusion, Resilience and self belief,

John Hatfield

Former journalist and editor, unlocking the power of words to influence and persuade

Diversity and inclusion, Leadership Speakers, Social impact,

Celia Hodson

Hey Girls founder Celia is a multi-award winning entrepreneur and period poverty campaigner passionate about social enterprise, helping businesses to drive change and giving back

Entrepreneurship, Social impact,

Dr Nathan Hudson-Peacock

Expedition medic, NHS A&E doctor and founder of Eco Medics, Nathan is also passionate about sustainability and climate change

Environment, Leadership Speakers, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief, Social impact,

Mollie Hughes

The youngest woman in the world to ski solo to the South Pole, also successfully summited both north and south sides of Mount Everest and first female President of Scouts Scotland

Diversity and inclusion, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

Cor Hutton

Quadruple amputee, single mother, activist, charity founder, world record holder and the first Scot to receive a double hand transplant

Diversity and inclusion, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief, Social impact,

Dan Lowes

Former RAF fighter pilot and Red Arrows pilot for whom effective communication, performance and leadership were a matter of life and death

Leadership Speakers, Resilience and self belief,

Nick Lyth

Founder & CEO of Green Angel Syndicate, passionate advocate of the greener economy and sustainable use of global resources to tackle climate change

Environment, Social impact,

Dr Cal Major BVM&S MRCVS MSc

Award-winning ocean advocate, World Record stand-up paddle board adventurer, founder of Paddle Against Plastic and Seaful Charity, and veterinary surgeon

Environment, Mental health and wellbeing, Presenters, Resilience and self belief,

Dr Andrew Murray

GP, expert on health and wellbeing, promoting value of adventure and activity to enhance physical and mental health

Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

Gavin Oattes

Trainer, coach, author and comedian, highlighting the importance of play at work to engage and unlock potential in workforce

Creativity and innovation, Leadership Speakers, Mental health and wellbeing, Presenters, Resilience and self belief,

Rupal Patel

The CIA intelligence-officer-turned-serial entrepreneur helps leaders and teams think bigger, lead better, and be bolder as they build businesses that thrive with purpose.

Creativity and innovation, Diversity and inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Leadership Speakers, Resilience and self belief,

Gail Porter

The television presenter and personality is using the ups and downs of her life, particularly her experiences of mental health illness, to help others

Diversity and inclusion, Mental health and wellbeing, Presenters, Resilience and self belief,

Kylie Reid

Digital entrepreneur, creating supportive online and in person communities for women

Creativity and innovation, Entrepreneurship, Presenters,

David Reilly

Disability sports writer with cerebral palsy, outdoor enthusiast encouraging the pursuit of what you love to fulfil your physical and academic potential

Diversity and inclusion, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

Naomi Riches MBE

A ParaRower who is registered blind, Naomi has won Gold at the 2012 Paralympics, six world championships titles and a world record for being the first and fastest woman to row the navigable Thames

Diversity and inclusion, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

Hazel Robertson

Certified mindset coach, explorer, ultrarunner, entrepreneur, with a deep passion for living sustainably and helping purpose-driven people overcome busyness to create more impact in the world.

Environment, Mental health and wellbeing, Presenters, Resilience and self belief,

Luke Robertson

First Scot to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole, certified Mindset Coach, entrepreneur, ultrarunner and explorer who’s dedicated to creating a more sustainable future and helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs banish busyness and make more impact in the world

Environment, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

Manal Rostom

Dubai-based Egyptian athlete, mountaineer, Nike Running ambassador and women’s rights activist Manal embodies our ethos of ‘inspiration with impact’ having used her ideas, passion and positivity to change perceptions and lives around the world

Diversity and inclusion, Resilience and self belief,

Stuart Sandeman

Transformational Breath® coach, improving physical, emotional and mental health. On a mission to harness and reconnect to our life force

Creativity and innovation, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

Nour Shaker Fayad

Nour is a senior tech professional strongly committed to driving positive change in the workplace and society around LGBTQ+ and Transgender experience

Diversity and inclusion, Leadership Speakers, Resilience and self belief, Social impact,

Sara Sheridan

Feminist, activist, author, perfumer, journalist, board member, charity patron, blogger… Sara has many fascinating strings to her bow and inspires and challenges open minds in equal measure

Creativity and innovation, Diversity and inclusion,

Ros Taylor

Clinical psychologist, executive coach, specialising in unlocking the potential in individuals and teams, encouraging confidence and creativity

Creativity and innovation, Diversity and inclusion, Leadership Speakers, Resilience and self belief,

Alice Thompson

Purpose coach using her experience as co-founder of Social Bite to inspire others and make the world a better place

Entrepreneurship, Leadership Speakers, Social impact,

Elle Tucker

Expert and passionate advocate of the peer to peer sharing economy and the importance of building communities and relationships

Creativity and innovation, Entrepreneurship, Social impact,

Nicki Williams

The founder of Happy Hormones for Life is an award-winning nutritionist, author, speaker and women’s health expert helping companies support female employees before, during and after menopause

Diversity and inclusion, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief,

Laura Willis

Laura is one of the UK’s leading experts on managing mental wellbeing in a digital age and a thought-leader on finding balance and thriving in our always-on culture

Creativity and innovation, Diversity and inclusion, Leadership Speakers, Mental health and wellbeing, Resilience and self belief, Social impact,

Mel Young MBE

Social entrepreneur and global changemaker, passionate about ending global poverty and also the role sport can play in society. Based in Edinburgh, Mel has spoken all over the world, from the Sydney Opera House to the World Economic Forum in Davos, and to everyone from world leaders to schoolchildren

Creativity and innovation, Diversity and inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Leadership Speakers, Resilience and self belief, Social impact,

"Just wanted to say a big thanks to Laura for her great workshop. It was good fun, she had really high energy and was the perfect fit for our culture internally! Laura kept the session upbeat and interactive and we have had really good feedback so far. Keep up the awesomeness!"

HR team, Activision Blizzard

"Kenton’s achievements are truly exceptional. He can literally and metaphorically get your team to climb to new heights! An outstanding motivational speaker."

David Radford, UK brand director, Allianz Insurance

“Mollie Hughes was our speaker for International Women’s Day 2021 and she was absolutely perfect. Hugely inspiring, motivational and brave, as well as friendly, down-to-earth and an excellent speaker. Her presentation was awesome, and the themes of coping with isolation, creating a positive mindset and motivating yourself really resonated with our colleagues. It was a true privilege to hear about her adventures first-hand.”

Kirsten Blackie-Gault, Communications and Corporate PR Manager, Edrington

“Hazel was a magnificent host for our Outdoor Experience evenings. Her passion, experience and interest in the outdoors meant she was the perfect choice to guide our attendees through the events programme of technical guest speakers and new brand technology. She was extremely well prepared, very adept at any necessary improvisation when needed and her presentation style was very engaging.”

Fiona Cochrane, Head of Marketing, Tiso Group

"We had the pleasure of having Rupal join us at ZX Venutures for a workshop on 'finding your voice' surrounding International Women's Day. The inspiring and relatable conversation addressed a major challenge many of us face at different points in our lives - being our authentic selves. The level of depth, life experience and insight that Rupal brought to the conversation left our team with much to reflect on as we manage our lives and careers. Thank you for an engaging and memorable session."

Jackie Senner, Global VP, ZX Ventures