Giles Duley
Photojournalist, Storyteller, Campaigner
Top 5 Tips for Motivating Your Workforce
Keeping a team engaged and motivated is crucial for maintaining workplace productivity, innovation, and overall job satisfaction. As the year progresses, it’s essential that businesses prioritise motivating employees to ensure sustained success.
Our previous article explored the power of booking motivational speakers to inspire teams with fresh perspectives and expert insights. Now, we will dive deeper into practical strategies for motivating staff and maintaining high levels of enthusiasm in the workplace.
Five proven ways to boost motivation within a workforce:
Continually provide ongoing opportunities for improvement and development.
Without opportunities to develop and grow, employees will feel stagnant and unmotivated.
Employees need to feel that their work is contributing to both their personal and professional growth, and there are several ways to facilitate development:
- Commit to training and upskilling opportunities: Offer access to industry courses, workshops, and certifications to keep skills sharp and provide continuous learning.
- Make career progression paths clear: Ensure employees know the steps they can take to advance within the company or their team. Without this, motivation levels will remain low, and workplace morale will be poor.
- Create mentorship programmes: Encourage senior employees to mentor newer team members to foster a culture of learning and collaboration. This will not only increase motivation but also strengthen workplace relationships.
- Encourage additional inclusion and innovation: Provide opportunities for employees to work on new projects, present different ideas, and meaningfully contribute to the organisation’s growth.
Recognise good work and award achievements.
Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay motivated, engaged, and committed. Recognition doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive; simple acts of appreciation can go a long way.
Here’s how to effectively recognise and reward a team:
- Personalised praise: Acknowledge individual and team achievements in meetings, emails, or company-wide announcements.
- Provide incentives and bonuses: Consider performance-based rewards such as bonuses, additional time off, or team outings where possible.
- Encourage peer recognition: Implementing a system where employees can nominate and recognise colleagues for good work helps to foster a positive and supportive workplace culture.
- Invest in professional development to reward good work: Show appreciation by investing in employees’ professional development through training programmes, mentorship, and promotions.
Encourage work-life balance.
Burnout is one of the biggest threats to workforce motivation, so encouraging employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance is essential.
- Allow for flexible working arrangements: Where feasible, offering hybrid or remote work options can increase morale and job satisfaction. Although not possible in all industries, flexible working arrangements help maintain work-life balance.
- Encourage wellness and health initiatives: Promote mental and physical well-being through access to wellness programmes, fitness classes, or mental health support.
- Encourage breaks: Ensure that employees feel comfortable taking their allocated breaks and discourage a culture of overworking. Encourage employees to take their annual leave without negative consequences on their return, such as high stress or a build-up of work to complete.
- Lead by example: When leaders prioritise their work-life balance, it sets a standard for the rest of the team.
Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
A strong and positive company culture is essential for motivating employees. When staff feel that they are part of an inclusive, supportive environment, they are more likely to remain engaged, productive, and willing to go the extra mile for their fellow employees.
How to build a positive workplace culture:
- Encourage open communication: Transparent and honest communication between employees and management is essential to creating a positive work environment.
- Offer team-bonding activities: Organise regular team-building exercises, social events, and collaboration opportunities. It’s vital to be as diverse and inclusive as possible in the team-bonding planning stages, as this ensures no one is left out. However, it’s also important to remember that not everyone will want to participate in all activities at all times.
- Ensure diversity is embraced: Promote a workplace where everyone feels valued and represented, ensuring that diversity is embraced in hiring, promotions, and decision-making.
- Provide supportive leadership: Managers should be approachable, empathetic, and proactive in addressing concerns and recognising contributions. Without this, workplace culture can quickly sour, and motivation levels will drop.
Bring in External Inspiration
Sometimes, motivating staff requires an outside perspective. Inspirational and motivational speakers can offer fresh insights, real-world experiences, and new ways of thinking that can reignite enthusiasm within a team or wider company.
Investing in an external speaker can:
- Break up the routine: Taking employees out of their usual environment and exposing them to new ideas can help refresh motivation levels.
- Introduce new strategies: Both industry leaders and external professionals can bring a wealth of experience that can be applied to everyday workplace challenges. How about hiring an adventurer to motivate and speak on resilience?
- Create a lasting impact: A powerful keynote speaker will energise and inspire employees to tackle challenges with renewed vigour.
How can JLA help?
At JLA Speakers, we’re proud to offer a diverse range of motivational speakers specialising in performance, resilience, and leadership. Whether your business is looking for insights on overcoming adversity, making decisions under pressure, or leading high-performing teams, we can help you identify the ideal speaker.
Understanding that every organisation has unique needs, we will ensure sessions are tailored to your industry challenges, business objectives, and cultural values. From inspiring innovation to strengthening leadership, your dedicated JLA account manager will provide expert recommendations to align with your organisation’s goals.
Beyond securing the right speaker, JLA manages all logistics, ensuring seamless execution and an engaging experience. Each speaker is carefully selected to motivate, inspire, and deliver actionable insights that teams can apply in their daily roles.
For long-term impact, we also offer workshops and follow-up sessions to reinforce key messages and sustain motivation beyond the initial event.
Investing in a keynote speaker through JLA is not just a one-off experience. It is all about embedding a culture of inspiration and high performance that lasts well beyond the session.
If you’re interested in exploring how one of our expert motivational speakers can help inspire a workforce, contact us today. Let us help you motivate your team in 2025 and beyond.
Reasons Why Your Conference Needs a Keynote Speaker
In today’s highly competitive and dynamic business landscape, the success of a conference event relies heavily on its ability to engage, inspire and inform attendees.
One way to do this is by hiring an effective keynote speaker, who can set the tone for the entire event, captivate the audience, and deliver powerful insights that align with the conference’s objectives and are relevant to the attendees.
What Is A Keynote Speaker?
A keynote speaker is an individual who makes the primary speech at a conference or other professional event. They’re typically experts in their field of work, whether that be business, technology, leadership, or professional and personal development.
