Public Speaking & Keynotes

Resilience. Vulnerability. Growth.

I speak about resilience in a way that’s real, human and grounded in experience. Not the kind of resilience that pretends everything is fine, but the kind that’s forged through loss, challenge and rebuilding yourself piece by piece.

My talks explore what it means to stay open, connected and authentic when life — or leadership — tests you. I share what I’ve learnt through my own journey from Team GB athlete to therapist to FTSE consultant and Senior Advisor, and what thousands of hours supporting others have taught me about the human capacity to adapt and grow.

Resilience: The Truth Behind Strength

Modern workplaces talk a lot about resilience. But what does it actually mean? In my keynote, I unpack the myths and share practical insights that help people move from surface-level strength to something deeper and more sustainable.

Key themes include:

  • The myth of invulnerability — why appearing strong can weaken teams

  • The hidden danger of celebrating vulnerability — Why boundaries are important for resilience

  • Resilience as relationship — how connection sustains performance

  • The turning point — lessons from my own journey through PTSD after rebuilding a life when confronted by trauma, loss and injury

  • Grounded tools — mindfulness, reflection, and self-leadership in action

Participants walk away with:

  • A more compassionate and assertive understanding of human resilience

  • Practical ways to manage pressure without burnout

  • Insights that strengthen trust, openness and performance at work

Why I Speak

I’ve spent almost a decade as a psychotherapist, mindfulness teacher and consultant, working with professionals across the UK and Europe — from founders and executives to frontline staff, in the NHS, small businesses and now FTSE 100 organisations.

What I see again and again is that people perform best when they feel safe to be real and the relationships around them can tolerate and support some honesty. My aim as a speaker is to help create cultures where that’s possible.

What Organisations Say

“Yesterday went down exceptionally well — the team all commented how much they got out of it. We’d love to invite you back James for a deeper dive on creating supportive cultures for leaders.”


— Chief Information Officer, SEGRO PLC

“We engaged James during a significant period of corporate change to support our team. His work helped strengthen resilience, sharpen thinking, and gave people space to reflect and connect with a sense of purpose whilst operating under pressure. He brought a calm, insightful presence and added real value at an important time.”


— Chief Information Officer, SEGRO PLC

Formats

I tailor each session to your team, event and culture.

Available formats include:

  • Keynote Talk (30–60 mins) — engaging, story-led and inspiring. Optional Q&A or short group reflective session

  • Interactive Workshop (2–3 hours) — practical tools and deep dive group reflection session

  • Panel or Fireside Talks — relaxed, conversational insights

  • In person or Online — your preference

Why Book Me

  • Authentic lived experience of resilience — not theory

  • 5,000+ hours of clinical work with high-performing professionals and leaders

  • A background as a Team GB athlete brings a performance mindset with humility

  • Delivery that’s both heartfelt and practical

  • Proven impact — corporate clients often follow on with consulting and coaching work

Book Me to Speak

If you’d like to bring this talk to your conference, leadership day or team event, get in touch.