Global community of 250+ lived-experience speakers, delivering impactful talks and social impact projects to challenge stigma and discrimination.
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- Tom Ryan-Elliott- Speakers Collective
I personally have epilepsy and aphasia after a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) back in 2014. Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and can cause frequent seizuresI personally have epilepsy and aphasia after a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) back in 2014. Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and can cause frequent seizures < Back Tom Ryan-Elliott Specialisms: Hidden Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Epilepsy. I personally have epilepsy and aphasia after a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) back in 2014. Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and can cause frequent seizures, where bursts of electrical activity interrupt the way the brain works. Aphasia affects speech and language and is caused by damage to the left side of the brain, where how we talk is controlled.I spent a month in a Las Vegas hospital where they fought hard to keep me alive after I fell down 51 steps and cracked a large section of my skull. Only when I was stable enough could I fly back to England in a private air ambulance. The doctors were forced to remove that section to ensure the brain wasn’t damaged even more. I was moved to Charing Cross hospital, then Kingston hospital and eventually to St George’s Brain Injury rehab unit, where I spent 22 weeks learning to walk, talk and regain all the skills he had lost because of the brain injury. I also had an operation to replace the large section of my skull that had been missing with a titanium plate. Since then, I have dealt with frequent seizures, which range from focal seizures, where I can’t speak to tonic-clonic seizures, where I fall to the floor and my whole body starts jerking. I also suffer from aphasia as well which is a word-finding difficulty due to brain injury. This can make daily tasks really hard when I know what I want to say but the words just can’t get out of my mouth. I sometimes feel like people must think I’m an idiot.’ info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Ben Akers- Speakers Collective
Ben is a Multi-Award-Winning Filmmaker and Problem Solver.Ben is a Multi-Award-Winning Filmmaker and Problem Solver. < Back Ben Akers Specialisms: Suicide Prevention, Mental Health, Creativity Ben is a Multi-Award-Winning Filmmaker and Problem Solver. He has spent over 20 years working in some of the world’s best Advertising Agencies in London and Sydney before he decided to use his evil powers for good and began working in Sustainability and Behaviour Change. He is the Co-Founder of Made With, a problem-solving collective; GoodFest, a Creative Festival for Good in Cornwall and Talk Club, a Talking and Listening Movement for men. Ben’s recent journey in mental health awareness, began in May 2014 when he lost his childhood best friend, Steve Yates, to suicide. After years of dealing with his own grief, Ben decided to channel his energy to create the Changementary “Steve” - which he toured around pubs and sports clubs, talking to thousands of men in their own environment. From here, he Co-Founded Talk Club, a behaviour-changing movement that encourages men, of all walks of life, to talk openly about their feelings and worries with the aim of proactively staying on top of their mental fitness. It all begins with the simple question: How are you? Out of 10? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9FEQYp1imc info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Carole McNally- Speakers Collective
Carole McNally – Technical Architect | Neurodiversity Advocate | Founder of Atypify & CEO of TechWitch.Carole McNally – Technical Architect | Neurodiversity Advocate | Founder of Atypify & CEO of TechWitch. < Back Carole McNally Specialisms: Neurodiversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, Burnout, MentalHealth, Stress, Leadership, AI, Automation, Ethics, WorkplaceCulture, WomenInTech, NonBinaryInTech, Representation, Empathy, Diversity Carole McNally – Technical Architect | Neurodiversity Advocate | Founder of Atypify & CEO of TechWitch. Carole McNally is a seasoned technical architect, CEO, and award-winning advocate for neurodiversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Autistic and proudly neurodivergent, she brings a unique blend of lived experience and deep technical expertise to her work — bridging the gap between high-performance tech environments and inclusive practice. Carole is the founder of Atypify, a charity that provides free tech education and mentorship for neurodivergent young women and non-binary people, and the CEO of TechWitch, a socially-driven tech firm that actively employs and empowers neurodivergent talent. With over 25 years in the industry, Carole has led complex digital transformation projects, built inclusive AI systems, and championed ethical tech at every level. Her talks cover topics such as neurodiversity in tech, mental health and burnout, inclusive leadership, and the ethical use of AI and automation. She is a regular speaker at conferences including SQLBits, Re:Connect conference, and Women in Tech UK, and is known for her engaging, no-nonsense delivery style that challenges, informs, and inspires. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Steve Phillip- Speakers Collective