No matter their industry, a keynote speaker possesses the skills to engage an audience with thought-provoking storytelling, valuable professional insights, and innovative ideas that get the audience thinking outside the box.
Keynote speakers are selected for their unique ability to inspire and motivate their audiences, and tend to bring a fresh perspective to a subject that resonates with attendees and leaves a lasting impact.
There are many reasons why a conference needs a keynote speaker in order to succeed:
- They help to set the overall direction of the conference.
A keynote speaker helps to establish the main theme and tone of the entire conference, providing attendees with a clear sense of purpose and direction for the event.
Their speeches reflect the core objectives that the conference has set out, and align with any individual sessions that might take place. This helps to create a cohesive experience that keeps attendees engaged and on track throughout the event. - They are able to share professional insight and expertise.
Keynote speakers are usually industry experts or subject matter experts, with unique insights, experience and knowledge that isn’t available anywhere else.
They have a deep level of understanding within their industry or subject, which provides attendees with valuable takeaways that they can implement in their own professional and personal lives. - They offer diverse perspectives.
Whether it’s a global perspective on industry trends, lessons learned from experience, or unique approaches to problem solving, a keynote speaker can challenge conventional thinking and encourage attendees to view issues from multiple angles. - They inspire and motivate effectively.
One of the most significant advantages of a keynote speaker is their ability to inspire and motivate attendees. A compelling speech can ignite passion, instill confidence, and encourage individuals to take action, whether that’s through storytelling, the telling of real-life experiences, or practical advice. - They enhance the credibility and overall prestige of the conference.
High-profile conference speakers attract media attention and industry recognition, which can have a positive impact on the conference’s reputation, as well as the business behind it. - They help to boost attendance levels.
Many attendees would be more motivated to register for a conference if it features experts whose work they admire. This, in turn, helps organisers achieve their participation goals and create a well-attended event.
How to Find the Right Keynote Speaker
Finding the right keynote speaker for your conference is vital, as the wrong speaker can make or break an event.
There are key factors that need to be considered when choosing a conference speaker:
- The conference’s objectives
The chosen speaker needs to align with the conference’s overall objectives and goals, otherwise the conference could lose all credibility, relevance and impact.
A speaker who understands the core mission and audience expectations will effectively contribute to the overall success of the event for both attendees and organisers. - Budget
Finding the right speaker within budget is essential, but it doesn’t mean compromising on quality.
At JLA, we believe that there’s a great speaker available for every budget. While high-profile speakers can be a major draw, we also offer a wide selection of expert speakers who deliver exceptional value at more accessible price points.
Our expertise ensures that conference organisers always get the best possible speaker within their financial parameters, making the most of investment and helping to achieve desired conference goals without any overspending. - Audience
Understanding the demographic, interests and professional lives of the audience is key to selecting the right speaker for a business conference.
The speaker should resonate with attendees, addressing their specific needs, challenges, and aspirations to ensure meaningful engagement.
How can JLA help?
Here at JLA Speakers, we’re proud to have a wide variety of conference speakers on our roster. From after dinner speakers to leadership speakers, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect conference speaker.
We offer a comprehensive support service, beginning with a deep understanding of your event’s goals and desired audience impact. You’ll then be assigned a dedicated Account Manager who works to understand your culture and processes to provide tailored support.
Curated Lists
JLA curates a shortlist of suitable talent, complete with detailed insights. We provide their biographies and photographs, as well as our own personal recommendations and links to their previous speeches so you can see how they work.
Once you’ve selected your preferred shortlist, we can quickly check with the talent to ensure their availability and negotiate potential fees, all the while assisting with any other considerations you may be making in order to help you make your final decision.
Travel and Accommodation
At JLA, we take pride in removing the hassle of organising travel and accommodation for your chosen speaker. From flights and ground transportation to hotel bookings and special requests, we manage every detail with precision and efficiency to ensure that your chosen speaker’s journey to the conference is smooth and stress-free.
We believe that removing this stress allows you to focus on delivering a successful conference without unnecessary distractions, as we understand that hosting a conference is already demanding, so we take pride in being able to take this burden off your shoulders.
Technical Requirements & Logistical Arrangements
We ensure that your chosen speaker is fully prepared to deliver an outstanding performance that aligns perfectly with your event’s objectives.
Our team handles all technical requirements and logistical arrangements, covering production equipment, dress codes, and even dietary preferences.
To guarantee the best impact, we also act as the bridge between you and the speaker, ensuring that their conference presentation is perfectly tailored to your attendees and your conference’s goals. To ensure this, we facilitate and participate in briefing calls to provide the speaker with an in-depth understanding of your event’s cultural background, commercial context, and overall strategic goals.
As well as this, if the worst was to happen and your chosen speaker had to cancel due to illness, we’re always on hand to provide a suitable replacement quickly.
With over three decades of experience, JLA works to ensure a seamless event by focusing on both major and minor details, aligning speaker performance with your objectives. Throughout the process, JLA remains committed to providing expert guidance and round-the-clock support, ensuring the best possible experience.
To find the right speaker and accelerate the success of your conference, contact us today.
Elevate Your Team in 2025 with Expert Motivational Speakers
Keeping up workforce motivation, particularly during the winter months, can pose significant challenges for leaders. The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to refocus and re-energise the team.
A highly motivated team isn’t just more productive; it’s also more innovative, enthusiastic, and dedicated. While there are many tried-and-tested strategies to boost motivation – such as providing opportunities for growth, encouraging work-life balance, and recognising individual successes – sometimes the most powerful motivation comes from external voices.
Booking an inspirational speaker can be an incredible way to take the team away from their desks and gain fresh insights from an expert in inspiring and energising others. Here’s why it works:
Fresh Perspectives
External speakers bring new perspectives to challenges and opportunities without the bias that can come from being embedded in the organisation. This outside lens can spark fresh ideas and approaches.
