These experts can drive improvements in both individual and organisational performance by emphasising key areas such as mental resilience, focus, confidence, and mindset. Enhancing mental resilience enables employees to manage stress and pressure more effectively, reducing workplace stress and fostering a healthier work environment. As a result, mental well-being is improved, and productivity soars. Prioritising your organisation’s and its employees’ mental health is crucial in creating a thriving, high-performing workplace.
Great Business Speakers offer personalised support to help you find the right fit for your organisation. They can create tailored shortlists, ensuring that you hire a speaker who aligns with your specific needs and goals. These experts can provide insightful and actionable strategies, guiding teams to build resilience and foster an overall culture of growth and success. With their expertise, companies can enhance employee engagement and drive long-term success through improved resilience and mindset.
Discover our Resilience Speakers below, or contact the team at Great Business Speakers to enquire or book. +44 1753 439 289
Liz Johnson is one of the UK’s most well-known Paralympic swimmers, winning an impressive 13 medals at various events over her career.
Since retiring in 2016, Liz has become a popular contributor to sporting broadcasting on Channel 4 and the BBC and a familiar face on entertainment shows, including Celebrity Masterchef (2016) and The Last Leg (2021).
She is the Managing Director and Client Ambassador of The Ability People, a specialist employment company which aims to encourage employment for those with disabilities.
She is also a popular motivational and sports speaker, offering an insight into her competitive past, her broadcasting experience and her disability, aiming to inspire the next generation of sporting stars.
Matt Lindley was an RAF Pilot, specialising in flying VIPs such as The Queen, members of the Royal Family and Government Ministers, as well as flying missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo and Sierra Leone. He is now a commercial long haul pilot.
Matt was one of the first ever gay pilots in the Royal Air Force, and is now a very influential military figure. Matt had dreamt of being a RAF pilot ever since he was a child, and he wasn’t going to let something like LGBTQ+ prejudice stand against him. His brave journey has paved the way for change in the Armed Forces and to ensure all sexualities are represented.
Matt now runs workshops and keynotes based on lessons he has learnt whilst flying, aimed at reducing human error in the workplace. He uses fascinating case studies of aircraft accident, applies basic psychology and provides lots of ‘take homes’ for any audience.
Lisa Baskott is the award-winning founder and CEO of 2nd Line of Defence, a private security recruitment agency that focuses on filling roles with a new, diverse and inclusive workforce. The business was an Enterprise Vision Awards winner in 2023 in the New Business category.
As part of her commitment to serving the community, Lisa Baskott has been a Magistrate for 11 years, sitting as a Presiding Justice in both the Adult and Youth Courts in Sussex. In 2021, Lisa was one of seven newly-appointed regional Inclusion and Diversity Magistrates (IDM).
Lisa became a qualified Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed door supervisor in 2021. She is celebrated for her commitment to advancing diversity and inclusivity within the private security industry and is especially focused on getting more women into the frontline security sector.
She has written numerous articles on the subject, has appeared on national television and radio, as well as being interviewed on many podcasts.
Jeff Dewing is not your typical speaker. He’s an International Energiser, Founder and CEO of Cloud and author of the bestselling business book Doing the Opposite, where he underpins his philosophy that the best solution is often not the obvious one. By doing the opposite of the expected, you can generate astounding results.
His journey to success is a testament to this belief. Jeff’s first business went bankrupt, leaving only £7.60 in his bank account, while also relying on benefits.
Jeff refused to give up. Instead, he turned his life around, learnt to code and started Cloud from his garden shed. He built it from the ground up to a £70M turnover without a penny of investment.
Jeff has since worked with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Tui, Pizza Express, Chiltern Railways and The Rank Group.
In a landscape where businesses seek a catalyst for change, Jeff uses his decades of lived leadership experience to shake things up, reignite passion and challenge leaders to rethink their ways of working. Jeff does things differently.
For instance, he gives his team two paid hours per week for reflection – a simple yet powerful practice that has improved employee wellbeing and doubled Cloud’s engagement levels compared to industry standards.
Gary Prout is an army veteran from Northern Ireland who completed a tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan. He now works as a consultant at Cleartrack, an agency working on human performance.
He received a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in 2010 after he risked his life to save another soldier during a Taliban ambush on his second tour of Afghanistan.
Gary shares the inspiring and motivational rollercoaster of his military career, from the high of receiving the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (one award below the Victoria Cross) to lows of suffering both a career and life changing injury.
Remarkably through the low of his injury, Gary achieved another highlight of captaining the UK Armed Forces Archery team at the 2014 Invictus Games.
Dan Lowes is a leading high-performance executive coach who had a 16 year career as an Officer and Fighter Pilot in the Royal Air Force, including three years as a Red Arrows pilot.
Dan graduated from the most demanding and gruelling RAF course and went on to conduct the flying tests of aspiring Red Arrows applicants.
The lessons he learned through his successful RAF career are as applicable today as workplaces become more remote and virtual. He works with organisations providing coaching and delivers keynote speeches on team development, communication and improving performance.
