Theme: Stop Collaborate and Listen

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Arena Theatre
Wulfruna Street
Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE
United Kingdom

Adele Stickland

Organisational Psychologist

Adele is an organisational psychologist and an ICF-accredited leadership coach dedicated to enhancing internal communication within dynamic corporate environments. Specialising in coaching leaders to cultivate their communication, motivation, and emotional intelligence, Adele equips them to transition effectively from technical specialists to influential generalists. Her focus is on instilling essential social and collaborative skills like persuasion and motivating others, which are crucial as cultural and economic shifts accelerate. In recent years, Adele has recognised the growing need for robust internal communication strategies that utilise coaching skills to boost team morale and engagement. Her coaching methods are designed to impart lasting insights, significantly enhancing both personal and professional capabilities of leaders. This results in sustained motivation and improved team engagement, driving higher productivity and profitability across various sectors.

Adrian Mclean

Educator and Executive Coach

Adrian is an executive leader of a Multi Academy Trust, Executive Coach, keynote speaker and trainer. As a former Head Teacher, he knows first hand the pressures and challenges facing people in leadership positions, both in and outside of the education sector. In May 2022 Adrian was invited to the House of Lords to be awarded the Ambassador for Character by the Jubilee Centre for Character & Virtues. Adrian is a champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and has gained a reputation for the heartfelt, relatable talks and workshops he delivers on this subject. His speaking packs a punch and Adrian is frequently on radio, podcasts and webinars challenging his audiences to think deeply about the roles they play. He is particularly passionate about increasing the number of people from the protected characteristics, in leadership positions, and supporting the ‘usualisation’ of their presence in such positions.

Ben Aitken

Author

Ben Aitken was born under Thatcher, grew to 6ft then stopped, and is an Aquarius. He is the author of five books: Dear Bill Bryson, wherein he followed Bill Bryson around the country for no good reason; A Chip Shop in Poznan, wherein he worked in a fish and chip shop in Poland; The Gran Tour, which involved six budget coach holidays with people much his senior; The Marmalade Diaries, which involved moving in with an 85-year-old widow on the eve of a national lockdown; and Here Comes The Fun, which takes a playful look at the serious business of having a laugh. He was conceived by a nurse and a shipwright, grew up in Portsmouth (against his better judgement), studied in London and Manchester, then worked as a carer throughout his twenties, all the while scribbling on the side.

Daryl Chambers

Founder and CEO

Daryl Chambers is the Founder and CEO of InPower Academy CIC, a distinguished social enterprise in Wolverhampton, UK. Daryl’s innovative mentoring program, Contender 2 Champ, has mentored hundreds of young people, guiding them to win awards and achieve national recognition for their community impact. A celebrated leader, Daryl has earned accolades including the FSB Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the West Midlands Police Community Star. His organisation has for the last 3 years been ranked among the top 100 social enterprises in the UK.

Elizabeth Gooch

Award Winning Founder & Former CEO

Elizabeth is the award winning founder & former CEO of UK tech company, EGS plc, where she invented a software product and pioneered a new technology market. The company was listed on AIM, traded in 50 countries and was acquired by a US software company in 2017. She then founded the Tech Growth Company to help Tech StartUps and ScaleUps grow, scale and get investment. Elizabeth was named as one of The Telegraph’s ‘Most Disruptive Entrepreneurs’, West Midlands Woman of the Year for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Technology’ and awarded an MBE for her services to industry in 2012.

Emma Rushton

Journalist

Emma Rushton is an award winning former journalist having worked for a number of radio stations for the BBC and commercial radio. She has reported on major news events including being at the scene of a terrorist attack whilst on holiday in Berlin, the pandemic, War in Ukraine and Cost of Living Crisis. She has interviewed several notable names including politicians and celebrities and one of her biggest achievements was travelling to Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon to create a documentary with a charity providing schooling for displaced children. It was her time working with these charitable organisations which prompted her to set up her own PR and Social Media company when Journalism became too overwhelming. Roseleigh Media specialises in charity PR and she now works with several charities across the country. Having grown up in Wolverhampton and moving away at the age of 18, Emma moved back to the city in 2023. She enjoys travelling, loves to cook and is a huge animal lover.

