Global community of 250+ lived-experience speakers, delivering impactful talks and social impact projects to challenge stigma and discrimination.
Search Results
296 results found with an empty search
- Tor Obermaier- Speakers Collective
Tor specialises in working with secondary age pupils dealing with social, emotional and mental health issues.Tor specialises in working with secondary age pupils dealing with social, emotional and mental health issues. < Back Tor Obermaier Specialisms: Mental Health, Confidence, Finding Your Purpose Tor has worked as a teacher and leader within the education sector for more than 20 years and specialised in working with secondary age pupils who were dealing with social, emotional and mental health issues. In recent years she has also qualified as a coach and NLP Practitioner where she takes her knowledge and skills into schools to support pupils who are experiencing emotional difficulties. She also runs a private practice, primarily coaching women to ‘Lead without Compromise’, whether that’s in the family, their community or their work. She strongly believes that women can lead and be their authentic selves, without burning out. She coaches and teaches women to find and embrace who they really are and to step out and take their place in the world. 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
- Roxane Lavanchy- Speakers Collective
Roxane is a consultant, facilitator and researcher who works with organisations reshape their workplaces, services and community spaces so they are inclusive and accessible by design, so everyone can do their best work and fully participate in community life.Roxane is a consultant, facilitator and researcher who works with organisations reshape their workplaces, services and community spaces so they are inclusive and accessible by design, so everyone can do their best work and fully participate in community life. < Back Roxane Lavanchy Specialisms: Disability, Neurodiversity, Chronic migraine, EDI, inclusive communication, intersectionality, AI (specifically in relation to disability, neurodivergence, and building critical thinking skills in the age of AI) Roxane is a consultant, facilitator and researcher who works with organisations reshape their workplaces, services and community spaces so they are inclusive and accessible by design, so everyone can do their best work and fully participate in community life. Her approach is values-led, collaborative and nuanced – rooted in social justice, integrity, community and curiosity. Roxane's driving mission is to create a society where difference is not only tolerated or included but genuinely valued and celebrated - where no one feels they have to mask or reshape themselves to fit it. Her practice draws on her academic grounding – in International Relations, communications, media and culture – and hands-on experience in the Disabled-led sector, EDI space, participatory research, and grassroots organising. It is also deeply shaped by her own lived experience of migration (she hails from Switzerland but moved to the UK alone at 18), sexism, disability and neurodivergence. Having navigated structural barriers across education, work and healthcare, she asks "who is included? who isn't? Is this accessible?" in every space she's in and is passionate about equipping others to do the same by the developing the critical thinking skills and empathy to understand and address the nuanced, interconnected issues that shape culture and the lived experience of the people around them. 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
- Tansy Dowman- Speakers Collective
Tansy Dowman is an award-winning TEDx speaker, workplace wellbeing facilitator, nature-based coach and mindfulness teacher.Tansy Dowman is an award-winning TEDx speaker, workplace wellbeing facilitator, nature-based coach and mindfulness teacher. < Back Tansy Dowman Specialisms: Nature-Based Resilience & Mental Health, The Wisdom of Nature for Wellbeing & Belonging, Nature & Neurodiversity, Nature-Inspired Leadership & Workplace Wellness Tansy Dowman is an award-winning TEDx speaker, workplace wellbeing facilitator, nature-based coach and mindfulness teacher, dedicated to helping individuals and organisations harness the transformative power of nature for mental health, resilience, and personal growth. With a previous career in event management, Tansy has first-hand experience of high-pressure work environments and understands the challenges of stress, burnout, and disconnection in modern workplaces. Through her own journey, she discovered the profound impact of nature on wellbeing, which became the foundation of her work. She now delivers engaging talks, workshops, and corporate wellness sessions, blending science, storytelling, and practical strategies to help individuals reconnect, with themselves, each other, and the natural world. As a neurodivergent, Tansy has discovered nature connection as a profound tool for self-care and ADHD management. Her lived experience gives her a unique perspective on the challenges of overwhelm, emotional regulation, and focus, making her talks impactful for neurodiverse individuals and workplaces striving for inclusivity. Tansy is an internationally accredited coach, and a certified Forest Bathing & Natural Mindfulness Guide. She has been featured on BBC, ITV, and Sky News and was recently awarded the Women’s Champion Award at the Kent Women in Business Awards. As a speaker, Tansy brings warmth, authenticity, and a deep passion for nature-inspired wellbeing. She weaves together storytelling, lived experience, and practical insights, creating talks that are both thought-provoking and actionable. Whether engaging corporate teams, leadership groups, or neurodiverse communities, she delivers a compelling message about the power of nature to restore, inspire, and transform. 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
