Facing challenges can daunt, disarm, and dismantle a person’s youthful grit, but sharing your story carries an intimate and moving effect like no other, oftentimes for both speaker and audience. Witnessing the journey of pain, relief, acceptance and motivation, in any setting, is a powerful one to behold.
What’s more, vulnerable voices can inspire courage in others, and to effectively lead and manage diverse teams, businesses must inspire this openness and reassurance in their employees. Built–up, negative experiences have the power to build egos and insecurities, and hinder your team’s boldness, connections, and voices. But those who share their stories often find a sense of peace and unity. Their honesty also allows for others to live through their catharsis and feel more comfortable, even from the darkest and most vulnerable tales.
Fostering an environment where your employees can be open and share how they are feeling will offer them and their team a sense of solidarity, freedom and relief. If you want a speaker with the ability to lead by example and leave your people feeling powerful in facing ongoing challenges as a team, explore a selection of our talent below.
Hayley Mulenda
After nearly taking her own life at the age of 18, Hayley realised how mental health issues are increasingly affecting millennials and she was passionate to do something about it. Hayley’s experience and insight makes her a credible voice for diversity and inclusion as well as mental health and well-being.
Hayley’s story has graced some of the world’s biggest stages from Wembley Arena to Oslo Spektrum. From helping leaders bridge the gap with millennials and Gen-Zs to creating a safe space and mentoring hundreds of young people from diverse and lower socioeconomic backgrounds, Hayley really is passionate to make a change.
Nelufar Hedayat
Nelufar Hedayat is a journalist and presenter whose work focuses on environmental issues and cultural upheaval. Born in Afghanistan, she came to Britain as a refugee which has shaped her work, creating a unique point of view and a passion for telling the stories of fringe and marginalised communities. She has created a body of work with British and American broadcasters including Nat Geo, Vice, Fusion, The Guardian and the BBC that is empathetic, pioneering and insightful.
A passionate and engaged moderator and host, Nelufar also speaks widely about incorporating diversity as well as avoiding divided communities through creating space to navigate difficult conversations and differences.
Elle Mace
Elle’s professional journey is deeply rooted in her personal experiences, particularly her triumph over eating disorders. This unique and unfortunate chapter in her life fuels her passion for helping others navigate similar challenges. From this, Elle has carved a niche for herself, specialising in body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and cultivating positive psychology.
Elle’s approach is a blend of experience, qualifications, and a profound knowledge base. Her sessions are not only informative and engaging but also fun, creating an atmosphere where clients can experience realisations and “light bulb” moments. By sharing her journey, Elle empowers others to embark on their own paths to a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life.
Ed Jackson
Ed Jackson is a former professional rugby player who played at the highest level for over 10 years. Two years on from a serious accident that left him paralysed from the neck down, Ed is literally climbing mountains and wants to encourage others to never give up hope.
Ed’s life-altering experience has provided him with an incredible ability to motivate people. Drawing on his own experiences, Ed takes you on an honest journey through his accident and highlights the ways in which he took a fearlessly active approach to defy all odds on the road to his recovery. After listening to Ed talk, you will be inspired to push through adversity, embrace a more positive mindset and be introduced to the importance of persevering through obstacles with resilience and courage.
To explore our Adversity Speakers, click here, or enquire with hello@fanespeakers.co.uk.