He has become a practitioner by thriving in one of the world’s most demanding and dynamic environments for over 16 years; surviving from time critical information arriving in the right place at the right time through effective communication lines and processes.
Colin Minto is a world leader in resilience, workforce stress, burnout and EDI. He supports organisations to develop resilient workers and environments where employees can openly talk about mental health.
Having overcome and managed his own personal battle with OCD, anxiety and stress over 40 years, he now helps others do the same, combining his lived experience with his knowledge and understanding of the corporate world. Drawing on his own mental health challenges, he shares how each time he has come back faster, stronger and smarter.
In a 30 year career in HR, recruitment and talent acquisition, Colin has worked with global organisations such as Disney, Deutsche Bank, Liberal Democrats, Lloyd’s of London, AXA, Marriott, and HSBC.
Colin’s open, honest and thought-provoking talks, first shock with his inspirational journey …but then provide practical ways to optimise mental health to survive and thrive in a modern world.
Chris Griffiths is a high-profile keynote speaker on creativity, innovation, and mind mapping and a bestselling author published in over 20 languages worldwide.
In 2006, he founded OpenGenius, a company focussed on helping transform creativity, learning, and thinking. His passion for creativity links to his strong support of neurodiversity. Through his work with The Inspire Genius Foundation, he aims to promote the inclusion of neurodivergent thinkers and how that can add value to any business.
Millions have used his technology solutions, and he has personally worked with Nobel laureates, governments, royal families, and business CEOs.
Chris Cook is an ex Double Olympian & Double Commonwealth swimming champion having completed globally at international level.
He is a former BBC North East Sports Personality of the Year.
Chris is an accomplished motivational business and educational speaker with his keynote talk ‘Two Lengths’.
Leanne Spencer is a keynote speaker and wellbeing consultant and has specialised in wellbeing for over ten years.
Leanne has over 13 qualifications in exercise and nutrition but began her career in sales and spent over 15 years working in the City of London before leaving in 2012 to set up an award-winning wellbeing company, after suffering from burnout.
Leanne is the bestselling author of three books, hosts a podcast and is a Bear Grylls Survival Instructor.
Chanelle Lady McCoy is one of Ireland’s most successful businesswomen, winning the All-Ireland Business Champion Award and recently ranked no 23 in the ‘50 incredible people shaping modern Ireland.
Having previously been a co-founder of Ireland’s largest indigenous pharmaceutical company and more recently Chanelle McCoy Health, a research and development-led pharmaceutical company, Chanelle is a very motivating speaker on business and leadership.
Chanelle was previously one of the dragons on Ireland’s Dragons’ Den where she enjoyed sharing her experience of growing successful businesses and supporting entrepreneurs on their journey to business growth. She is also a huge supporter of women in business and mentoring young entrepreneurs.
Eddie the Eagle Edwards is an English ski jumper and Olympian who in 1988 became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping.
Eddie’s journey from working as a plasterer in Cheltenham to the slopes of Calgary in 1988 is a classic story of the underdog and an illustration of what can be achieved when following one’s dream.
With limited resources, second-hand equipment, and little formal support, he defied convention and captured the hearts of millions worldwide.
Eddie the Eagle finished last in both the 70m and 90m events at the Olympics but he became a legend for his fearless determination. His brave performance has been watched millions of times.
More than three decades later, Eddie is still in the public eye with films, books, and media appearances, with Eddie a popular motivational speaker.
Brendan Hall is a renowned figure in the fields of speaking, coaching, and consulting, with a focus on fostering high-performance cultures within teams and organisations. His expertise lies in unlocking the untapped potential of teams, cultivating resilience, fostering connections, promoting collaboration, and enhancing leadership qualities.
As a sought-after speaker, Brendan has earned recognition for his ability to inspire audiences and deliver tangible outcomes.
He has been trusted by esteemed organisations such as PwC, Toyota, GSK, Nestle, Financial Times, Tesco, and Lloyds Banking Group.
He also holds positions as an adjunct lecturer at Ashridge Executive Education and Cranfield Business Schools, where he imparts his knowledge and experience to aspiring leaders.
Brad Burton is a force to be reckoned with in the world of motivational speaking and team building.
Known for his infectious enthusiasm, humour and high-energy dynamic approach twinned with street-smart wisdom, Brad has carved a unique niche in the industry, speaking globally at the highest level blending his background as a multi-million-pound business owner with his no-nonsense, motivational style.
At 50, he’s not just a speaker; he’s a doer, embodying the very essence of motivation and action. Brad’s journey is one of transformation and tenacity.
Bev Jones is an award-winning transformational speaker, author and panel host who shares her expertise on preventing and dealing with burnout. Her expertise comes from her lived experience, having battled burnout during a 30-year senior management career.
Bev’s battle with burnout saw her crash through self-harm, paranoia, anger, loneliness, and even suicidal thoughts. While it was the saddest and darkest part of Beverley’s life, she now sees it as one of life’s greatest gifts.
