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Keynote SpeakerNeil Laybourn

Founder of Neil Laybourn Consultancy, Director of Wellbeing Ideas Limited, Co-Founder of Beyond Shame Beyond Stigma, Founder & Director of the This Can Happen mental health conference

Neil Laybourn is a renowned and highly sought-after health and wellbeing expert and public speaker, having been invited to deliver talks and seminars to hundreds of well-known brands and organisations worldwide. Now the Founder of Neil Laybourn Consultancy, a leading consultancy that empowers mental wellbeing in the workplace, Neil’s passion... Read more

Watch Neil Laybourn in action

Popular Talks by Neil Laybourn

  • Beyond Shame Beyond Stigma
  • Improving Mental Health
  • Well-being
  • Overcoming Adversity

Biography

Neil Laybourn is a renowned and highly sought-after health and wellbeing expert and public speaker, having been invited to deliver talks and seminars to hundreds of well-known brands and organisations worldwide. Now the Founder of Neil Laybourn Consultancy, a leading consultancy that empowers mental wellbeing in the workplace, Neil’s passion for understanding mental health stems from his own profound experience of instigating a suicide intervention on London Waterloo Bridge having witnessed a stranger attempting to take their life in 2008. Six years later, Neil was reunited with ‘the stranger’, Jonny Benjamin, through the power of social media and they have remained firm friends ever since. In 2014, Neil’s role in the suicide intervention was recognised through a Pride of Britain award, and the following year, Channel 4 told this powerful story in the award-winning ‘Stranger on the Bridge’ documentary, which reached millions of viewers.

Neil’s career began in the fitness industry in 2007 when he worked as a Personal Trainer. In 2009, he launched his own business, providing bespoke personal training services to city workers, hosting group fitness sessions and running residential wellbeing retreats. Neil successfully merged his intrigue for understanding mental health with his experience in fitness in a unique way, enabling him to empower his clients to make positive changes. Neil transitioned from personal training to being a leading UK mental health advocate in 2017, visiting Europe and the USA to deliver talks on the importance of mental health. Soon after, he founded ‘This Can Happen’ – an innovative mental health conference tackling challenges in the workplace and bringing solutions to employers and leadership teams.

This was made possible due to Neil’s connections with influential industry leaders, business figures and personal support. His involvement with the royals’ ‘Heads Together’ movement – a powerful and globally reaching public mental health campaign – led to the conference receiving royal support from HRH the Duke of Cambridge and the royal household. More recently, Neil co-founded the charity Beyond Shame Beyond Stigma; a mental health education charity supporting young people, and became the proud Director of Mental Health at Work.

Their primary objectives are reducing suicides, self-harm and stigma by improving and enhancing mental health support and information for young people, their families and educators. His international advocacy work globally has involved visiting workplaces, universities, schools and public sector organisations. In 2018, Neil was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Bristol University in recognition of his mental health campaigning and advocacy work. Neil continues to work and advise on health and wellbeing, predominantly in the private sector, helping organisations to recognise, develop and implement effective health and wellbeing strategies locally and internationally within their own ranks.

Neil Laybourn and Jonny Benjamin deliver a powerful duo session, combining Jonny’s lived experience with Neil’s perspective as the person who intervened. Known for their authenticity, compassion, and ability to connect with audiences, they offer moving yet practical insights into supporting mental health. Their talks emphasise empathy, human connection, and how even small acts of kindness can save lives, making them truly inspirational and influential voices in the mental health movement.

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What clients say about Neil Laybourn

"I think the session was excellent. I have had a couple of notes with really positive feedback. Neil and Jonny are a joy to work with, and their story speaks for itself." HSBC
"Just a quick note to say a huge thank you for sharing your story with our Bank of Ireland team this morning - the feedback has been amazing! While that’s lovely in itself, even more importantly is that you will have made a difference to some of our people who didn't know how they could find the "person on the bridge" that they might be needing to talk to. A huge thank you, really well done and my very best wishes to you both." Ian, Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Ireland UK
"Just wanted to send a huge thank you for coming in to talk to our staff today. I know from verbal feedback that people found that hugely engaging, informative and inspiring. We couldn't have asked for more." Dyson

How to book Neil Laybourn as a keynote speaker

How do I book Neil Laybourn for a keynote speech?

You can book Neil Laybourn through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Neil's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Neil Laybourn's speaking fees?

Neil Laybourn's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Neil tailored to your event.

What topics does Neil Laybourn speak about?

Neil Laybourn speaks on Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation, Teamwork. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Neil to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Neil Laybourn available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Neil Laybourn for events worldwide, subject to Neil's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Neil Laybourn deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Neil Laybourn is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Neil Laybourn?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Neil can accommodate.

Can Neil Laybourn tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Neil Laybourn on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Neil can offer.

What languages does Neil Laybourn present in?

Neil Laybourn delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Neil Laybourn a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Neil Laybourn's areas of expertise include Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation, Teamwork. To get a clear sense of Neil's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Neil Laybourn speak at?

Neil Laybourn can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation, Teamwork is relevant. Details of Neil's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Neil Laybourn offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Neil Laybourn is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Neil Laybourn?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Neil Laybourn, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Neil's current availability for your dates.