Specialised Expertise
Motivational speakers use skilled storytelling and draw on their unique life experiences to share practical insights. Their ability to connect personal lessons to the team’s daily work creates tangible and relatable takeaways.
Tailored Sessions
Sessions can be customised to align with your specific industry or organisational goals, ensuring the content is both relevant and impactful.
Shared Experience for Leaders and Teams
Leaders can participate in the session alongside their team, modelling engagement and reinforcing key messages in subsequent interactions. This shared experience can strengthen team cohesion and amplify the session’s impact.
Fortunately, we offer a wide range of motivational speakers at JLA who are experts at inspiring teams to stay motivated during challenging times. Here are a few examples:
Giles Duley
Photojournalist, Storyteller, Campaigner
Giles Duley, a renowned photographer and triple amputee, delivers speeches on resilience and the human capacity to overcome adversity. From a fashion photographer dissatisfied with the industry, Giles shifted his focus to documenting the stories of individuals in war zones. His powerful narratives inspire audiences to find strength and purpose in the face of challenges.
Mandy Hickson
Former Fighter Pilot
Mandy Hickson, a former RAF fast jet pilot and leadership speaker who focuses on decision-making under pressure, and breaking barriers in male-dominated industries. By sharing stories from her remarkable career and her experiences in high-stakes environments, she inspires teams to push boundaries and achieve their full potential.
Ellis Watson
Business Leader
Ellis Watson, a dynamic business leader, specialises in transformative leadership, embracing change, and building resilient teams. Drawing from his experience leading major organisations, his talks motivate audiences to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Maggie Alphonsi MBE
England Rugby World Cup Winner
As England rugby vice-captain, Maggie achieved an extraordinary record of seven consecutive Six Nations titles and reached the World Cup final twice, securing victory once. Now as a top sporting speaker, her motivational talks delve into the themes of leadership, teamwork and excelling under pressure.
Sarah Furness
Former RAF Helicopter Pilot and Squadron Leader
Sarah Furness, a former RAF Squadron Leader, focuses on mental resilience and the power of rewiring the mind to thrive under pressure. Her insights teach audiences how to lead authentically and skillfully while staying in control during adversity.
Major Tim Peake CMG
Astronaut
Tim Peake needs little introduction. As an astronaut, he shares incredible insights on the future of spaceflight, whilst also discussing more down-to-earth topics including leadership and teamwork. As a keynote speaker, Tim uses his breathtaking photos of space and effortlessly weaves in lessons on risk management, decision-making, and high-performance in the most pressured of environments.
Investing in a motivational speaker can be a transformative step towards energising your team and driving sustained success. By bringing in an expert to inspire and challenge your workforce, you’re fostering an environment that values growth, resilience, and innovation.
If you’re interested in exploring how one of our inspirational conference speakers can benefit your organisation, we invite you to get in touch with us for more information. Let us help you find the perfect speaker to elevate your team in 2025 and beyond.
What is the Future of AI, and How Will it Affect You?
The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is unstoppable, and its impact is being felt across all aspects of our lives, both professionally and personally. Unsurprisingly, AI speakers, alongside leadership speakers, have become some of the most requested by our clients.
While we don’t have to worry about Terminator-style judgement days or Will Smith hunting down murderous AI robots, some people are still wary of technological advancements in artificial intelligence and what they mean for the future.
Although AI has been around since the 1950s, its true advancements have only become prominent in recent years, as it has been increasingly integrated into our everyday lives.
Whether it’s AI assistants on mobile phones, web-based programs that can create AI art and graphics in seconds or tools that analyse customer behaviour to deliver personalised recommendations, the uses of AI and those aware of its capabilities are ever-increasing. But what can we do with this technology, and how can we successfully integrate it into our businesses?
Thankfully, JLA’s fantastic roster of Conference Speakers is packed with AI Speakers and Business Experts who can shed light on this burgeoning and rapidly improving technology.
Professor Michael Wooldridge
Director for AI, Alan Turing Institute
Michael, the Ashall Professor of the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Oxford, has over 30 years of expertise in AI and has played a key role in shaping AI strategies and research programmes.
As the author of The Ladybird Expert Guide to AI, Michael is uniquely positioned to help businesses navigate the complexities of AI, offering insights into its implications and guiding organisations on how to leverage this transformative technology effectively.
Rahaf Harfoush
Emerging Technologies, Innovation and Business
Rahaf explores the intersection of innovation, culture, and digital transformation. A bestselling author and former lecturer, she has also collaborated with the World Economic Forum.
Drawing on her research, Rahaf helps businesses understand how data is reshaping relationships between organisations and employees, uncovering opportunities in disruptive business models and examining the broader societal impacts of digitisation. Her insights equip organisations to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Henry Ajder
Generative AI and Deepfake Expert
Henry is a leading expert at the forefront of the generative AI and synthetic media revolution. As the presenter of the BBC documentary series The Future Will Be Synthesised, he brings a deep understanding of how emerging technologies are transforming industries.
Henry advises organisations on both the challenges and opportunities presented by these innovations, helping them navigate this rapidly evolving landscape to stay ahead of the curve.
Richard Susskind CBE
The Future of the Professions
Richard is a best-selling author and independent adviser to international firms and governments, specialising in the future of professional services and the impact of AI.
With 40 years of experience, his upcoming book How To Think About AI: A Guide for the Perplexed offers a non-technical exploration of AI’s social and economic effects. Richard believes balancing AI’s benefits and risks is the defining challenge of our time for businesses and society.
For more information on any of the above speakers or for other options on the topic of Tech and AI, please contact us today.
What is the Future of AI?
The Future of AI is not 100% clear however Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept, and one that cannot be ignored; it’s a transformative force reshaping industries, societies, and our daily lives.
From healthcare to entertainment, AI continues revolutionising processes, offering unparalleled opportunities while posing unique challenges concerning AI acceptance and how the technology may affect those working in roles at risk of AI automation. As we stand on the brink of further innovation, understanding the future of AI and its potential impact is more important than ever.
