Tom Hodgkinson

Idler in Chief

Britain’s leading exponent of an alternative way of living, Tom Hodgkinson is Editor of The Idler magazine and author of several books including How to be Idle, How to be Free, Business for Bohemians and The Idle Parent. His books have been sold in 25 countries and he has spoken at festivals and conferences all round the world, often with his ukulele along for company.

Idler is a company devoted to helping people to lead more fulfilled lives. Tom found the title in a collection of essays by Dr Johnson, himself a constitutionally indolent man. How to live, that was the question. How to be free in a world of jobs and debt? (And curse this alarm clock.)

The Idler Academy, founded at a festival in 2010, is the Idler’s educational offshoot. It is a school which offers online courses in the classical liberal arts and practical skills. These include philosophy, calligraphy, music, business skills, English grammar, ukulele, public speaking, singing, dancing, drawing, self-defence and other subjects.

Tom’s subjects include: How to be Idle, How to be an Idle Parent, How Ancient Philosophy Can Help you To Live Well Now, How to Be: Meditation and Me, (or The Day My Dad Went Mad), A History of Anarchism and Fun and Frugality.

Book Tom for an event

Abi has a proven track record of delivering positive global diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) culture strategies and facilitating DEI sessions for some of the world’s best-known companies, including…

Abi Adamson

Doyenne of DEI

Akua Gyamfi has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning fashion, film, television, theatre, print, and online media.

Akua Gyamfi

Boundary leaping creative

Alex is an experienced panel facilitator and host whose keynote speeches draw upon his experience of building coaching-based development programmes for top organisations globally.

Alex Bell

Turning vision to strategy

Alex is an inspirational and candid speaker on topics such as the future of the workplace, women in tech and threats of automation and AI.

Alex Depledge MBE

Tech, sharing economy

The founder of Black Women in Law, Alexandra is a barrister, author and campaigner who has made it her mission to challenge discrimination in the courtroom.

Alexandra Wilson

Campaigning lawyer

The hugely versatile Alistair McGowan is an impressionist, actor, writer, stand-up comedian and, latterly, environmentalist.

Alistair McGowan

Impressionist, environmentalist

An intellectual with a natural ability to make her subjects accessible, Anna is interested in economic systems change and has significant experience of speaking in the corporate and…

Anna Fielding

Rethinking economics

Athena is a stand-up comedian and writer. A BBC New Comedian of the Year finalist, she leads with intelligent, edgy, thought-provoking jokes.

Athena Kugblenu

Comedian and writer

Bayile is a seasoned entrepreneur and proficient project manager, boasting 12 years of rich experience within the dynamic hospitality industry.

Bayile Adeoti

Television presenter

With over a decade of live event and television broadcast experience, Ben Shires is the irrepressible presenter of such hits as CBBC’s BAFTA-nominated Officially Amazing, Match of the Day…

Ben Shires

Presenter

Bill is a leading global campaigner for digital ethics, focusing on the right balance between cybersecurity, privacy, and economic value.

Bill Mew

Digital ethics expert

A best selling author and tech leader, Bruce has become one of the most respected thought leaders on the subject of workplace culture and the future of work.

Bruce Daisley

Work futurist

Alongside his larger-than-life persona as lead singer for Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson holds a myriad of experience in business, entrepreneurialism, mentoring and creative thinking.

BRUCE DICKINSON

Business leader and Mentor

Caroline is a comedian, actor, radio presenter and writer who has addressed issues such as breakfast, dog grooming and post-natal depression.

Caroline Mabey

Shape shifting comedian

Carrie Longton is the co-founder of Mumsnet, an online community of parents sharing advice, support and product recommendations. She has delivered keynote speeches and hosted panels at numerous conferences…

Carrie Longton

Mumsnet co-founder

Catherine Mayer is a bestselling author, journalist and activist. She is the co-founder and President of the Women’s Equality Party.

Catherine Mayer

Equality activist

As a child Cecilia saw children living on the streets of Rio, fuelling her passion for international development and social enterprise.