- Kaz Matsune- Speakers Collective
Kaz Matsune is a storyteller and speaker who uses food as a medium to share life lessons.Kaz Matsune is a storyteller and speaker who uses food as a medium to share life lessons. < Back Kaz Matsune Specialisms: Culinary Storytelling & Mindfulness, Thinking Opposite in Cooking & Life, Breaking the Myth of Sushi & Life, Kaz Matsune is a storyteller and speaker who uses food as a medium to share life lessons. A Japanese chef who has spent over a decade observing American culture through the lens of sushi-making, he challenges assumptions, inspires curiosity, and helps people find meaning in simplicity—one bite at a time. His happiness stems from seeing the positive impact of his work on the world. As the founder of Breakthrough Sushi, the first and only sustainable team-building sushi company in the United States, Kaz has redefined sushi-making as an interactive, mindful experience. Since 2012, he has taught over 20,000 American participants, discovering that the precision required for sushi reveals profound truths about how differently cultures approach mastery, mistakes, and meaning. Blending storytelling with culinary artistry, he bridges Eastern and Western philosophies to spark learning, laughter, and discovery. A natural storyteller, Kaz is known for his humor, warmth, and ability to connect deeply with audiences. Whether leading sushi workshops, delivering keynote talks, or writing, he seamlessly weaves tradition, creativity, and personal growth into every experience. Beyond the kitchen, Kaz is an Amazon bestselling author with four books, and his work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Apple News, and Slate. He has appeared on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen and in ad campaigns for Adobe, Eventbrite, SurveyMonkey, and Grammarly, amassing over 30 million views on YouTube. As a speaker, he has shared insights at Adobe, Autodesk, and UC Berkeley, and he previously served as a board member of the San Francisco Professional Food Society. Whether crafting sushi, sharing transformative stories, or rethinking the way we approach food and life, Kaz Matsune continues to inspire and delight audiences with his unique blend of culinary artistry, mindfulness, and storytelling. 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
- Juliette Burton- Speakers Collective
Juliette is a mental health campaigner, comedian and a writer, who has sold-out runs at Edinburgh Festival since 2015. Juliette is a mental health campaigner, comedian and a writer, who has sold-out runs at Edinburgh Festival since 2015. < Back Juliette Burton Specialisms: Living with mental illness, body image, social media, resilience, kindness, multiple diagnoses, being sectioned Juliette is a mental health campaigner, comedian and a writer, who has sold-out runs at Edinburgh Festival since 2015. In 2018 she was listed as Sunday Times Culture Pick, The Times Best of Edinburgh Festivals 2018 and The Telegraph Top 25 Rising Stars of Edinburgh Fringe. Juliette has contributed to Cosmopolitan, The Huffington Post, BBC Radio 4’s Newsjack and the BBC News. She has a long history of mental health conditions and has been diagnosed with anorexia, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, bulimia, compulsive overeating disorder, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She continues on an ongoing journey of recovery, is still in therapy and manages her mental health one day at a time. Juliette is an ambassador for mental health charity ReThink Mental Illness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j85xZkj_vqk 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
- James Knott- Speakers Collective
James is a dedicated mental health advocate and campaigner on a mission to improve mental health in the workplace and local communities. James is a dedicated mental health advocate and campaigner on a mission to improve mental health in the workplace and local communities. < Back James Knott Specialisms: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Positive Psychology, Mental Health Stigma & Advocacy, Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa) Workplace Mental Health, Scam Awareness & Vulnerability James is a dedicated mental health advocate and campaigner on a mission to improve mental health in the workplace and local communities. Having battled Anorexia Nervosa in 2015, James is now committed to sharing his story to raise awareness and inspire others to seek help. His efforts to destigmatise mental health began in 2021 when he became a guest editor for MIND's monthly newsletter, offering a personal perspective on mental health, especially in the construction industry. James's journey into mental health advocacy began as he sought to transform his personal struggles into a platform for change. He bravely shared his experiences through various channels, including guest speaking at tier one contractor sites in London and participating in IOSH meetings. Collaborations with renowned organisations like Beat, Mental Health UK, Shout, Mental Health Foundation, SANE, Peppy, SHP Health and Safety News, and SIX MHS allowed him to spread awareness through articles, vlogs, and podcast talks. James's passion to break down stigmas surrounding mental health, especially in male-dominated industries like construction, continues to inspire many. Understanding the impact of sharing personal stories, James volunteered as a Lived Experience volunteer at the Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience (IOPPN) in London, providing insights to third-year medical students about the experiences of mental health