These speakers provide fresh perspectives, encouraging teams to embrace cultural understanding and inclusivity, which boosts employee morale, productivity, and overall workplace harmony.
At Great Business Speakers, we specialise in finding the ideal EDI speaker for your event— whether virtual or in-person. Our curated roster of diverse talents includes professionals who address timely and impactful topics like systemic bias, allyship, and the importance of celebrating diversity in the workplace.
For notable occasions such as Black History Month, an EDI speaker can emphasise the significance of African American contributions, discuss historical and ongoing challenges, and inspire ongoing efforts toward equity and inclusion. With our support, your event can create a lasting impact by educating and empowering your audience to build a more inclusive future.
Discover our EDI Speakers below, or contact the team at Great Business Speakers to enquire or book. +44 1753 439 289
Sasha Qadri is an engaging TV News Presenter, with a CV that includes Sky News, Channel 4, CNBC, and Reuters.
For many years, she has been a popular corporate events moderator, hosing business events, panels and roundtable discussions, as well as interviewing high-profile figures. She also works regularly for Bloomberg, where she shapes editorial content for events and moderates business conversations for Bloomberg Live. Sasha hosts international events, interviewing government ministers and CEOs on topics ranging from humanising AI to fintech disruption
Sasha’s genuine warmth and compassion, her journalistic background, and her ease presenting means Sasha is the perfect professional addition to any live or virtual event.
Victoria Scholar is one of UK TV’s foremost financial commentators, enjoying a rare combination of banking, television and journalistic experience.
A hugely popular broadcaster and expert on business, finance and economics, Victoria is the Head of Investment at Interactive Investor – the UK’s second largest direct-to-consumer investment platform. She has a wide-ranging broadcast remit discussing the daily business news agenda, investment strategy and asset allocation, collective investments and direct shares, as well as macro-economics and markets.
Sean Fletcher is a much-loved presenter, touching on subjects including sport, wildlife, immigration, parenthood, trafficking, identity, diversity, prostitution, ethnicity and knife crime.
He has fronted a range of programmes including Countryfile (2016-2019), Good Morning Britain (2014-2021), Songs of Praise (2017-) and Sunday Morning Live (2017-2020).
After marrying his Welsh wife and moving to the country, Sean decided to learn Welsh alongside his sons and is now proud to say he is bi-lingual, which opens him up a wider audience.
An intelligent, interesting, personable and entertaining presenter, Sean is the ideal choice for an after-dinner speaker, award ceremony host and event compere.
As one of the UK’s leading sports presenters and commentators, Jacqui Oatley MBE is a respected and popular reporter and broadcaster journalist who made history in 2007 as the first female commentator on Match of the Day and has been racking up the “firsts” ever since.
In 2015, Jacqui was named in The Independent as the 8th most influential woman in sport.
Jacqui Oatley is currently the lead commentator on Sky Sports, covering the FA Women’s Super League and presents EFL on Quest as well as darts events for ITV Sport.
Jamil Qureshi is one of today’s foremost practitioners of performance-enhancing psychology, and is an expert in high-performing teams.
He has enjoyed working with a rich diversity of the most talented business and sports people and teams in the world, helping six individuals reach World Number 1 in their chosen industry.
He has worked with golfers, footballers, Formula 1 drivers, and cricketers, as well as businesses in over 24 countries worldwide.
Ranked among the most influential figures in British sport in 2009 by GQ Magazine, Jamil was voted in the top 100 coaches in the world by The Daily Mirror in 2023.
Jamil is also a globally recognised speaker on all aspects of the psychology of performance, psychology of leadership, leadership attitudes, improving people, cultural change techniques, and team performance.
With over a decade of experience at the intersection of entrepreneurship, fashion, and sustainability, Zoe Bayliss Wong is a strategic force behind some of the most recognisable names in purpose-led consumer business.
Now working as a freelance CFO and COO, Zoe partners with leaders to bring high-growth expertise to businesses creating positive change for people and the planet.
As a SME advisor, board director, and strategist, Zoe speaks around two key themes: sustainable fashion and the future of retail, and women in business and driving diversity in senior leadership.
Jo Fairley is a serial entrepreneur, best known for co-founding the luxury chocolate brand Green & Black’s. Leaving school with just six O Levels, Jo became the UK’s youngest-ever magazine editor at Look Now.
Today, Jo continues to make influential contributions to Green & Black’s, as well as to the wider industry. She has founded several businesses across industries, but always themed around the senses.
Jo is a highly sought-after speaker, sharing her experiences, invaluable expertise, and advice for fellow entrepreneurs. Jo was once awarded the World Aware Award for her influential entrepreneurship, a testament to her dedication to ensuring all she works on is environmentally friendly.