Justin Varney

Director of Public Health

Justin, and his team, are responsible for protecting and improving health of the 1.2 million citizens of Birmingham. He started his career training in general practice before coming into public health medicine and he has worked at local, regional, national and international levels of the public health system with previous job titles including thinker in residence in Australia and national lead for adult and older people’s health and wellbeing for England. His expertise spans topics ranging from reducing physical inactivity, preventing homelessness and domestic violence and improving workplace health to tackling health inequalities affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities and other communities of identity and experience. He is a committed advocate of community engagement and inclusion and tries to practice open authentic and compassionate leadership to tackle injustice and inequality.

Kiranjit Janagal

Psychotherapist

Kiranjit is a highly acclaimed and qualified psychotherapist and coach with over 10+ years experience in the mental health field. Her endearing commitment to helping others has led to working for a number of well established organisations within the private, public and third sector. Having worked collaboratively with individuals from different backgrounds, ages, social class and experience in leadership and management roles, Kiranjit understands the difficulties that people and organisations regularly experience. It has never been more important to challenge the stigma that is often associated with mental health and break down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking the right support. With many individuals not being able to access private therapy and long NHS waiting lists, Kiranjit founded Keeping People Well CIC – an organisation that delivers talking therapies and wellbeing services that include exercise and diet.

Kul Mahay

Leadership Coach

Kul was born and bred in Wolverhampton, before leaving 41 years ago to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. His 32 years saw him rise to senior leadership posts, responsible for serious and critical incidents and major investigations. He was also involved large scale transformation work across the service. In his years, Kul has learned the powerful impact of building connection, trust and collaboration in relationships. He now dedicates his life to helping organisations and leaders to create human centric environments where people can thrive. He is regularly called upon by the media to comment on areas of leadership and culture in organisations and industries.

Leah Crowfoot

Finance Coach and Mentor

Leah, Money Mindset Coach, was born and raised in the Black Country and still lives in the region with her husband and two children. Following an incredible 18-year career in Accountancy she shifted gears in 2021 after discovering the life of an entrepreneur came riddled with blockages around Self Belief. Upon embarking on her journey into self-development to release the blockages, she found that she had a natural affinity for seeing things in life differently and completely shifted her outlook on life and most importantly herself. Leah has been described as a non-jargon, non-judgmental, easy-going coach, mentor and friend by those who know and work with her, going with the flow and making you feel at ease while you navigate your journey through life.

Louise Anne

Female Empowerment Coach

Louise Anne is a Female Empowerment Coach, specialising in overcoming toxic relationships and domestic abuse. From growing up with an emotionally abusive parent, Louise’s unhealed trauma caused her to allow toxic relationships with others in her life. This resulted in her struggling with her mental health, living within the limitations others set for her. She made a decision that this wasn’t going to be the example she set for her daughters, and went on to discover the power of healing. She learned modalities that she could teach her daughters and could bring into their day to day life. Louise now teaches what she has learnt to others who find themselves limited by past experiences, using her Abused to Empowered™️ framework.

Somto Igboanugo

Medical Practioner

Dr. Somto Igboanugo, a dynamic speaker and youth leader, brings a wealth of experience to his role as a capacity-building strategist. With a background spanning healthcare, youth advocacy, and leadership development, Dr. Igboanugo is poised to deliver insightful talks that inspire action. As a practicing General Practitioner and mentor to clinical trainees, he combines his medical expertise with a commitment to holistic well-being. His interest in eye health also fuels his desire to see everyone keep their vision healthy for a long time. Dr. Igboanugo’s engaging speaking style, marked by passion and authenticity, captivates audiences with compelling stories and practical insights.

Wendy Garcarz

Futurist and Business Strategist

Wendy Garcarz is a Futurist, Business strategist and Author. She has more than 30 years experience working with women business owners in all sectors helping them create business strategy that achieves growth and success. Her passion is to ensure mature women who want to set up or scale their businesses become more agile and less risk averse, learning how to turn their talents into a commercial advantage. Wendy has published 5 business books and numerous articles translating business theory into business practice and ensuring solutions to business problems are scalable, practical and very effective. She holds a master’s degree in education and professional development, a range of professional qualifications and is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management. Wendy is also an author of espionage novels and publishes the Daniel Grant ‘Secrets” series under the pseudonym of Wendy Charlton.

Zakariye Abdillahi

Poet

Zakariye is a poet, writer, performer and filmmaker from Birmingham. His work often explores masculinity, identity and society. A Roundhouse Poetry Slam finalist, audience winner and collective member, Zakariye has had his short poetry films broadcasted on BBC 4, BBC iPlayer, Flatpack Festival and Verve Poetry Festival. His latest film, commissioned by Apples and Snakes, saw him produce a short poetry film with Aston Villa Football Club.