Praveen Kolluguri is an activist and product marketing expert. He advocates for disability, neurodiversity, and social justice.Praveen Kolluguri is an activist and product marketing expert. He advocates for disability, neurodiversity, and social justice. < Back Praveen Kolluguri Specialisms: Accessibility, Incusion, Disability, Neurodiversity, race, workers rights, ND parenting, soon to be an ADHD coach Praveen Kolluguri is an activist and product marketing expert. He advocates for disability, neurodiversity, and social justice. As a former co-chair of BT’s Able2 ERG, he promotes inclusion in organizations. He is also a member of Prospect Union’s Equality Committee. Recognized in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100, he is celebrated as a changemaker. 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

Andrew is on a mission to prevent burnout and create decisive and resilient communities of people. He is a TEDx and keynote speaker, an accredited coach and member of the International Coaching Federation.Andrew is on a mission to prevent burnout and create decisive and resilient communities of people. He is a TEDx and keynote speaker, an accredited coach and member of the International Coaching Federation. < Back Andrew Pain Specialisms: Men's Mental Health, Burnout, Resilience, Imposter Syndrome and Decision Making Andrew Pain is a professional and TEDx speaker, podcaster and award-winning campaigner, on a mission to create decisive and resilient communities, where; a) psychological safety is the norm, b) the tragic number of suicide victims is reduced to zero and c) communities of people work cohesively as allies. Serving diverse clients, from Amazon to Specsavers, Public Health Wales to leading Universities, local colleges and secondary schools, Andrew is also a father to 5, including 3 boys under 11 (which means he’s a triage nurse, war zone reporter, peace negotiator, tutor, cook, cleaner and bribery expert. It also means his daily Fitbit step count is NEVER less than 15K.) Andrew leads in his work on men's mental health and his podcast, Men on Show, celebrates the stories of everyday men doing amazing things, whilst also exploring their opinions on modern masculinity, the challenge of Andrew Tate, why men and boys are struggling and how to help them be the best version of themselves. Andrew is a successful TEDx speaker, whose talk, 'Domestic Abuse: not a gender issue' has been viewed over 140k times on YouTube and explores his lived experiences of domestic abuse, as well as the wider challenges faced by male survivors. Andrew passionately believes that the key to tackling domestic abuse, is active allyship, where men and women understand each others challenges and stand shoulder to shoulder in addressing them. Aside from his men's mental health work, Andrew delivers keynote talks on: Burnout Imposter Syndrome (how to process negative feedback as the recipient) Resilience Critical Decision Making Mastery of Time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D92am3jRU_A He is a hugely relatable speaker, delivering in an energetic and down-to-earth style, exploring tough topics (men’s mental health, suicide, domestic abuse, toxic masculinity, gender division) with a frank yet upbeat and optimistic approach. Andrew is passionate about sharing fresh insight and practical strategies for progress, which people won’t have already heard many times before. Whether he is talking about men’s mental health, burnout, decision making, imposter syndrome or domestic abuse, Andrew delivers ‘refreshingly different’ and it’s something which stands him out as a speaker. Thank you so much for your burnout talk on Tuesday, it was brilliant and really set the tone for the rest of the conference with loads of engagement and discussion from the attendees. Laura Daubney: Events Organiser for Women's Network Conference - Magnox Ltd We’ve had some amazing feedback from last week’s webinar and 100% satisfaction. Thank you so much! Sue Hurrell - Specialist Event Planning - Chartered Institute of Management Accountants 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