sufferers. By offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by those with mental health issues, James aims to nurture empathy and compassion among future medical professionals. In 2023, James founded 'Manmade,' a support group dedicated to men's mental health. Recognising that societal pressures often hinder men from expressing vulnerability, 'Manmade' aims to create a safe and non-judgmental space where men can openly share their struggles. By fostering an environment of support and understanding, James hopes to empower men to break free from the shackles of silence and seek the help they deserve. In a twist of fate, James fell prey to a financial scam that left him feeling hopeless and ashamed. Rather than keeping this experience to himself, he chose transparency and openness. Turning his setback into an opportunity to help others, James now advocates for scam awareness, aiming to protect individuals' finances and emotional well-being. He believes that discussing one's struggles and seeking help are crucial steps toward preventing such scams and supporting others through challenging times. James's inspiring journey of mental health advocacy and scam awareness showcases the power of turning personal hardships into a force for positive change. Through his dedication to destigmatise mental health, empower men to open up, and protect others from scams, James serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for those facing similar challenges. As he continues to share his story and spread awareness, James reminds us that compassion, honesty, and seeking help are the keys to building a healthier and safer community for everyone. 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
- Mia Lockley- Speakers Collective
Mia is a childhood sexual abuse survivor and a lived-experience speaker with over 10 years of experience working alongside professionals, children, and young people. Mia is a childhood sexual abuse survivor and a lived-experience speaker with over 10 years of experience working alongside professionals, children, and young people. < Back Mia Lockley Specialisms: Childhood sexual abuse, Mental health, The CPS and how it is failing women and girl Mia is a childhood sexual abuse survivor and a lived-experience speaker with over 10 years of experience working alongside professionals, children, and young people. She lives with Bipolar Type II and complex PTSD, and uses her lived reality to bring honesty, depth, and challenge to conversations around mental health, trauma, and systems of care. Mia has delivered keynote speeches on mental health, including the realities of living with complex trauma and Bipolar Type II, mental health service failures, and the long-term impact of being unheard. She also speaks powerfully about the injustice system, sharing how she was failed twice by a system meant to provide justice, and offering critical insight into how children continue to be overlooked and let down. She has designed and delivered creative, unique workshops that support professionals working with children and young people, and has co-created resources with children to promote creativity and open conversations around feelings, worries, and emotional wellbeing. Mia has also developed resources specifically for young survivors of abuse. Mia talks about the childhood sexual abuse iceburg analogy that highlights how much of a child’s experience remains unseen, unrecognised, and unsupported, challenging adults and professionals to look beyond the surface. She is also the author of Tilly Tells, a children’s book developed with hopes of supporting children through understanding, expression, and safety. She hopes for Tilly tells to develop in 2026 and eventually become a free resource for children. In addition, Mia is a member of the Samaritans Lived Experience Advisory Board for self-harm and suicide prevention, contributing her insight to shape safer, more compassionate responses. Mia’s work centres on truth, creativity, and advocacy, amplifying the voices of children and survivors while challenging systems to do better and make the world a better place for survivors and those living with mental health challenges. 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
- Rebecca Foreman- Speakers Collective
As a speaker, Rebecca brings a rare combination of corporate credibility and human honesty. As a speaker, Rebecca brings a rare combination of corporate credibility and human honesty. < Back Rebecca Foreman Specialisms: Domestic Abuse, lived experience, mental health, workplace awareness, communication, homelessness As a speaker, Rebecca brings a rare combination of corporate credibility and human honesty. She speaks on domestic abuse in the workplace, the hidden cost of silence, mental health and resilience, workplace communication and the systemic failures that leave vulnerable people without a voice or a route out. Her talks are delivered with warmth, candour and the kind of clarity that only comes from having lived it. Through Going Unbroken, she works with corporate employers, HR and people teams, and organisations to develop policy, deliver training and build cultures where people feel safe enough to speak up. She is a passionate advocate for making workplaces the one place that can change everything for someone in crisis. Rebecca's sessions are honest, evidenced and delivered with a deep respect for the audience. 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
- Hansa Raja- Speakers Collective