Cecilia Crossley

Business with purpose

Founder of Change Please, a coffee company that trains formerly homeless people as baristas whilst also providing wraparound support with housing, finances and therapy.

Cemal Ezel

Homelessness businessman

Inspired by her grandmother, Charlie Blair runs a business focused on healthy, happy ageing through hip hop dance.

Charlie Blair

Healthy ageing heroine

Charlie Luxton is an architectural designer, writer and television presenter who is passionate about the environment and communicating his enthusiasm for sustainable architecture and eco-friendly design.

Charlie Luxton

Architectural designer

A confident and personable speaker with a warm demeanour, Charly is passionate about gender equity, education, mentoring and the rights of girls and young women.

Charly Young

Gender equity leader

Chloe Sweden is the Founder and CEO of Lowr. The world’s first engagement platform that informs, inspires and incentivises employees to lower their environmental impact.

Chloe Sweden

Founder and CEO of Lowr

Chris lost his lower arm and leg whilst clearing landmines for a charity in Africa. A truly international motivational speaker who helps people step beyond what they thought possible.

Chris Moon

Motivational leader

Claire Dove is a passionate, animated speaker who peppers her meticulously researched presentations with humour and positivity.

Claire Dove

Better business expert

Passionate about empowering people from disadvantaged backgrounds through business, Colin has specialist skills in international development, delivering strategies to support the UNSDGs, micro-finance, social business and sustainable supply…

Colin Downie

Better business expert

After shooting to fame on Britain’s Got Talent, Daliso has established himself on the comedy circuit and is a prolific fiction writer.

Daliso Chaponda

Comedian, writer

A double Olympic gold champion, an army veteran, and after coming out in 2022 after 34 years, a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Dame Kelly Holmes

Olympic Champion

Darren is fast becoming one of Britain’s more famous comedians, with an increasing number of tv, radio and podcast appearances under his belt.

Darren Harriott

Trailblazing comedian

Dave Erasmus is an original thinker and connector advocating a circular philosophy of ON and OFF living that helps people, companies and workplaces to become healthier, happier and more…

Dave Erasmus

Off grid advisor

Children in care have enough baggage – just not the kind that provides them with dignity. Dave Linton set out to do something about it.

Dave Linton

Loving luggage man

One of the world’s most widely recognised sports personalities, David Coulthard is a former Formula 1 Grand Prix driver, television broadcaster, author and entrepreneur.

David Coulthard

Former F1 driver

MP for Tottenham and Shadow Foreign Secretary, David is also one of the leading agenda setters in the fields of social activism, diversity and multiculturalism.

David Lammy MP

Diversity proponent

David McQueen is an expert on leadership. Having been a leader himself in several roles, he now teaches others how to do it well.

David McQueen

Leadership legend

David is one of the world’s 50 most important marketing thinkers according to the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

David Taylor

Branding expert

Desiree Burch is a NY comedian, writer and actor who has firmly established herself as one of the break out comic stars in the UK.

Desiree Burch

Comedian, actor

The first black presenter on Blue Peter, Diane Louise is a much loved public figure who currently present’s Radio 2’s Sunday Hour

Diane Louise Jordan

TV/radio presenter

One of the FT’s Top Ten BAME tech leaders, Anne-Marie runs a social enterprise and is currently Countdown’s resident arithmetician.

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon

Tech social entrepreneur

Known for his own unique brand of authentic ‘insultancy’, Ed Gillespie is a writer, communications specialist, serial entrepreneur and futurist.

Ed Gillespie

Futurist and transformer

A challenging interviewer and garlanded broadcaster, Emily counts presidents, performers and prime ministers amongst her many interviewees.

Emily Maitlis

Fearless interviewer

Emily Reuben is the Founder and CEO of Duchenne UK. Before founding the charity, Emily had a successful career as a news reporter and anchor for Channel 4 News…

Emily Rueben

Founder and CEO of Duchenne UK

Emma Dabiri is an Irish-Nigerian broadcaster, historian and bestselling author exploring our understanding of race in the multiple and complex histories of class, capitalism, and colonialism

Emma Dabiri

Broadcaster, historian

Emma Heathcote-James is the founder of the multi-award-winning LITTLE SOAP COMPANY, and is one of the few recognisable female gay business leaders in the UK today.