Lucy Hobbs is a neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) ex-advertising creative and highly experienced at neurodiversity advocacy and public speaking.Lucy Hobbs is a neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) ex-advertising creative and highly experienced at neurodiversity advocacy and public speaking. < Back Lucy Hobbs Specialisms: ADHD, Autism, Neurodiversity at work, Creativity and Neurodiversity, Accessibility (design and communications), ND Leadership Lucy Hobbs is a neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) ex-advertising creative and highly experienced at neurodiversity advocacy and public speaking. Lucy founded The Future is ND in 2018 to address the lack of awareness and inclusion of neurodivergent people in the advertising industry, where she has worked as a creative for 30 years. Lucy discovered her ADHD in 2007 after hitting rock bottom, self-medicating with alcohol and drugs since age 14, broken relationships, unemployment, cycles of burnout, and making the same mistakes over and over again. She could generate award-winning ideas in her creative work but struggled with the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities that others found easy. Later, in 2021, she found out she was also autistic. ADHD didn’t have all the answers. Getting diagnosed was an empowering experience for Lucy. It gave her reasons for her erratic behaviour and differences, and access to information and support which helped her understand how her brain worked, and how to live a more authentic and healthy life. However, for almost 10 years Lucy didn’t disclose her neurodivergence at work for fear of stigma. Being freelance her reputation was everything, and advertising is an unforgiving industry. So she tried to mask it, which caused more anxiety and was detrimental to her well-being. Then in March 2018, Lucy had a change of heart after speaking openly about her neurodivergence at an industry conference. This was a pivotal moment for Lucy. She knew she had to continue the conversation and help change the narrative to keep speaking up and encourage others to do so too - to collectively raise awareness, in a safe space, and overcome prejudice and fear of discrimination as a community. All her work; including hosting events for the ND community, neurodiversity at work consultancy, keynotes, workshops, and creative direction, is led with a clear mission to educate and inform organisations and society on how to embrace and empower a more neurodiverse workforce and world. Clients include Axa Healthcare, Universal Music, Giphy US, Havas, Publicis, Ogilvy, National Grid, Coca-Cola, Sky, Pension Bee, and many more… https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLRu9eVGZZjO4xzUkfim82LQG7rZCo6Dtx&v=dgaWabABsFk 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

Lorna Collins, FHEA, FRSPH is an artist, filmmaker, writer, journalist and arts educator. Lorna Collins, FHEA, FRSPH is an artist, filmmaker, writer, journalist and arts educator. < Back Lorna Collins Specialisms: Brain injury, trauma, eating disorders, psychosis, self-harm, creativity, art, writing Lorna Collins, FHEA, FRSPH is an artist, filmmaker, writer, journalist and arts educator. Amongst other books, Lorna is the author of 'Making Sense: Art Practice and Transformative Therapeutics' (Bloomsbury) and a series of children’s fiction, beginning with 'Squawk: A Book of Bird Adventures' (Pegasus). She has written articles about mental health, the NHS, creativity and art in 'The Independent, 'The Guardian' and 'The British Medical Journal. When she was 18, Lorna had a severe traumatic brain injury and fell into a coma. She awoke with total amnesia and did not know who she was. This led Lorna to develop a number of psychiatric illnesses; she was locked away for nearly 2 decades. During this time, Lorna would paint to express the inexpressible, her sheer misery. Eventually, the doctors would look at her paintings to diagnose, medicate and treat her illnesses. Art provided Lorna with medicine. Lorna’s creativity helped her recover and continues to nourish her life. Lorna’s TEDx Talk, discussing all of the above, is called “How Creativity Revived Me". Latest film: "Writing the World Backwards" - (Lorna Collins & directed by Angela Robson) acclaimed in festivals across the globe, and is now released in the public domain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcyn2HTXzns TEDx talk: "How Creativity Revived Me" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smKOkjUfzHw 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

As well as being a public speaker, Vie is a confidence coach, an author of inclusive children's books, a best-selling author of positive growth books for women, and an award winning workshop facilitator.As well as being a public speaker, Vie is a confidence coach, an author of inclusive children's books, a best-selling author of positive growth books for women, and an award winning workshop facilitator. < Back Vie Portland Specialisms: Inclusion. Disability. Hidden disabilities. Confidence and self-esteem. Building confidence in women, children and young people. Overcoming trauma and adversity. Mental health. As well as being a public speaker, Vie is a confidence coach, an author of inclusive children's books, a best-selling author of positive growth books for women, and an award winning workshop facilitator. Vie hasn't always been who she is now. In fact, Vie never thought "someone like her" could ever possibly be who she is now. Thankfully, younger Vie was wrong. Overcoming a childhood of abuse and neglect, then going into abusive relationships as an adult, as well as being born with a rare disability that no-one cared enough to get diagnosed, Vie is now thriving through surviving. Vie now uses her lived and academic experience to teach children, young people, and women, how to feel great about themselves, through talks, one to one coaching, and through workshops. She talks about her lived experience of living with a rare disability and hidden disabilities. She has also worked with small businesses to show them ways they can be more inclusive of physical and mental disabilities, as well as being a good ally to other marginalised groups. Vie is proud to have been named as one of the Small Business Britain f:Entrepreneur 100 most inspirational women of 2024. 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