Hansa is the founder of Holding Space, a charity dedicated to providing parent peer support to those navigating mental health challenges within their families.Hansa is the founder of Holding Space, a charity dedicated to providing parent peer support to those navigating mental health challenges within their families. < Back Hansa Raja Specialisms: Parent Peer Support, Mental Health, Wellbeing, Workplace Wellbeing Hansa is the founder of Holding Space, a charity dedicated to providing parent peer support to those navigating mental health challenges within their families. She established the organization after experiencing first hand the lack of available support for both her daughter, who faced mental health struggles, and for herself as a parent. Her commitment lies in amplifying the voices of parents, ensuring they receive the support they need at home and in the workplace. With a background in nursing and extensive experience in the charity sector, Hansa has held senior roles that involved developing services, managing projects, and leading teams. She also works as a lived experience partner with national organizations; The Charlie Waller Trust and NHS England, advocating for parent peer support. Notably, she was part of the team that developed the first competency training for parent/carer peer support workers. Hansa frequently uses her lived experience to educate in schools and corporate settings, and has made appearances on radio and television to raise awareness. Through her journey, Hansa has seen first hand the profound impact that compassion and collaboration can have in transforming lives and strengthening communities. Hansa would be thrilled to speak about her experiences working with education, health & social care, and corporate organizations. She is passionate about sharing her lived experience and how supporting parents can truly make a lasting difference. Residing in Eastbourne, East Sussex, with her children and her dog, Nala, Hansa enjoys beach walks and spending quality time with family and friends. 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
- Adrian Garcia- Speakers Collective
Adrian has worked the best part of a decade as a mental health campaigner, educator and consultant.Adrian has worked the best part of a decade as a mental health campaigner, educator and consultant. < Back Adrian Garcia Specialisms: Mental Health, Suicide Awareness, Suicide Bereavement, Male Mental Health, LGBTQIA+ Issues, Gender Identity, Emotional Identiy, Creative Social Responsibility Adrian has worked the best part of a decade as a mental health campaigner, educator and consultant. He has worked with various charities (notably SANE as the head of the Black Dog Campaign) as well as many corporates. Adrian has devoted his time to working in mental health due to his own experiences of illness as well as the loss of his younger brother to suicide in early 2015. Initially researching, speaking and educating on suicide prevention, Adrian's work now spans many aspects of mental health and social issues and he is the Founder and Director of his own company, The Mental Health Consultants as well as new upcoming projects for 2020-2021 in Creative Social Responsibility in collaboration with creative agencies, broadcasters and 3rd Sector organisations. 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
- Zulfia Abawe- Speakers Collective
I am Dr. Zulfia Abawe, a multidisciplinary thinker and practitioner who refuses to accept leadership and organizational cultures and practices as they are.I am Dr. Zulfia Abawe, a multidisciplinary thinker and practitioner who refuses to accept leadership and organizational cultures and practices as they are. < Back Zulfia Abawe Specialisms: Decolonial feminism Inclusion and diversity Leadership, people and culture in organizations Constitutionalism Politics, Law and Society Lived Experiences I am Dr. Zulfia Abawe, a multidisciplinary thinker and practitioner who refuses to accept leadership and organizational cultures and practices as they are. I provoke critical reflection, embed decolonial practices in everyday work, and push for epistemic justice that turns assumptions upside down. From delivering a highly praised guest lecture on political awareness to senior leaders in South and North Wales Fire and Rescue Services, to speaking at the Global Campus of Human Rights, COP28, the International Studies Association, the Cambridge Conference Series, and many more, my work spans classrooms, boardrooms, and global stages. I have been a discussant for SwissPeace and the Global South Network, and I thrive on challenging power, uncovering the unseen, and showing that resistance isn’t always loud – it can be as quiet as persistence, as bold as asking uncomfortable questions, and as transformative as reimagining what leadership and justice can actually look like. My talks and collaborations aim to make organizations and communities think differently, act differently, and live differently—while occasionally laughing at the absurdity of it 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
- Richard Williams- Speakers Collective
Rich Williams is a speaker, founder and artist on a mission to positively impact a million young lives by 2030. Rich Williams is a speaker, founder and artist on a mission to positively impact a million young lives by 2030. < Back Richard Williams Specialisms: Purpose, Getting unstuck, Belonging, Neurodiversity and ADHD, Mental health and resilience, Education and schools, Leadership and business, Lived experience Rich Williams is a speaker, founder and artist on a mission to positively impact a million young lives by 2030. He is Co-CEO of Storyy Group, which runs everything from alternative provision to children's residential care, and co-founder of People & Purpose. A TEDx speaker who was nearly lost by the school system himself, Rich helps people get unstuck and find what actually matters, with a real process and the lived experience to back it up. 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