An IBM survey revealed that around 42% of enterprise-scale companies had already integrated AI into their everyday operations, and another 40% were considering implementing AI aspects into their business. In short, companies that cannot see the opportunities presented by AI and those unwilling to introduce AI into their operations are in danger of being left behind.
Evolving with AI
Many people already use some form of AI, whether Amazon’s voice-controlled assistant Alexa or AI-driven features on their mobile phones. In business, early AI systems have mainly focused on automating repetitive tasks, e.g. spell checkers and basic chatbots.
Today, advancements in machine learning and neural networks have given rise to powerful systems capable of performing complex tasks, from mass data conversion and diagnosing diseases to creating artwork and composing music. But where is AI headed next?
- Healthcare
- AI-powered tools are transforming diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care. It won’t be long before we live in a world where AI can predict illnesses before symptoms appear, personalise preventive care for each individual, and help diagnose more accurately in an improved timeframe.
- Workplace and Employment
- AI is already automating routine tasks, allowing workers to focus on more strategic, creative, or pressing responsibilities without being bogged down by admin tasks that can be aided by AI. With this shift comes the need for individuals to adapt to these innovations and learn new skills to thrive in an AI-enhanced workplace.
- Manufacturing
- The manufacturing sector has benefitted from the introduction of AI for many years now, with AI-powered robotic arms commonplace in car manufacturing facilities. However, with the surge in technology, electric vehicle adoption, and computing power within our vehicles, we will see AI play an increasingly pivotal role in diagnostics and safety features.
- Finance
- Many financial institutions already use AI to detect fraud or conduct audits. As technologies progress, AI will undoubtedly help increase economic security, while the risk of fraud will be dramatically reduced as more AI systems are implemented.
- Education
- Personalised learning experiences powered by AI can cater to individual student needs, making education more accessible and practical. Whether they help students with learning difficulties or offer in-depth, extracurricular activities, AI tutors and adaptive learning platforms can unlock the next generation’s potential.
- Transport
- While self-driving cars have been conceived, ready-for-market vehicles are still in their infancy and a little way off. That said, it won’t be long before AI-powered vehicles can ferry us from A to B, given that many cities already benefit from autonomous delivery robots for food, packages, hospital deliveries, and even hotel room service.
- Entertainment and Media
- While AI has long been the subject of many cinematic and televised titles, it will now help create entertainment. From generating realistic virtual worlds on-screen to creating personalised content recommendations on platforms like Netflix, AI is already redefining how we consume and interact with media.
- Smart Cities
- AI will be critical in future urban planning, traffic management, and sustainability efforts. Smart cities will leverage AI to improve quality of life, focusing on reducing environmental impact.
London already has the world’s most extensive collection of air quality sensors, with over 750 companies working together to analyse the city’s data. Singapore uses sensors to track the comings and goings of its citizens in busy areas, while Dubai is digitalising all transport, communications, infrastructure, electricity, economic services, and urban planning with the help of AI.
With projects in Saudi Arabia for multiple futuristic super-cities (Neom and Mukaab) by 2030, the country aims to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil. Thus, it’s clear how AI and technology will shape the world and how we live in the not-so-distant future.
Whatever sector your business operates in, your workforce must be educated on AI’s current and prospective functions and capabilities. With the help of JLA and our professional keynote speakers, you can inform your employees about how AI can improve their performance and the business’s output and revenue.
If you’re considering a Tech & AI speaker for your conference or business event, JLA is here to help. Your dedicated account manager will take the time to understand your brief, recommend the ideal speaker for your audience, and handle all the details, from negotiating booking fees to ensuring you get the best value for your budget. Contact us today.
JLA 2024 Round Up
As the 2024 events calendar draws to a close, we’re excited to highlight some of the 830 fantastic and diverse keynote speakers, presenters, and performers & entertainers we’ve had the pleasure of working with across the 2,000+ events JLA has contributed to this year.
JLA-Listers of 2024
We’ve had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in business, sport, entertainment, and culture. Here are just a few of the remarkable individuals who have captivated audiences throughout 2024.
To book any of the fantastic options above or to enquire about other well-known names for speaking or performing at your event, please reach out to us today.
Most Booked Talent of 2024
Throughout 2024, we’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the most in-demand conference speakers, awards hosts, and performers. These exceptional individuals have been booked time and again for their ability to engage, inspire, and entertain audiences across countless events.
Scotty Mills
Former Royal Marine & Elite Team Coach
Priya Lakhani
Founder and CEO, CENTURY Tech
Rory Stewart
Academic, Former Politician & Diplomat, The Rest is Politics
Kevin Fong
Science Broadcaster & Emergency Medicine Doctor
Baroness Manningham-Buller
Former Head of MI5 & Former Chair of the Wellcome Trust
Sameena Ali-Khan
Central Tonight
Jamil Qureshi
Performance Psychologist
Lucy Porter
Comedian
Professor Brian Cox
Physicist and Broadcaster
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Michael Wooldridge
Professor of Computer Science, University of Oxford
Tim Harford
Financial Times’ Undercover Economist & More or Less Presenter
Cally Beaton
Podcaster, Coach, Performer and Former Business Exec
Rahaf Harfoush
Emerging Technologies, Innovation and Business
Kate Richardson-Walsh
Hockey Gold Medalist & Former Captain
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Steph McGovern
Presenter and Podcaster
Ellis Watson
Business Leader
Alan Dedicoat
‘Voice of the Balls’
Robert Peston
ITV Political Editor, The Rest is Money
Jonathan Van-Tam
Former Deputy Chief Medical Officer
It’s been a joy working with so many of you this year, we really do love what we do. Here’s to 2025 and another fantastic year of speakers, presenters, and performers.
Wishing you a wonderful festive break and a Happy New Year!
Breaking Barriers: Why Disability Inclusion Matters Every Day
Last Tuesday marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and we were reminded that inclusion is more than just a concept, it’s a commitment to creating a world where everyone can thrive. This day serves as an opportunity to celebrate progress, reflect on the challenges that remain, and push for greater equity and accessibility for disabled people.