Gareth has had a career that no-one would describe as boring or conventional. Gareth has had a career that no-one would describe as boring or conventional. < Back Gareth Fient Specialisms: Mental Health Gareth has had a career that no-one would describe as boring or conventional. Spending over a decade as a film producer and editor, gaining him international accolades, awards, and audiences. Before deciding that he wanted to dedicate his time to helping people, which led him to working for a police service as a video producer. Gareth had always hoped to be a Police Officer, but several health complications from birth made that dream feel unachievable. That was until 2018, when Gareth successfully became a Special Constable, where he volunteered over 2000 hours in just over 5 years, whilst still working full-time. What Gareth experienced during his service as both a Special Constable and a member of Police Staff shaped him. He had significant challenges with his mental health, and decided to step away from the police service completely in 2024. Gareth is on a journey to understand himself, his past, his hopes for the future and work to improve his mental health. Gareth’s hope is that his experiences will help others on their recovery journey. Working now as an investigator for an international financial services company, Gareth is passionate about helping others, and knows that the life, and the healing journey isn’t linear. He is a Mental Health First Aider, and has qualifications in Suicide and Self Harm Prevention. 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

For many years I have battled severe OCD, anxiety and depression. For many years I have battled severe OCD, anxiety and depression. < Back Oly Newton Specialisms: Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Intrusive Thoughts and The Power of Exercise Oly lost 10 years of his life to severe mental illness. Prior to that, he was a confident and outgoing 22-year-old with endless possibilities. He’d suddenly found himself trapped and consumed by negative thoughts, OCD, anxiety, and depression. The days quickly became very dark, and all the things he used to enjoy and the people he loved to see fast become a thing of the past. Five years ago the discovery of running “saved his life”. This allowed him to temporarily escape the constraints of his mental illness and in time rediscover his love for life again. Through running, great people, and “learning to become comfortable feeling uncomfortable”- His confidence and self-belief grew. Which in time enabled him to step out of the dark and back in to the light. Today, he’s a thriving International Lived Experience Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and Mental Health Trainer, sharing his story and inspiring others to seek help and embrace their own journey of personal recovery. He delivers talks and training sessions on mental health and wellness all around the world, offering hope to those who are struggling with their own mental health challenges. His goal now is to serve as a positive influence and support system for those struggling with mental illness. For World Mental Health Awareness Month this May 2023, Oly and a colleague are embarking on a speaking tour across the UK to raise awareness on the prevalence of youth mental ill health and promote change, empowering these young people to find their voices and be heard. Over 20 days they will be delivering 100 free talks, across 50 schools, impacting over 10,000 lives, and raising funds for mental health charities. Through his speaking engagements and activism, he aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and inspire others to take control of their own wellbeing. He believes he’s proof that even in the face of adversity, it is possible with a diagnosed mental illness to reclaim your life, and find happiness and purpose. Oly is the founder of Run4YourMind Foundation, Lights On Mental Health, and co-founder of Talks for Change Co. 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