Emma Heathcote-James

Eco Warrior Entrepreneur

The business and enterprise lead at the Doughnut Economics Action Lab is focused on regenerative and distributive economies that can meet the needs of all people sustainably.

Erinch Sahan

Doughnut economist

The first comedian of Bangladeshi heritage to appear on shows like Mock the Week and QI, Eshaan is also an accomplished radio presenter and writer.

Eshaan Akbar

Comedian, writer

Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated Australian stand up whose fast-paced, warm sets cover everything from health and wellbeing, feminism, parenting, modern life and everything in between

Felicity Ward

Comedian

Francesca is a wobbly comedian, writer, actress and speaker who has toured the globe with her award-winning stand-up shows.

Francesca Martinez

Wobbly comedian

An award winning broadcaster, podcaster, journalist and writer, the former BBC man can offer insights into leadership, citizenship and identity.

Gavin Esler

Former BBC journalist

Gemma Cairney is an award-winning broadcaster, youth rights activist and author who is passionate about empowering young people.

Gemma Cairney

Broadcaster, youth rights

Geoff Lloyd is a radio and TV broadcaster best-known for his multi award-winning shows for Virgin/Absolute Radio where he worked between 1999 and 2017.

Geoff Lloyd

Cheerfulness broadcaster

Harriet Braine is a musical comedian, who dedicates a remarkably large portion of her oeuvre to Art History.

Harriet Braine

Singing comedian

Hayley Mulenda is a multi-award winning international speaker, author and agent of change who has spoken to tens of thousands of people across the world, sharing her story on…

Hayley Mulenda

Mental health motivator

Hera is the Founder and CEO of CHAYN – a global nonprofit that creates resources on the web to address gender-based violence.

Hera Hussain

Gender violence activist

Herman, also known as ‘The Mentor’s Mentor’, is the Founder & CEO of Every Child Needs a Mentor Ltd. He is a 2 times Mentor of the Year winner,…

Herman W Stewart

The Mentor’s Mentor

Jacqueline is one of the UK’s most senior figures in tech and focuses on helping tech leaders to provide proactive and practical opportunities that encourage diversity and inclusion.

Jacqueline de Rojas

Titan of tech

Jacques is one of only three drivers ever to achieve winning the ‘triple’, having won the Indy Car series in the United States in 1995, the world-famous Indianapolis 500…

Jacques Villeneuve

F1 legend

Jake and Hannah are widely known as the UK’s foremost ‘Transgender Power Couple’; passionate speakers on gender, equality and diversity.

Jake and Hannah Graf

Gender, equality, diversity

A familiar face on television and radio with his eponymous shows, Jeremy is also the graphics guru for BBC elections shows and Strictly Come Dancing alumni.

Jeremy Vine

Self effacing newsman

Now regularly seen on TV acting and telling jokes, Jessica is also a prolific podcaster. She’ll be touring new show ‘Wench’ in 2022.

Jessica Fostekew

Comedian, actor

Jim Cregan does business differently. An iced coffee zealot, Jim believes in the power of young people and keeping your chin up.

Jim Cregan

Keeping chins up

Joanna Carr is the Head of Current Affairs for BBC News, overseeing Panorama and BBC News’ Long Form Audio department. She is also the Commissioner for TV Current Affairs…

Joanna Carr

Broadcasting know how

Joel Bird is a shed builder, garden designer, and presenter for The Great Garden Revolution (Channel 4).

Joel Bird

Shed lover, gardener

Essex boy Johnny Cochrane is a comedian and actor whose infectious charisma and cheeky charm have landed him shows on CBBC, Virgin Radio and Sky.

Johnny Cochrane

Comedian

Jon Long is a stand up and musical comedian whose cheery and affable stage presence is coupled with acerbic comedy songs.

Jon Long

Singing comedian

In little more than five years, Jordan Schwarzenberger has become one of the new kings of online content and talent management.