Susie Wolff MBE is a former motorsport driver, Managing Director of the F1 Academy, and a motivational keynote speaker.
She began her competitive motorsport career over 20 years ago, starting out on the karting track. After cutting her teeth in karting, Formula Renault, and DTM for Mercedes-Benz, she made history at the 2014 British Grand Prix by becoming the first woman to take part in a Formula 1 race weekend in 22 years.
After retiring from driving in 2015, and as part of her commitment to fostering positive change within the sport, she launched Dare To Be Different, an initiative aimed at driving female talent by inspiring the next generation and increasing female participation in all aspects of motorsport.
Her hard work was awarded in 2017 with an MBE for her services and contribution to women in sport.
Debra Searle MVO, MBE, is a unique and inspiring individual. A businesswoman, professional adventurer, and motivational speaker, Debra is convinced that learning to choose the right attitude, can transform our personal and professional lives.
Debra has launched five companies, presented over 40 programmes for the BBC, won Gold World Championship medals for Team GB, was the youngest ever trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and successfully rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Once voted World #1 Female Motivational Speaker in the Global Gurus ranking, Debra has been honoured twice by the late Queen, an MBE in 2002 and an MVO in 2014.
She is a successful author, and has spoken at over 1,300 events across 40 countries about her incredible achievements. In fact, the movie of her solo Atlantic row is currently in development in Hollywood!
Reuben Christian is an uplifting, award-winning edutainer, speaker, podcast host, coach, presenter, moderator, facilitator, and host, with over 20 years of experience. His contagious energy has enlivened conferences, festivals, and events around the world.
Reuben is the founder of Dream Rehab, a live show that harnesses the power of community for individual and collective growth. Focussed on helping people achieve their goals. Reuben hosts for companies, communities, and events, helping people overcoming barriers, and align purpose to inspire action and success.
He is the co-host of the What Is This Behaviour? podcast – interviewing South Asian trailblazers – which reaches 16 million travellers on British Airways flights. Reuben also served as a senior mentor for Samsung Not a School, an innovative alternative education initiative inspiring the next generation of forward thinkers.
Reuben can count names such as Aviva, Barbican, Samsung, the BBC, Red Bull, Virgin Media, the Old Vic, Deutsche Bank, and Wilderness Festival among his corporate credits.
A thriving workplace isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about communication, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Reuben trains teams in the soft skills that drive engagement, innovation, and collaboration. His corporate training sessions aren’t about passive learning; they’re about real conversations, practical exercises, and tangible takeaways that create lasting change.
Yasmine Mahmoudieh is a multiple award-winning architect and interior designer, renowned for her pioneering work in multi-sensory and sustainable design.
She is deeply committed to sustainable practices in her field, and demonstrates her devotion by speaking at forums around the world, but also through her actions.
Yasmine Mahmoudieh is the founder of Impact Design Now, a company that produces high-quality, sustainable future using 3D printing technologies and recycled materials, maintaining the integrity of high-quality design while promoting sustainability.
She also explores the future of architecture and the role of technology in her discussions. She is at the forefront of technological innovation in design, with projects including a 3D printed furniture line from recycled plastics and a pioneering virtual real estate project in the Metaverse.
Through her talks, Yasmine Mahmoudieh educates audiences worldwide about the importance of sustainability in architrave and design. She discusses how careful selection of materials can lead to healthier alternatives to toxic substances like plastic and concrete, resulting in designs that are both attractive and eco-friendly.
In addition to being an impactful keynote speaker, Yasmine Mahmoudieh is a guest lecturer at universities and colleges in London, New York, Los Angeles, Monte Carlo, Lausanne, Shanghai, and Moscow. She serves on the BLLA board and has been a visiting professor at EHL for nine years. For the last 10 years, she has taught at the Institut Paul Becuse in Lyon and Paris, and she is a mentor at the Royal College of Art in London.
With her influence and expertise in sustainable architecture and design, Yasmine Mahmoudieh has been featured in several high-profile publications. Her work and insights have been highlighted in Architectural Digest, Forbes, Yahoo Finance, ELLE, Business Insider, and Digital Journal.
Beyond her speaking engagements, Yasmine Mahmoudieh serves as a global ambassador for sustainability in architecture and design, delivering lectures at prestigious forums like the World Economic Forum in Davos, and COP28 in Dubai.
Sam Fowles is a barrister, best-selling author, columnist, broadcaster and political commentator.
He gained widespread attention for his role in several key constitutional cases, including legal challenges related to Brexit and the prorogation of Parliament in 2019. His work in these cases has demonstrated his commitment to defending the principles of democracy and the legal frameworks that protect civil liberties in the UK.