Larissa Astara Gray is an inspirational speaker dedicated to transforming sex education and promoting conscious sexual communication.Larissa Astara Gray is an inspirational speaker dedicated to transforming sex education and promoting conscious sexual communication. < Back Larissa Astara Gray Specialisms: Sexual assault prevention , sexual consent , STI prevention , Truths and dangers of porn Larissa Astara Gray is an inspirational speaker dedicated to transforming sex education and promoting conscious sexual communication. Known for her engaging and confident approach, she makes it easy for students to discuss difficult topics. Drawing from years of research and her own experiences with sexual trauma and recovery, Larissa’s talks cover healthy relationships, preventing sexual abuse, the dangers of pornography, and making informed choices. She was featured in the Channel 4 documentary “Sex on Wheels,” helping a paraplegic man reconnect with his sexuality with dignity and respect. Larissa also delivers staff CPD and parent sessions, offering practical guidance on discussing sex without fear or shame. Her resources provide crucial information on consent, support networks, and building positive relationships. A recognized thought leader, Larissa empowers both young people and adults to embrace respectful, informed conversations about sex. 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

I’m Patrick Foster — a motivational speaker, mental health advocate, and founder of GAM-Ed,I’m Patrick Foster — a motivational speaker, mental health advocate, and founder of GAM-Ed, < Back Patrick Foster Specialisms: Mental Health, Addiction, Gambling, Gaming, Online Behavioural Addictions I’m Patrick Foster — a motivational speaker, mental health advocate, and founder of GAM-Ed, an education provider built on lived experience and focused on bringing human-centred learning into workplaces and schools. My mission is to break the silence and isolation that often surround mental health and addiction. I create space for honest conversations and remind people that reaching out for help is not weakness, but an act of courage. A former professional cricketer, insurance broker, and independent schoolteacher, I appeared to have everything in place. Yet, despite an idyllic upbringing and early success, I developed a gambling addiction that consumed my life by 2018, I was on the verge of taking my own life. With the right support, I rebuilt my life — gaining clarity about addiction and its profound effects. That journey gave me purpose: to use my lived experience to help others and support organisations in building open, compassionate, and connected cultures. In my talks, I go beyond my story — exploring how addiction and mental health struggles impact not only individuals, but also families, colleagues, and communities. I share practical strategies for recognising warning signs, supporting those who may be struggling, and fostering environments where honesty and empathy thrive. One of the greatest challenges for organisations is differentiating between everyday stress or anxiety and deeper mental health issues. Equipping people to understand this distinction ensures that serious conditions are recognised and the significance of mental health struggles is never devalued. It’s also possible to flip the narrative. While addiction often carries negative connotations, the traits behind it — intensity, focus, ambition, and resilience — can be remarkable strengths when channelled with self-awareness. Many successful people share this wiring; learning to harness it positively unlocks extraordinary purpose and potential for individuals and in turn organisations. Beyond speaking, I’m committed to supporting worthy causes and collaborating on meaningful projects. If your organisation or CSR team wishes to explore a partnership that uses lived experience as a force for good, I’m very open to discussion. If my story resonates with you or your organisation, I’d love to connect and work together to turn awareness into meaningful action — helping people and workplaces grow stronger through understanding, openness, and authenticity. 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

Amanda Millar is a trailblazing leader, coach, and consultant dedicated to building inclusive practice and sustainable business capacity. Amanda Millar is a trailblazing leader, coach, and consultant dedicated to building inclusive practice and sustainable business capacity. < Back Amanda Millar Specialisms: Specialisms LGBTQ+ Inclusion Mental Wellbeing Inclusive Leadership Neurodiversity in Professional Practice Strategic Communication & Reputational Resilience Amanda Millar is a trailblazing leader, coach, and consultant dedicated to building inclusive practice and sustainable business capacity. As the first openly LGBTQ+ and fifth woman to serve as President of the Law Society of Scotland, she has shaped national conversations on legal reform, guardianship, and systemic change. A former Law Society of Scotland double-accredited specialist in Mental Health Law, and Incapacity and Mental Disability Law, Amanda brings sector-leading expertise to her work, bringing together professional authority and lived experience. She is a Founder and Director of Buchanan Millar Ltd, delivering training and consultancy that empower organisations to embed intersectional inclusion and unlock performance. A specialist ADHD coach, Amanda supports professionals and organisations in creating environments where neurodiversity and mental wellbeing are valued as strengths. Specialisms LGBTQ+ Inclusion Mental Wellbeing Inclusive Leadership Neurodiversity in Professional Practice Strategic Communication & Reputational Resilience Testimonials “Amanda brings a unique perspective and demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive leadership, making her a compelling speaker to a wide range of audiences.”— Deborah Allan, Denholm Group “ Amanda brings a very authentic human approach to her work. Her ability to create a safe space for healthy conversations to take place is impressive. Some of those conversations will inevitably come with challenges, and Amanda's ability to help navigate those is skilful and born from experience. There is nothing surface-level about her delivery; she can get under the bonnet of issues, and help unpack them, for the benefit of everyone in the room. I wouldn't hesitate to work with Amanda again.”— Chris Rae, Co-Head of Real Estate Sector & Partner, Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP 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