When we talk about inclusion, it’s easy to focus on big-picture ideas, diversity, representation, belonging. But what does it really mean to make the world more accessible for disabled people? This question goes beyond theory; it’s about breaking down both physical and societal barriers that prevent millions of talented, capable individuals from reaching their full potential.
Diversity and Inclusion are more than buzzwords; it’s about breaking barriers. Yet, for the 1 in 7 people globally who live with a disability, these barriers remain all too real. Organisations that embrace inclusion not only support their communities, they also consistently outperform their competitors. So why do so many businesses still lag behind?
We all know diversity fuels creativity and innovation, but when it comes to disability inclusion, progress often feels slow. This isn’t necessarily because people don’t care, it’s often because they don’t know where to start. There’s a fear of getting it wrong, of saying the wrong thing, or not doing enough.
Yet for many disabled individuals, the barriers they face, be it inaccessible physical spaces, outdated stereotypes, or exclusionary systems, are persistent and deeply ingrained. But the good news is, these challenges aren’t insurmountable. Real change happens when we commit to listening, learning, and taking meaningful action.
Inclusion means ensuring disabled people are not just present but are given equal opportunities to succeed and thrive. It’s about making accessibility an integral part of how we operate, not an afterthought. Change isn’t always easy, but it’s undeniably worth the effort.
One of the best ways to understand the importance of disability inclusion is to hear directly from those who live and advocate for it. Their experiences, insights, and perspectives not only inspire but challenge us to think differently.
Disability Inclusion Speakers whose stories and expertise can spark real progress:
Amar Latif
Broadcaster, Entrepreneur and Blind Traveller
Amar is a true pioneer in accessible tourism. As the founder of Traveleyes, he’s created a travel company that transforms the way visually impaired and sighted travellers experience the world-together.
Losing 95% of his sight by the age of 18 might have been seen as a limitation by some, but Amar saw it as an opportunity to reshape perceptions. His story is one of courage, resilience, and innovation. Amar’s talks challenge organisations to rethink accessibility as more than a checkbox but as a powerful way to unlock creativity and collaboration. His message? The only real barriers are the ones we refuse to confront.
View Amar Latif’s full speaker profile.
Caroline Casey
Social Entrepreneur & Campaigner
Caroline is a force to be reckoned with in the world of disability advocacy. As the founder of The Valuable 500, she’s taken disability inclusion to the boardrooms of the world’s biggest companies, proving that meaningful change starts at the top.
Caroline’s personal journey as a legally blind entrepreneur has shaped her perspective on ambition and leadership, offering businesses a fresh and authentic approach to inclusion. She doesn’t just talk about the importance of valuing disabled talent; she demonstrates how it can transform workplaces and industries. Caroline has a remarkable talent for motivating organisations to move beyond empty promises and take meaningful actions that lead to real change.
View Caroline Casey’s full speaker profile.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson
Record-breaking Paralympian
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is a name that needs little introduction. As one of Britain’s most decorated Paralympians and an influential disability rights campaigner, she has proven time and again what’s possible when barriers are broken.
Beyond her sporting achievements, Tanni’s career in politics and keynote speaking has cemented her status as a trailblazer. Her speeches are a compelling mix of inspiration and challenge, calling on businesses and policymakers to not only include disabled people but to champion their rights. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of creating a society where everyone can succeed.
View Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson’s full speaker profile.
Giles Duley
Photojournalist, Storyteller, Campaigner
Giles’ life is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Once a fashion photographer, his career took a dramatic turn when he lost three limbs in Afghanistan. Rather than retreating, Giles channelled his passion into documentary photography, highlighting the lives of disabled people in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
His work captures the dignity, resilience, and humanity of those often forgotten. Giles’ talks are a powerful reminder that inclusion isn’t just about making room at the table, it’s about recognising the value of every story, every voice. His ability to connect through storytelling leaves a lasting impact, urging us all to act with greater compassion and understanding.
View Giles Duley’s full speaker profile.
Victoria Jenkins
CEO, Unhidden
Victoria Jenkins is reshaping the fashion industry, one adaptive garment at a time. As the founder of Unhidden, a brand creating stylish, inclusive clothing for disabled people, Victoria has turned her personal experiences into a mission for change.
Victoria doesn’t just advocate for accessible design, she shows how inclusivity can drive innovation and improve outcomes for everyone. Her talks are a wake-up call to industries stuck in outdated thinking, urging them to see accessibility as a chance to do better and create products and services that truly meet diverse needs.
For more information on Victoria Jenkins or for insight into what any of the above conference speakers can bring to your next event, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us!
How to Promote Equality and Diversity in the Workplace.
In an era where inclusion and collaboration drive innovation, fostering equality and diversity in the workplace has become more than a moral imperative, it’s a strategic advantage. Organisations that embrace diverse perspectives create a harmonious environment that unlocks creativity and problem-solving capabilities, inspiring a sense of inspiration, motivating their teams, and showcasing the power of diversity.
Why is Diversity Important in the Workplace?
Equality and diversity are vital pillars of a thriving workplace. Together, they encompass more than just fair treatment, they foster respect, opportunity, and inclusion across every level of an organisation. While interconnected, these concepts play distinct individual roles that shape a positive and productive environment.
What is Equality?
Equality is the commitment to ensuring everyone enjoys and benefits from equal opportunities, free from bias or discrimination.
Equality levels the playing field so that no individual is held back because of their age, gender, race, cultural background, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. Through equality, businesses can eliminate barriers, creating an environment where fairness is the foundation of every decision.
What is Diversity?
Diversity, on the other hand, extends beyond equality. It’s about recognising, embracing, and celebrating individual differences, seeing them not as challenges but as strengths. A genuinely diverse workplace is one where a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and identities – such as age, ethnicity, religion, gender, and beyond – come together to drive innovation and enrich a company’s culture.