Sam has appeared in many of the most significant and high-profile legal cases of recent years. He is the first barrister in more than a decade to successfully defend an MP before Parliament’s Privileges Committee, which gives him unique insight into politics and public policy.
He regularly comments on current affairs on television and radio, appearing on the BBC, Sky News, ITV, LBC, GB News and Talk TV. His writing is often published in the Guardian, the Independent, the Big Issue, and on Politics.co.uk.
Beatrice Kabutakapua is an inspiring Business Storytelling Coach who works with businesses and organisations, helping them utilize storytelling to enhance employee engagement and enable leaders to be more authentic, ultimately creating a happier, more inclusive workplace culture.
She has worked with companies such as Aviva, Booking.com, Netflix, and Save the Children to drive communications and leadership transformation across their teams.
Zoe Kleinman is one of the UK’s most prominent technology journalists, with a career spanning nearly two decades.
Known for her insightful reporting on some of the most significant technological developments of our time, Zoe has established herself as a trusted voice in the tech world, breaking down complex topics for a broad audience.
Covering everything from cyber-security breaches and hacking scandals to the latest developments in AI and autonomous vehicles, Zoe brings cutting-edge tech stories to millions worldwide. Her reports feature across a wide range of platforms, including BBC News, BBC World News, BBC World Service, and Radio 4’s Today programme, making complex tech topics accessible to a global audience.
In 2021, Zoe was appointed Technology Editor at the BBC. In this role, she leads the BBC’s coverage of tech developments, reporting on everything from cybercrime and social media trends to the impact of AI and the ethical dilemmas surrounding emerging technologies. As part of her work, Zoe explains how technological innovations are influencing industries, shaping economies, and altering the fabric of society.
Her reporting is often distinguished by its accessibility. Zoe has a gift for making even the most complicated technological advancements understandable to the average person, demystifying complex concepts like blockchain, quantum computing, and the metaverse. Her style is approachable, informative, and engaging, which has earned her a loyal following both in the UK and internationally.
Zoe is a familiar face not only on the BBC but also at technology conferences and events. She is a regular speaker at industry panels, where she discusses Artificial Intelligence, innovation and trends in technology, as well as the role of the media in informing the public about the complexities of technological advancements.
A confident and entertaining speaker who is in demand as a host, chair, panellist and lecturer, Zoe’s expertise and knowledge of the tech sector is brought to life by her engaging style.
Recognised as a leading voice in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Toju Duke is an influential speaker, author, thought leader, and advisor on Responsible AI.
With an extensive career spanning over 18 years across advertising, retail, non-profit, and tech industries, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.
For 10 years, Toju worked at Google where she played a pivotal role as a Programme Manager for Responsible AI and spearheaded various initiatives focusing on the integration of Responsible AI practices across Google’s product and research teams.
Toju offers expert consultation on Responsible AI practices to organisations seeking to implement ethical AI frameworks.
Her insights have been featured in prominent media outlets such as the BBC, Sky News, El País, La Nación, and Sifted.
Toju has been recognised as one of the top women in AI by several notable publications, including Daily AI and Xantage. She actively participates in high-level AI policy discussions and contributes to major governmental events.
Steve Gilbert OBE is an Anti-Racism Consultant with over a decade of experience tackling racism and improving outcomes for people living with mental illnesses.
He is the go-to speaker, consultant and coach for organisations serious about delivering meaningful change in this area. In 2019, Steve was awarded an OBE in the Queens’ Birthday Honours List for services to Mental Health.
Having battled with mental illness himself since his late teens, Steve has repeatedly had to fight for his life. Against the backdrop of psychological abuse from his parents and siblings, Steve has continued to display grit and determination as he overcomes the obstacles and pitfalls that accompany life with a serious mental illness.
Steve Gilbert has been a vocal advocate for improving mental health services, ensuring they are accessible and effective for all individuals, regardless of their background. He has worked to highlight and address the disparities in mental health care experienced by people from minority ethnic communities.
Highly regarded for his deep understanding of the issues, clarity of communication, warmth and relatability and striking candour, Steve has
Shakaila Forbes-Bell is a qualified Fashion Psychologist, author, and presenter.
She became the first black person in the world to earn a Master’s degree in fashion psychology; her focus was the underrepresentation of black models in fashion media, the impact of that on consumer behaviour, and the idea of self-concept. Her Master’s paper would go on to be published in the International Journal of Market Research.
Since qualifying, she has collaborated with a range of high-end and high-street fashion brands, delivered workshops to industry professionals, spoken at keynote events, and been featured in publications including Marie Claire Magazine, Grazia Magazine, and The Times.
She is also the founder of Fashion Is Psychology, and released her bestselling book, Big Dress Energy in 2022.