On December 4th 2019, former consultant and speaker, Steve Phillip, received and call that would change his world forever – his son, Jordan, had taken his own life.On December 4th 2019, former consultant and speaker, Steve Phillip, received and call that would change his world forever – his son, Jordan, had taken his own life. < Back Steve Phillip Specialisms: Suicide prevention / awareness and collaboration On December 4th 2019, former consultant and speaker, Steve Phillip, received and call that would change his world forever – his son, Jordan, had taken his own life. With more than 54,000 followers on LinkedIn, Steve’s articles and posts have engaged a global audience of millions. In 2020, he established The Jordan Legacy CIC, with a mission to move towards a 'Zero Suicide' society, one that is willing and able to do all it can to help prevent all preventable suicides. Steve delivers talks on the topic of suicide prevention and mental health to corporate organisations, and communities throughout the UK and overseas, including employees and policy makers in various UK Government departments, as well the military, UK police forces, workplaces, schools and other education centres, as well as community groups and organisations. Steve’s lived experience of suicide and his message will help you understand that suicide is not an inevitable path for those struggling in life and that tragedy can be turned into hope with the right support, intervention and kindness. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Charlie Hart- Speakers Collective
Charlie Hart AKA ‘Ausome Charlie’ (shey/they) is a highly experienced, CIPD-qualified HR professional, and a popular and influential intersectional neurodiversity advocate.Charlie Hart AKA ‘Ausome Charlie’ (shey/they) is a highly experienced, CIPD-qualified HR professional, and a popular and influential intersectional neurodiversity advocate. < Back Charlie Hart Specialisms: Neurodiversity, Autism, ADHD, Complex PTSD, Mental Health, Bereavement, Suicide, LGBTQIA, Bisexuality, Pansexuality, Intersectionality, Inclusion, Weird Pride, Anti-Bullying Charlie Hart AKA ‘Ausome Charlie’ (shey/they) is a highly experienced, CIPD-qualified HR professional, and a popular and influential intersectional neurodiversity advocate. Charlie is Bi/Pan, Autistic and ADHD, and has C-PTSD. She identifies as a ‘Queer AuDHDer,’ Charlie’s presentations and speeches centre her own lived experience and insights, underpinned with expertise in employment legislation and inclusion theory, and delivered with authentically neurodivergent quirkiness and self-deprecating humour. Warning: You may laugh, and cry, and laugh again. Unafraid to tackle emotive topics others avoid, Charlie is not just another happy-flappy neurodiversity advocate; she speaks of dark clouds and silver linings, of adversity and resilience, and will leave you inspired and hopeful. Charlie offers presentations, talks, interviews, panel events, keynote speeches, workshops, and training courses, in person or online. She lives near Birmingham, England, and is happy to travel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDzZYgXbE94 info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Sharron Moffatt- Speakers Collective
Sharron Moffatt is a Mental Health Trainer, course facilitator and speaker with 30 years of global experience in the health and wellbeing Industry.Sharron Moffatt is a Mental Health Trainer, course facilitator and speaker with 30 years of global experience in the health and wellbeing Industry. < Back Sharron Moffatt Specialisms: Mental Health. Wellbeing at work. Motivation to recover from depression Sharron Moffatt is a Mental Health Trainer, course facilitator and speaker with 30 years of global experience in the health and wellbeing Industry. Whilst the topic of Mental Health can be heavy, Sharron has a unique ability to connect with people and make the conversation a lot more down-to-earth, approachable, and even enjoyable. She has trained employees, managers, and freelancers from a range of sectors In MHFA Mental Health First Aid, including Mind UK, BBC productions, The Daily Mail Group and the NHS. Sharron's no stranger to the public eye either, having presented webinars spoken at events, featured in countless podcasts and has been interviewed on several radio stations, including BBC Solent FM, River radio, Marlow FM, and even Co-op radio (which broadcasts throughout stores). But Sharron isn't just about