While equality ensures everyone starts with equal opportunities, diversity builds a culture where those opportunities thrive via varied backgrounds and perspectives. Together, equality and diversity work in tandem to create a workplace that benefits entire organisations and society as a whole.
By striving for both, businesses can foster an environment that empowers everyone to contribute, collaborate, and succeed while abiding by the Equality Act 2010.
What is the Equality Act 2010?
Equality law applies to all businesses at every level and stage, from interns to management and hiring to firing. The Equality Act is in place to ensure that all employees enjoy equal opportunities that abide by employment law.
The act covers:
- Age
- Sex
- Disability
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity or paternity leave
- Gender reassignment
Whether it’s re-evaluating hiring practices or fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, there are many steps businesses can take to ensure that everyone within the organisation has a voice.
Below, we explore practical strategies to promote equality and diversity, paving the way for a more inclusive future.
Lead with Purpose
Leadership is pivotal in setting the tone for a healthy workplace culture. And leaders who openly champion diversity inspire others to follow suit.
This responsibility means embedding inclusivity into the company’s mission, values, and daily operations. Regular training on unconscious bias, culture, and inclusive leadership will equip teams with all the necessary tools to build an equitable workplace, empowering them with a sense of responsibility and the ability to make a difference.
Through transparent communication, leaders can address systemic barriers such as unequal opportunities for career advancement, lack of representation in leadership roles (e.g. fewer women in top management positions), and cultural insensitivity in the workplace.
By recognising challenges and celebrating milestones toward inclusivity, leaders can inspire their teams to work towards the summit of a completely equal workplace. Much like an expedition team thrives on shared goals, diverse teams thrive when united by a common purpose.
Create Safe Spaces for Open Discussion
Open communication is the foundation of understanding and collaboration. Employers can establish forums and employee resource groups or host regular feedback sessions, creating a safe, inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their experiences and concerns. For example, companies can celebrate cultural events, such as Black History Month, recognise Pride Month and International Women’s Day, acknowledge Mental Health Awareness Week, or host discussions on disability awareness. Diverse teams thrive when their voices are heard and valued.
JLA Speakers Breakfast for International Womens Day 2024
Encourage an Inclusive Recruitment Process
Building a diverse workforce starts with recruitment. This process should look beyond traditional hiring pools to identify underrepresented talent. Initiatives like blind recruitment, where the applicant’s personal information is removed from their application to prevent bias (e.g. gender, race, or age), and diverse interview panels, where candidates are interviewed by a group of people from different backgrounds to ensure a fair evaluation, can help dismantle unconscious biases.
Businesses can welcome candidates with unique perspectives that drive innovation by focusing on skills, potential, and lived experiences rather than rigid (sometimes outdated) qualifications.
Offer Ongoing Education and Training
Education is a continuous journey. Organisations must commit to providing regular access to conferences (to hear from specialist Diversity and Inclusion Speakers), seminars, workshops, and resources that promote awareness of diversity and equality issues. This engagement fosters a sense of commitment to the cause and is critical to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
Diversity Training Topics
- Recognising and addressing microaggressions.
- Encouraging allyship within teams.
- Educate on empathy and understanding for colleagues from different backgrounds.
By normalising these conversations, companies can educate and encourage employees to champion diversity in and out of the workplace.
Diversity Speakers
Hiring the help of a diversity and inclusion speaker is also a fantastic means of furthering your workforce’s education on equality and diversity. JLA is home to an eclectic mix of professional speakers, each bringing their unique perspective, experiences and expertise from their chosen field.
Christine Armstrong
Future of Work Author and Consultant
Christine, a communications and management expert and celebrated author, is a leading voice on creating inclusive, values-driven organisations fit for the modern world. She explores workplace diversity, hybrid work, and mental health, challenging outdated practices and encouraging businesses to rethink their strategies.
View Christine Armstrong’s full speaker profile.
Naomi Sesay
Head of Creative Diversity at Channel 4
With over two decades of experience in television and media, Naomi Sesay has dedicated her career to championing diversity and inclusion, establishing herself as a trailblazer for social enterprise. Currently serving as Channel 4’s Head of Creative Diversity, she previously held the role of Head of Innovation and Diversity at Media Trust, driving impactful change within the industry.
View Naomi Sesay’s full speaker profile.
Caroline Criado Perez OBE
Bestselling Activist
In her compelling talks and acclaimed book Invisible Women, Caroline exposes the deep-rooted biases in data and everyday assumptions. Her insights reveal how the reliance on male-centric standards, from healthcare to technology, has not only marginalised women but also hindered broader societal advancement.
View Caroline Criado Perez’s full speaker profile.
Milimo Banji
Gen Z expert
Milimo, an entrepreneur and influential advisor, leads TapIn as its founder and CEO. This forward-thinking agency specialises in connecting leading UK employers with a rich spectrum of Gen Z talent, fostering inclusion and innovation in the workplace. With a seat on the boards of FTSE 100 companies, Milimo offers profound insights into the motivations and values shaping the next generation of professionals.
View Milimo Banji’s full speaker profile.
Fair Policies and Practices
Equality begins with considerate, fair policies catering to employees’ diverse needs. These include:
- Equal pay audits to ensure a fair wage.
- Flexible working arrangements to accommodate different backgrounds, e.g. disabled employees and caregivers.
- Clear pathways for career progression that remove barriers for underrepresented groups.
These initiatives send a powerful message: diversity is not a box-ticking exercise but a commitment to genuine inclusion and respect.
Celebrate Success Stories
Highlighting stories of individuals who have overcome barriers or contributed meaningfully to the organisation’s growth can inspire others and highlight just how vital diversity and equality can be.
Just as explorers recount their journeys to ignite hope and determination, celebrating diversity champions within the workplace fosters a culture of recognition and motivation.
Start Your Journey to a Diverse Workplace with JLA
Promoting equality and diversity in the workplace is an ongoing journey, a shared challenge that calls for collaboration, resilience, understanding and innovation.