Rob Forkan and Dr Roisin O’Regan are the co-founders of Preveo, where they revolutionise the approach to corporate wellbeing.
Dr Roisin is a former Urgent Care Physician and GP, and is currently the Chief Medical Officer of Preveo; Rob is also the co-founder of Gandys alongside his brother Paul, and together they sell travel clothing in order to help fund life-changing projects across the world.
Perla Bloom is a dynamic global marketing strategy leader.
Passionate about the intersection of tech, creativity, and culture, she builds brands and creates connected experiences for audiences that solve a problem to reach specific objectives.
She is currently the senior global comms manager for Expedia, responsible for planning content, editorial and entertainment for the company. She is also the WELL London Chapter Lead, Expedia’s internal women’s organisation.
She is also a much sought-after international keynote speaker at industry events and on podcasts.
Naomi Kerbel is a communications expert with over 12 years of experience working in TV Journalism for Bloomberg, CNBC, and Sky News.
Before working on TV News, she worked as a Corporate Access Originator for Goldman Sachs, bringing together investors and corporate clients in the FTSE100. She also worked as an International Investor Access Consultant for Edison Investment Research.
Naomi is also a successful podcast host, award judge, ambassador, advisor, and BAFTA member.
Matt Bishop is a former Chief Communications Officer of the McLaren and Aston Martin Formula 1 teams and one of the sport’s most influential communications professionals.
With a background in journalism, Matt made his mark as the Editor of F1 Racing magazine, one of the most popular and widely-read Formula 1 publications.
In 2008, Matt transitioned from journalism to a key role within Formula 1 teams, becoming the Head of Communications and Public Relations for McLaren Racing. Matt’s unique skills helped to transform McLaren’s public and media profile, including during some of the team’s most turbulent times.
He played a key role in helping Aston Martin establish itself as a credible force in Formula 1 in 2020. During his work with the famous British brand he worked closely with 4-times World Champion Sebastian Vettel, helping the German star to become one of the most popular and high profile ambassadors in the sport.
In 2023, Matt founded Diagonal Communications, a company that provides expert communications consulting to high-profile clients in automotive and motorsport. He is also the founder and ambassador of Racing Pride, which was established in 2019 in collaboration with Stonewall to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the motorsport industry.
Lucy Edwards is a blind social media influencer, content creator, radio broadcaster and presenter, disability speaker and the first ever blind ambassador for beauty brand Pantene.
In 2013, at the age of 17, Lucy Edwards lost her vision and had to learn how to navigate her life again. Whilst a frightening time, it was also the beginning of an extraordinary journey to find self-acceptance and joy again. Her honest down-to-earth style has since made her a popular face on social media and an admired campaigner for disability and equality. So much so, that in the years since she went public with her disability, Lucy has grown a huge following across platforms, with over 190,000 on Instagram, 807,000 on YouTube and over 1.8 million on TikTok
These large followings mean her message is reaching countries as far and wide as the UK and USA, to Australia and Canada.
Lucy’s motto in life is that she is ‘blind, not broken’.
Lizzy Burden is UK correspondent and anchor on Bloomberg TV, hosts Bloomberg Radio and Bloomberg UK Politics Podcast.
Lizzy Burden has interviewed big names from the world of politics, business and economics, including the UK Chancellor, Foreign Secretary, Bank of England policymakers and FTSE 100 CEOs, as well as Nobel Laureate economists.
She previously worked as a reporter for The Times and The Daily Telegraph. In 2020, while writing for The Telegraph, Lizzie was named one of MHP’s 30 journalists to watch.
Lizzy Burden has reported from Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, the Band of England and the Élysée Palace, covering monetary policy decisions, the careers of multiple UK prime ministers, the death and funeral of Elizabeth II and Brexit, and chronicled the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine on the British economy.
She also hosts events, including recently at Conservative and Labour Party conferences, the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, the CBI’s annual conference, Chatham House and Founders Forum.
Letty Gordon-Furse, CEO of The Spring Back Guide, offers a unique blend of passion, corporate acumen, and a global perspective on why supporting working mothers and parents in general in returning to work should be integral to all diversity programmes.
With a background in people and organisational change at Ernst & Young and a track record of leading large-scale transformation projects for national and international charities, Letty brings enormous enthusiasm and depth of knowledge and insight to her role as a trusted maternity coach – running her own business for the last five years as well as raising two small children.
Her holistic approach combines cutting-edge technology with personalised coaching to support organisations in keeping this brilliant segment of the workforce using five years’ worth of maternity leave data. Letty also hosts a successful podcast, Returnity, which is rated 5.0 stars across all platforms and is listened to in 23 countries.
Letty is a popular speaker with an important message. She has recently spoken at Bloom PR, the Music Publisher’s Association and The Village.