talk, she is committed to utilising her skills, professional qualifications and lived experience to embed positive change and leave a lasting impression. “Losing my Mum to metastatic breast cancer was the most devastating event of my life. Little did I know, that heartbreak was just the beginning” In December 2023, during what should have been a routine moment brushing her teeth, Sharron discovered a lump in her right breast that led to the devastating words from her doctor: "I'm sorry, it's cancer." Just 18 months after losing her mother to the same illness, Sharron found herself staring down the same enemy. Disbelief quickly gave way to a new reality and the harsh reality quickly set in— Three 8.7 cm Grade 2 tumors had invaded her right breast, turning her life upside down. As an inspirational and mental health keynote speaker, Sharron draws on her lived experiences to deliver powerful talks on patience, resilience, and hope—with a side of hard-earned wisdom. Today, Sharron dedicates her time to educating workplaces across all sectors about the critical importance of cancer awareness. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Justine Scott-Gray- Speakers Collective
As an International HR professional for over 20 years, I have lived a full and successful life but that’s only part of the story. As an International HR professional for over 20 years, I have lived a full and successful life but that’s only part of the story. < Back Justine Scott-Gray Specialisms: Limiting beliefs, inner confidence, mental heath, wellness, leadership As an International HR professional for over 20 years, I have lived a full and successful life but that’s only part of the story. I have also been a struggling single parent working to pay the nursery fees, I have suffered depression after a car accident, and I have lost jobs and hit the bottom a few times. Now I coach individuals in executive roles to help them optimise themselves as a leader while helping them find balance in their private life. My specialities include mental and physical wellness helping them flourish in all aspects of their life. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Our Pledge | Speakers Collective
members pledge Last updated: March 2026 Our Purpose At its core, Speakers Collective exists to: Challenge stigma Encourage more people to have important conversations Promote learning on a variety of social issues Our aim is to create a supportive community for those who work independently and share their lived experience across a range of settings. We also want to ensure that those seeking speakers can be confident that our members speak with integrity, care and professionalism. We recognise the responsibility that comes with sharing lived experience, and commit to doing so in a way that does not harm others. Member Commitments All members commit to: Continue to develop their knowledge, skills and competencies in their areas of expertise and public speaking Be open and honest about the limitations of their own knowledge and expertise Recognise the importance of sensitivity in their choice of language and imagery in all presentations, literature and on social media, particularly when discussing experiences involving other people Only signpost to good quality, balanced sources of support and advice Take care to ensure any statistics or studies cited are as reliable and up-to-date as possible Recognise that the participation of audience members is always consensual Adhere to any safeguarding protocols defined by the organisations they work with Where not qualified as a therapist or doctor, not provide diagnosis or clinical advice, and instead signpost appropriately Act in a way that prioritises the safety, dignity and wellbeing of others at all times, both within and outside Speakers Collective activity Ensure that any personal stories or lived experiences shared do not identify or harm others, and that appropriate consent has been obtained where relevant Handle sensitive topics, including trauma, abuse and loss, with care, accuracy and integrity Cooperate fully with any safeguarding, dignity and respect, or conduct review process carried out by Speakers Collective Our Values Integrity and honesty Compassion for ourselves and others Mutual respect and support Collaboration Professionalism Hope Group Community Rules Be kind and courteous. We are all working together to create a welcoming environment. Healthy debate is encouraged, but kindness and respect are essential. Respect everyone’s privacy. Being part of this community requires mutual trust. Discussions may be sensitive or personal what is shared within the group should remain confidential. No hate speech or bullying. We are committed to creating a safe space for all. Bullying, harassment, or degrading comments relating to race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated. Members are expected to uphold this pledge alongside the Speakers Collective Dignity and Respect Policy and Safeguarding Policy .