Jordan Schwarzenberger

New media expert

Josh Turner is the founder of multi award winning social enterprise Stand4 Socks, changing the world one pair of socks at a time.

Josh Turner

Social entrepreneur

A passionate advocate of teaching entrepreneurship in schools, Julian’s mission is to provide all young people, regardless of their social background, with access to effective entrepreneurial education.

Julian Hall

The Ultrapreneur

The CEO and creator of the UK’s leading childcare charity and social enterprise London Early Years Foundation, June is an inspiring speaker, author and regular media commentator on early…

June O’Sullivan

Child welfare campaigner

Karen Blackett OBE, is a renowned and proven business leader with a track record in creating vibrant cultures, energising teams and consistently delivering business growth and success.

Karen Blackett

Business growth expert

Karen has long standing experience in the world of social enterprise – purpose led businesses that have a positive social or environmental aim.

Karen Lynch MBE

Social entrepreneur

Karen Mannion is a naturopathic nutritional therapist and hormone health expert, helping women confidently navigate the perimenopause and reclaim their zest for life.

Karen Mannion

Nutritional therapist

Karen regularly speaks about the potential of social businesses to bring lasting change that works for organisations, individuals and society.

Karen Mattison

Flexible working foodie

One of the UK’s leading broadcasters, Katie spent 15 years of her broadcasting career in news and current affairs before becoming the BBC’s voice of classical music.

Katie Derham

Classical broadcaster

Kem Anyanwu has 21 years of experience in international communications, brand development and entertainment management.

Kem Anyanwu

Co-founder of The Making of Black Britain

Kevin McCloud is best known for the internationally acclaimed series Grand Designs, which has been running on Britain’s Channel 4 for 15 years.

Kevin McCloud

Architecture champion

Kim is an articulate and thoughtful speaker who combines a passion for social justice with considered and serious insight into issues around education.

Kim Rihal

Education radical

The familiar face of news, Krishnan is also Channel 4’s longest serving presenter, having started with the station in 1998.

Krishnan Guru-Murthy

News stalwart

Kwame uses his undeniable charisma and on-stage presence to play against audience’s expectations, which makes his comedy fresh, intelligent and most importantly funny.

Kwame Asante

Comedian

Laura Bates is a best-selling author, keynote speaker and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, an ever-increasing collection of over 100,000 testimonies of gender inequality.

Laura Bates

Everyday sexism activist

Experienced in the realities of marrying social change goals with business, Liam is also insightful on leadership and mental health.

Liam Black

Peace, love, profit

Able to clearly demonstrate the connection between employee engagement and high levels of customer advocacy. Linda got lots of seats filled for the London Olympic Games and Virgin Atlantic.

Linda Moir

Customer service queen

A multi award winning entrepreneur and government advisor, Liv’s speaking topics take in how business can be a force for good and women in leadership.

Liv Sibony

Better business backer

Having had several high profile leadership roles, the former runner brings the same energy and passion to all his work – qualities which captivate his audiences the world over.

Lord Sebastian Coe

Leadership, resilience.

An authority on social care and healthcare, Lord Adebowale is also a champion of social enterprise for a fairer, more equal society.

Lord Victor Adebowale

Social care supremo

A trailblazing business leader who has taken on the biggest jobs in television, Lorraine has plenty to share about leadership, work culture and mental health.

Lorraine Heggessey

The first lady of TV

Louis Theroux is a documentary presenter best known for producing immersive documentaries that explore the often controversial and complex aspects of the human condition.

Louis Theroux

Documentary maker

The co-founder of food waste tackling beer makers Toast Ale loves to speak about carbon footprints and the circular economy.

Louisa Ziane

Environmentalist, brewer

Holding 32 honorary degrees from UK and foreign universities, Lucy has received numerous honours including the Legion d’Honneur from the French Government, an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College…

Lucy Hawking

Author and story-teller

Madeline McQueen is an outstanding speaker, executive coach and host who has the ability to empower and encourage her audiences to be their very best.

Madeline McQueen

Magnetic Speaker, Coach & Dynamic Host

Marie co-founded Goldfinger, an award-winning social enterprise that crafts beautiful furniture and objects from reclaimed and sustainable materials, benefitting people and planet.