During her transformation and recovery, Bev decided it was her life mission to not only help others avoid what she had gone through but also support others to achieve calm in their lives. Her personable character shines through in her thought-provoking talks. Her honest, authentic account about the dark days of burnout are delivered with humour and her audience receives practical tips to take away.
Bev Jones has spoken at many events of all sizes for organisations such as Welsh and Southeast Water, NHS, HSBC and Mars Ltd. She is also regular panel host and member for organisations such as the Welsh Assembly and Lloyds Bank.
Kriss Akabusi MBE is an engaging, inspiring and transformational speaker, ideal for keynotes, endnotes, and award ceremonies.
Kriss will focus on topics such as goal-setting, teamwork, living in the moment, how to manage transitions and how to deliver peak performance.
Through discussions with your team during pre-event briefings, Kriss will tailor his speech to deliver on your key messages.
Ben Alldis is one of the UK’s most popular Peloton instructors with nearly 300k followers on Instagram. Formerly a finance professional in the City of London, Ben pivoted his career and followed his dream of healthy living to become a superstar in his field.
Having drastically expanded his own envelope, he is able to relate directly to people who feel the need to get motivated and expand their own life outside of their comfort zone.
He is available both in-person and for virtual engagements and fireside chats.
Austin Healey is one of the most recognisable and popular English rugby players in the modern era. He played full-back for Leicester Tigers, earning himself 237 caps, won 51 caps for England and toured with the Lions in 1997 and 2001. For his country, Austin covered all positions from scrum half, fly-half, fullback and wing, and was as famous for his attitude as well as his skill, gaining the nickname ‘The Leicester Lip’.
Since retiring from playing rugby, Austin Healey has become a familiar face on television and radio, particularly as a rugby analyst for sporting programmes. Since taking on the role as lead rugby analyst on BT Sport in 2013, he has covered the Aviva Premiership, European Cup and Premiership 7’s matches.
In addition to these rugby roles, he is highly regarded by brands and has collaborated with a number of corporate sponsors including Aviva, Sigma Sports, GOPO Joint Health, BMF, Ladbrokes, Citroen and DHL.
Austin is a favourite amongst rugby fans and business people alike; thanks to his versatility, charismatic wit and passionate nature, Austin is now an extremely sought after rugby speaker across events.
Dr Kate Allatt (D Litt) astonishingly recovered from most people’s worst nightmare, like waking up in the middle of an operation unable to move, after a faulty anaesthetic. To think, feel, see and hear, and yet be unable to move anything below her eyelids.
Kate was suffering from Locked-In Syndrome. Three months after leaving the hospital she founded Fighting Strokes her registered charity and astonishingly ran again on her first stroke anniversary.
Referee Karl Dickson is a globally acclaimed figure in the sports industry, known for his roles as a professional Rugby Union referee and a former England and Harlequins player.
The pinnacle of his career came in 2023 when he officiated the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup between Wales and Argentina, before serving as the assistant referee in the final between New Zealand and South Africa.
Karl Dickson is a well-known figure on the speaking circuit, for both keynote and after-dinner speaking on Confidence, Communication, Resilience, and High-Performance.
Given a 10% chance of survival after falling ill following a school trip, ‘Miracle Man’ Anthony Bennett is now a popular motivational speaker. His open and honest talks about his he had to learn to walk and talk again after fighting for his life make him one of the most inspirational speakers on the circuit.
From surviving impossible odds and overcoming everything that was thrown at him, Anthony now motivates audiences in schools and businesses.
Dr Amit Patel is an author, disability rights campaigner, motivational speaker, and independent accessibility consultant.
He is registered severely sight impaired (blind) having lost his sight to keratoconus in 2013. Amit has appeared in various online and print media in the UK and around the world, as well as featuring on BBC London News, ITV London News, Channel 4 News, Channel 5 News, and Sky Sunrise. He is a regular contributor to the BBC Asian Network, BBC Radio 4, BBC 5 Live, and BBC London Radio.
Dr Alex George first came to prominence when he took part in the 2018 series of Love Island, becoming a popular figure for his looks as well as his personality.
Before his first brush with fame, Alex was working as an A&E Doctor, a career he initially went back to before also working as a GP. He now has a particular passion for mental health issues, following the sad suicide of his brother. Determined to use his newfound public platform for good, he left his job as an A&E doctor in early 2022 to focus more on the mental health and wellbeing side to medicine.
In 2021, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson named Dr Alex George the UK Government’s Youth Ambassador for Mental Health thanks to his years of campaigning for greater mental health support. From reality TV to Instagram to the British government, Alex now advises corporate clients on how to support their employees’ mental health.
Julie Waddell grew up in Northern Ireland, surrounded by foodies as her Grandparents were in the catering trade.
After university, Julie ended up working as a radio news presenter at the BBC in 2005.
Julie’s passion for food and broadcasting came together when she took on a role on BBC Radio 4 as a journalist on The Food Programme in 2012.