- Steve Loft- Speakers Collective
Steve Loft is a mental health advocate, speaker, trainer and facilitator. Steve Loft is a mental health advocate, speaker, trainer and facilitator. < Back Steve Loft Specialisms: Mental health and Wellbeing in the workplace, living with Mental Illness, Stress Management and Anxiety Steve Loft is a mental health advocate, speaker, trainer and facilitator. Following his own struggles with mental health in the workplace, he was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder. On return to work after a lengthy absence, Steve set up an award-winning mental health peer support group at the large transportation company where he worked; he was also invited to workshops at Downing Street which helped develop the Government report “Thriving at Work”. Steve now freelances, but still has time to volunteer for the Time to Change movement, Action for Happiness and Frazzled Cafe because he is passionate about helping and supporting others through education and empathy, and also breaking the stigma and discrimination that exists around mental health – especially at work. Steve is from the “baby boomer” generation and likes to reach this audience because he feels it is this age group of people in the workplace, who, if they open up more and also support others, are best placed to help create happier, healthier and more productive organisational cultures. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Emma Griffith- Speakers Collective
Helping to slowly teach the world there’s more than what you think you can see. Passionate advocate for invisible illness and long standing conditions.Helping to slowly teach the world there’s more than what you think you can see. Passionate advocate for invisible illness and long standing conditions. < Back Emma Griffith Specialisms: Mental health, epilepsy, autism, adhd and neurodiversity Helping to slowly teach the world there’s more than what you think you can see. Passionate advocate for invisible illness and long standing conditions. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Dr Ant- Speakers Collective
Dr Ant is an award-winning mindset expert, speaker and author from sunny Kent in England. Dr Ant is an award-winning mindset expert, speaker and author from sunny Kent in England. < Back Dr Ant Specialisms: Mindset, Unleashing the power of the Unconscious mind, business success mindset, the power of Switched on Thinking and QUICK!, WAKE UP THE PILOT Dr Ant is an award-winning mindset expert, speaker and author from sunny Kent in England. He shows business people how they can thrive in an uncertain world by breaking out of a life on autopilot and start living their life on purpose. After a successful career, and having it all, Dr Ant was surprised to find himself in a dark sombre place in 2015. He decided to take control of his life consciously with a positive mind practice to become the person who he really wanted to be. He trained and qualified in the skills of Solution Focused Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy, Epigenetics, and NLP and gained his PhD from the Swiss School of Business Research based on his research, development and creation of Switched on Thinking®, which has also been independently accredited to CPD standards. His book QUICK!, WAKE UP THE PILOT, explains his journey and also how Switched on Thinking® works. Backed by science and using real-life examples, he uses Switched on Thinking®, to show people how to break up with stress and anxiety, and think what they need to think, to achieve what they want to achieve during times of uncertainty and change. Dr Ant delivers his content with passion, clarity and genuine enthusiasm that creates a change in thinking, and ultimately, he shows people how to find their Passion, Purpose and be the best version of themselves that they truly want to be. He can be booked for UK and international events, podcasts, workshops, and mindset training. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
- About | Speakers Collective
OUR IMPACT To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. About Us Finding Inspiration in Every Turn This is your About Page. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what you do and what your website has to offer. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. Our Story Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what your team does, and what your site has to offer. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers, and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery, or video for even more engagement. Meet The Team Jo Emmerson CO CEO Jon Salmon CO CEO jonny benjamin mbe NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kirsty BOOKINGS asif noorani NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Angela Samata NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Our Clients