Marie Cudennec Carlisle

ECO CEO of Goldfinger

Mark Stevenson is a strategic advisor to governments, NGOs and corporates, helping them face the grand systems challenges of our time. Or as one client puts it, ‘Chief Annoying Question Asker’.

Mark Stevenson

Reluctant futurist

A much loved stand-up comedian who is a regular on panel shows such as QI and Mock the Week, Mark has also raised money for food banks with 24…

Mark Watson

Comedian, author

A man who believes in giving people a second chance by employing them, Matt’s speaking topics include dealing with risk and changing lives with business.

Matt Parfitt

Second chance giver

The first ever openly gay Olympic champion, Matthew draws on his experience to speak about diversity and inclusion, goal setting and mental health.

Matthew Mitcham

LGBTQIA+ trailblazer

After a 25 year career in marketing and communications, spent much of his career driving transformation through creative agencies and clients alike, from brand, culture and organisational change

Michael Frohlich

Company transformer

One of Britain’s most recognised faces, Michelle has presented many consumer rights television programmes and is an ambassador for two charities.

Michelle Ackerley

Television presenter

Michelle is an award-winning entrepreneur, international leader, creative adviser, an author and leading voice on mental health.

Michelle Morgan

Motivational leader

An advocate for LGBT rights, BAME representation and social mobility, Mohsin is an acclaimed author and lawyer.

Mohsin Zaidi

Author, lawyer

Challenging stereotypes of what a racing driver should look like, Naomi is now also a presenter for Sky Sports.

Naomi Schiff

Racing driver

Nicholas Carlisle has dedicated his life to social justice and children’s wellbeing.

Nicholas Carlisle

Children’s wellbeing

Nicola Green is a critically acclaimed artist and social historian, and expert on identity, race, allyship and inclusion.

Nicola Green

Identity expert, artist

Nigel served as Chief Executive at The Big Issue Company Limited.

Nigel Kershaw

Founder and Chairman, Big Issue Invest

Critically acclaimed comic, internationally famed meme & wonderfully nice gentleman, Nish Kumar is a comedian, and a bloody good one at that

Nish Kumar

Comedian

An increasingly familiar face on television, Noreen Khan is also a stand up comedian, so makes for a great event host.

Noreen Khan

Presenter, comedian

Oke’s belief in delivering excellent customer service saw him take ManyPets from start up to market leader in a mere 4 years, with over half a million customers across…

Oke Eleazu

Customer Experience Aficionado

Best known as the Sinnerman on the hugely popular ITV quiz show ‘The Chase’, Paul has been a successful comedian for a number of years.

Paul Sinha

‘The Sinnerman’

Former Executive Secretary of South Africa’s post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Paul works for social change in a multitude of ways.

Paul Van Zyl

Social change convener

An expert on how business can create a better world for everyone, Peter is a very experienced speaker who has hosted conferences, debates and awards ceremonies.

Peter Holbrook

CEO, Social Activist

Heidi and Phil once worked for big brands on their marketing. Now they help brands, business and nonprofits think and behave more like social enterprises.

Phil White & Heidi Schoeneck

Brand builders, change makers

Poppy Jaman OBE is a respected icon in the international mental health space—a global voice of authority on workplace mental health, working with leaders from across the world to…

Poppy Jaman OBE

A respected icon in the international mental health space

Professor Nicola Rollock is an academic, consultant and public speaker specialising in racial justice in education and the workplace.

Prof. Nicola Rollock

Racial justice consultant

Alison is passionate about education and its power to affect how we all learn to navigate, survive and hopefully thrive on the planet.

Professor Alison Clark-Wilson

Education enthusiast

Rachel is is a leading figure in physical and creative activities that improve wellbeing, and an award winning entrepreneur.

Rachel Conlisk

Creative wellbeing champion

Originally from Sheffield, the Reverend Kate Bottley is a priest in North Nottinghamshire. Since appearing on Gogglebox, she’s also a broadcaster.