By embedding inclusivity into the fabric of its operations, an organisation can build stronger, happier teams, unlocking the massive potential of a truly diverse workforce.
With the help of JLA, you can rethink your approach to inclusivity and take meaningful steps to ensure that every individual – regardless of background – has the opportunity to thrive.
If you’re ready to embark on a transformational journey to a brighter, more inclusive future, contact us to book a Diversity and Inclusion Speaker today.In an era where inclusion and collaboration drive innovation, fostering equality and diversity in the workplace has become more than a moral imperative, it’s a strategic advantage. Organisations that embrace diverse perspectives create a harmonious environment that unlocks creativity and problem-solving capabilities, inspiring a sense of inspiration, motivating their teams, and showcasing the power of diversity.
Leadership Speakers to Inspire Your Team
Ever since I started at JLA over 2 years ago, I’ve found that enquiries for leadership speakers haven’t faltered. In today’s fast-paced, unpredictable world, leaders are constantly seeking ways to guide their teams effectively and keep them motivated.
Whether the aim is to tackle workplace challenges, foster resilience, encourage collaboration, or spark creativity, bringing a leadership keynote speaker to your event can make all the difference. After all, what better way to learn than from those who’ve navigated these challenges firsthand?
A great leadership speaker doesn’t just share their success stories, they provide practical tools, inspire new ways of thinking, and connect with the audience’s desire to grow and make a meaningful impact. So, choosing the right conference speakers is a brilliant way to help unlock your team’s leadership potential.
In particular, the growing emphasis on agile and adaptive leadership has revolutionized approaches to crisis management in today’s workplace. Exceptional leaders stand out through their ability to navigate uncertainty, adapt to ever-changing challenges, and cultivate a culture of ongoing learning and growth.
Good leadership is a perennial challenge we are faced with, and at JLA we have the pleasure of working with so many brilliant leadership speaker – here are some examples of those who are able to approach this topic from all different angles…
Baroness Manningham-Buller
Former Head of MI5 & Former Chair of the Wellcome Trust
As Head of the Security Service, Eliza managed the aftermath of 9/11 and a rising threat from Al-Qaeda. Later, as Chair of the Wellcome Trust, she led efforts to address the Covid-19 pandemic and its long-term effects. Drawing on this extensive leadership experience, Eliza stresses the importance of business leaders needing to continually adapt their priorities to address emerging challenges, from global crises like climate change to demands for greater diversity and fairness.
View Baroness Manningham-Buller’s full speaker profile.
Scotty Mills
Former Royal Marine & Elite Team Coach
As Britain’s highest-ranking black Royal Marine, Scotty shares his lessons of leadership and resilience working as an inspirational speaker and performance coach in the world of elite sport and business. He also played a key part in the success of the England football team at the 2018 World Cup and he continues to work alongside the country’s leading sports and Olympic teams to foster innovative leadership, enhance team cohesion, and drive peak performance.
View Scotty Mills’ full speaker profile.
Matt Lindley
Pilot & Human Factors Expert
Matt moved to commercial aviation as a 747 pilot after spending a decade with the RAF. He explores the culture within airlines that focuses on understanding mistakes rather than assigning blame, and the leadership culture that fosters this approach. He also talks about his experience as being one of the first openly gay pilots in the military and speaks openly about what the experience taught him about good and not so good leadership.
View Matt Lindley’s full speaker profile.
Kate Richardson-Walsh
Hockey Gold Medalist & Former Captain
Kate, the most capped female player in British hockey and international captain for over a decade, led her team through challenging times, a shift in personnel and culture, and ultimately to Olympic success. Consistently elected captain by her teammates, Kate played a crucial role in the leadership group responsible for transforming the team and because of this she can share valuable lessons in leadership, high performance and teamwork.
View Kate Richardson-Walsh’s full speaker profile.
See Kate Richardson-Walsh below when she spoke at our Speakers Breakfast on Leadership Under Pressure, drawing from her inspiring journey as an Olympic gold-medal-winning captain.
For more information on the above leadership speakers and what they can bring to your next event, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us!
Oli France: Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity
I recently delivered a keynote speech for one of the world’s largest insurance companies. In the room were risk managers representing dozens of FTSE 100 and 250 companies. Their job is to ensure that their global organisations can navigate the dynamic uncertainties which exist in our complex world and, crucially, continue to pioneer.
As I took to the stage and all eyes and ears fell on me, my task was to share everything I have learned about navigating grave dangers while taking on ambitious goals.
Now, I am not a risk manager. At least not by job description. Instead, I am a professional expedition leader and adventurer specialising in guiding teams through the wildest places on earth. Travelling through over 75 countries, I have guided over 500 individuals to Congolese volcanoes, freezing Alaskan peaks, perilous Iraqi mountains, war-damaged Syrian cities, remote Yemeni islands and many more of the least-visited corners of our planet.
The common conception is that my job is leading people on adventures of a lifetime. Of course this is important. My real job though is to ensure people make it home alive.
Through the years I have encountered many close calls. I have faced spies, been detained for 5 days on the Afghan border and interrogated in ten different countries. I have faced minefields, avalanches, deadly earthquakes, and have even spent a week in hospital after contracting meningitis in Somalia.
Through every flirt with danger, I needed to iterate and improve my approach to risk. Over time I have developed a robust approach for handling such uncertainties. While organisations gamble their reputation and existence on their choices, the nature of my job has meant I am staking my life and the lives of my team on the decisions I make. Often the margins for error are zero.
Through my approach, having now guided dozens of expeditions across remote and hostile places, I have maintained a 100% safety record amongst my teams. Here’s how I’ve done it:
Introducing my Triple-A Strategy for approaching risk: Awareness, Anticipation, and Adaptation.