Beth Thomas is a recognised neurodiversity specialist, certified ADHD Life Coach, ADHD UK ambassador, workplace trainer and professional keynote speaker who transforms people‑related risk into commercial advantage. Beth Thomas is a recognised neurodiversity specialist, certified ADHD Life Coach, ADHD UK ambassador, workplace trainer and professional keynote speaker who transforms people‑related risk into commercial advantage. < Back Beth Thomas Specialisms: Neurodiversity & inclusion, psychological safety in the workplace, leadership, risk reduction, ableism & internalised ableism, late diagnosed neurodivergent experiences, masking, perfectionism, burn out in high performers Beth Thomas is a recognised neurodiversity specialist, certified ADHD Life Coach, ADHD UK ambassador, workplace trainer and professional keynote speaker who transforms people‑related risk into commercial advantage. After experiencing burnout from being labelled “gifted and talented” yet consistently misunderstood, she was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and proceeded to build a practice dedicated to helping organisations keep their best people, reduce conflict, and strengthen leadership capability. Beth's specialities sit at the intersection of leadership, HR and recruitment, where she works with tech, legal and financial firms to prevent avoidable talent loss and protect high‑value individuals. Beth is a passionate and powerful advocate for inclusion. A true change-maker, driven by unwavering knowledge that embracing neuroinclusion is the ultimate key to lasting business success. Her journey is one of raw authenticity, her own lived experience as a high-masking, high-achieving, yet late-diagnosed neurodivergent person fuels her fire to inspire real transformation. With a heart full of purpose and a mind sharpened by professional expertise, her approach is refreshingly sincere, rooted in genuine care and a deep commitment to improving the lives of neurodivergent individuals. Beth passionately works to cultivate psychologically safe, inclusive environments where everyone can truly flourish. Her work is a calling to create lasting, meaningful impact, challenging outdated perceptions and paving the way for a future where neuroinclusion isn’t just an ideal, but a reality. Beth’s rare combination of lived experience and professional mastery makes her a catalyst for profound change. She creates thought-provoking, impactful experiences that stir the heart and mind, igniting a movement toward greater understanding and acceptance for all. 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

Where to begin! I come from a multitude of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) including domestic abuse, neglect, substance misuse and extreme hardship.Where to begin! I come from a multitude of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) including domestic abuse, neglect, substance misuse and extreme hardship. < Back Dan Poole Specialisms: Suicide attempts and friends and family to Suicide. Growing up with neglect, drug taking, domestic violence and child abuse. Drug and alcohol recovery. Where to begin! I come from a multitude of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) including domestic abuse, neglect, substance misuse and extreme hardship. My first suicidal thought was before I was 10 years old. My first attempt was at 17. I never thought I would see my 30th birthday. I found out my dad wasn't my dad 6 months before my 30th birthday, I lost a best friend to suicide 4 months later. I've battled with substances and alcohol. I now work in drug and alcohol services supporting dozens across Northallerton, North Yorlshire, to break their addiction cycle, having previously worked in Middlesbrough services. I am MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference) lead - which supports the highest risk cases of domestic abuse for my area, as well as EDI (Equality Diversity and Inclusion) lead. I deliver a message of hope, resilience and post traumatic growth. 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