Rev Kate Bottley

Priest, broadcaster

Rob Deering performs stand-up comedy with music, using a guitar, a loop pedal and his voice to create impressive rock and pop soundscapes – and do jokes, of course.

Rob Deering

Tuneful comedian

Rob Stephenson is an international keynote speaker and mental health campaigner who is on a mission to help create happier, healthier and higher performing workplaces.

Rob Stephenson

Mental health guru

Ruth has a stand-out ability to connect with her audience and motivate them to act. She is Founder of consultancy, Conscious Leaders and Author of a bestselling book ‘Next…

Ruth Farenga

Founder, Conscious Leader and Author

Re-writing the rules for renters, property magnate Ryan’s UNCLE brand treats tenants thoughtfully. He’s also big on fighting racism.

Ryan Prince

Property guru

An award-winning actor, writer, and comedian-presenter, Sally has been a near-constant comic presence on British television.

Sally Phillips

Actor, writer

Sam has started several businesses with purpose at their heart. He’s succeeded by taking inspiration from pirates and a staunch belief in professional rule breaking.

Sam Conniff

Professional rule breaker

With over fifteen years’ experience, Seyi Rhodes is a chameleon – quickly able to adapt to the unusual situations and extraordinary environments.

Seyi Rhodes

Producer

Shaa Wasmund MBE – Bio Shaa Wasmund MBE has over 20 years’ experience building and exiting multiple businesses and works fiercely towards financial empowerment for all. At 21 she…

Shaa Wasmund

Business leader

A regular on TV and in stand-up shows around the country, Shaparak (Shappi) Khorsandi first came to the UK when her family were forced to flee Iran

Shaparak Khorsandi

Comedian, author

Shazia is an award-winning British stand-up comedian and writer whose TV appearances are too numerous to mention (but we do anyway)

Shazia Mirza

Fearless standup

Simon is an award-winning social entrepreneur, chef, and charity CEO who has made a significant social impact through his work as chef-founder of Brigade Bar & Kitchen in London…

Simon Boyle

Chef, social entrepreneur

Lenny is one of Britain’s best-known comedians, as well as a writer, an award-winning actor and co-founder of Comic Relief.

Sir Lenny Henry

Comedian, campaigner

One of the UK’s favourite comedians, Stephen has charmed and entertained audiences all over the world with his natural, assured delivery and his honest, original material.

Stephen K Amos

Comedian

Steven is one of Europe’s brightest young CEOs, host of podcast ‘The Diary of a CEO’ and, at 29 years old, the youngest ever Dragon on Dragon’s Den.

Steven Bartlett

Young CEO, Dragon

Susan is the founder of Homes For Good, Scotland’s first social enterprise letting agency, with the aim of changing the private rented sector for people who need homes most.

Susan Aktemel

Housing crisis expert

Dr Tamsin Edwards is a climate scientist specialising in quantifying the uncertainties of climate model predictions, particularly for the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheet contributions to sea-level rise.

Tamsin Edwards

Climate scientist

Futurenauts Ed Gillespie and Mark Stevenson are united by the potential of a common future which is sustainable, equitable, humane and just.

The Futurenauts

Future solutions thinkers

Tiwa provides wellbeing focused team building, training experiences and wellbeing programmes to companies & corporates – using the power of song.

Tiwa King

Singing sensation

Britain’s leading exponent of an alternative way of living, Tom Hodgkinson is Editor of The Idler magazine, devoted to helping people to lead more fulfilled lives.

Tom Hodgkinson

Idler in Chief

A recovering management consultant Tom is a multi-award-winning, social entrepreneur, speaker and writer. A former research scientist, he applies insights from systems thinking to organisational management to paint a…

Tom Rippin

Purposeful disruptor

Will Njobvu is a charismatic TV personality and compelling speaker whose journey from adversity to advocacy resonates with audiences across the globe.

Will Njobvu

Child welfare campaigner

Increasingly familiar due to appearances on Live at the Apollo and Celebrity Mastermind, Zoe is a hilarious and brilliant host.

Zoe Lyons

Comedian

Our speakers

Tom Hodgkinson

Idler in Chief

Sign up to our newsletter here