It all begins with Awareness. Awareness is the foundation of navigating uncertainty. We must have a deep understanding of the world or industry which we inhabit. We must be constantly information-gathering, learning about new developments and growing our networks. I have often found that the most valuable insights are the hardest to find. On several occasions, rare information gleaned from
key well-informed individuals has been the thing which has opened new opportunities, or even saved my life. Growing our awareness must be constant. That is how we stay ahead.
With a foundation of awareness, next comes Anticipation. Anticipation involves using our knowledge to proactively identify potential challenges before they arise. Before each expedition, I immerse myself in exhaustive research – studying terrain maps, weather forecasts, local customs, and geopolitical climates. To this end, I know ahead of time where the problems are likely to arise and can plan accordingly. As a wise mentor once told me: ‘average leaders react, great leaders anticipate.’
So we have developed our awareness and built robust plans around the dangers we have anticipated. For many hard challenges, these two steps alone can suffice. But what if we want to embrace our inner explorer? What if we want to pioneer and attempt to do something which has never been done before? When we step out into the unknown, we will encounter ‘unknown unknowns’. Or events which we could never have foreseen until we walk right into them.
This is where the final part of my strategy emerges: Adaptability. When ground-breaking visions meet a complex world, it is imperative for us and our teams to maintain adaptability. A fixed mindset and fixed approach will soon falter. We must rally our teams around our shared vision, with the understanding that we may often need to adapt to reach that goal. Change itself is all part of the journey. When failures and hardships arise, we must respond rapidly and decisively. Months of indecision can be more costly than a bad decision which can be quickly rectified.
I hold the belief that it is exploration which separates humans from all other life on earth. If we humans were not explorers, we would still be living in jungles and caves. It is the human urge to explore which has allowed us to populate the globe from the deserts to the arctic tundra, to visit space and the deep ocean, and even to build artificial intelligence which itself will become an extension of human curiosity.
As we proceed into an increasingly comfortable and risk-free world, many individuals and companies have a growing fear over uncertainty. I urge an alternative approach: a mindset learned through a life of exploration. For those willing to take bold steps into the unknown with the right strategies, we can find opportunities where others see danger. When we embrace the Explorer’s Mindset, we will no longer be the observers of change, but instead we can become the pioneers who shape it.
Drawing from his experiences leading teams through some of the world’s most challenging environments, expedition leader and adventurer Oli France shares valuable insights on resilience, risk management, and leadership, principles that can benefit anyone navigating high-pressure, high-performance, professional settings.
View Oli France’s full JLA speaker profile.
To enquire about Oli speaking at you next event or to get advice tailored to your specific event needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
COP29 and Beyond: Influential ESG and Sustainability Speakers Pushing the Agenda
When it came time to write my second JLA article, I was uncertain about which topic to choose. Aside from the upcoming U.S. election (for top geopolitical speakers, read my wonderful colleague Brogan’s article), another major event this November is COP29.
Scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, this will be the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference. COP29 is arriving at a crucial moment as the climate crisis intensifies, with 2024 on track to be one of the hottest years on record. In addition, climate-related disasters have caused hundreds of billions of dollars in damages this year; for example, the U.S. has been hit by devastating hurricanes, while island nations face existential threats from rising sea levels.
Now, I realise I’ve painted a rather bleak picture, but events like COP29 are helping keep climate change at the forefront of people’s minds so it’s not all doom and gloom. While world leaders and negotiators meet in Baku this month, you too can make an impact by having these critical conversations through inviting expert speakers on sustainability and ESG to your next event. Below is a list of conference speakers I highly recommend, each of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past year:
Paul Polman
Former CEO of Unilever
Paul is deeply committed to addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and resource depletion. He argues that those who fail to adopt net zero targets risk not only environmental catastrophe but also economic failure, as future markets will increasingly reward sustainable business models and penalise high-carbon companies. In his speeches, Paul offers not only practical leadership advice but also encourages businesses to become a force for good.
View Paul Polman’s full speaker profile.
Desiree Fixler
Advocate For Change in ESG investing and Sustainability
Desiree is a prominent figure in the sustainability and financial sectors, best known for her work in promoting transparency and accountability in ESG practices. Her whistleblowing experience at DWS also gives her a unique perspective on greenwashing. As a speaker, Desiree shares her firsthand insights into how companies may distort or misrepresent their sustainability initiatives, lending authenticity to her presentations while addressing the workplace challenges and opportunities of integrating sustainability into business practices.
View Desiree Fixler’s full speaker profile.
Michael Pawlyn
Architect & Innovator
Michael is an internationally renowned architect and a pioneer in the field of biomimicry, which involves drawing inspiration from nature to create sustainable solutions in architecture and design. His work is not only highly innovative and forward-thinking, but he also emphasises the importance of considering the bigger picture, urging companies to adopt systemic changes to contribute effectively to addressing the climate crisis.
View Michael Pawlyn’s full speaker profile.
Sally Uren
Chief Executive, Forum for the Future
Sally is the former CEO of Forum for the Future, where she spearheaded transformational projects with major organisations across various sectors, including food, energy, and apparel. This experience provides her with a deep understanding of how to address sustainability challenges on a large scale. She encourages businesses to adopt holistic approaches that tackle the root causes of environmental and social issues, aiming for long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. Additionally, Sally will be attending COP29 so she can offer unique insights into how world leaders think and the strategies they are prioritising.
View Sally Uren’s full speaker profile.
Rt Hon Lord Alok Sharma KCMG PC
Former COP26 President
Lord Sharma was instrumental in securing key agreements and commitments to combat climate change. Under his leadership, the Glasgow Climate Pact was achieved, marking a significant step forward as it urged countries to reduce coal use and enhance transparency in emissions reporting. At your event, Alok will not only emphasise the urgent need to tackle climate change, he can provide tangible actions on how to do so. Additionally, he offers unique insights from his first-hand experience negotiating with global leaders, giving audiences a glimpse into what it’s like to be in (to quote my favourite musical!) “the room where it happens.”
For more information on Lord Alok Sharma or for insight into what any of the above speakers can bring to your next ESG event, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us!