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Keynote SpeakerStevie Ward

Leading with Resilience, Inspiring Authenticity, Breaking the Stigma on Men’s Mental Health

At 18, just a week after his A-level results, Stevie Ward was in the toilet at Wembley Stadium, minutes from his Challenge Cup debut in front of 80,000 people. Terrified and looking for answers, he asked himself, “What am I going to do here?” The answer came in a note... Read more

Watch Stevie Ward in action

Popular Talks by Stevie Ward

  • The Authenticity Game Plan

    This talk delves into the power of leading with authenticity. Drawing from his experiences as a professional athlete and leader, Stevie Ward emphasizes how genuine, transparent leadership can drive both personal and team success. Through stories of overcoming challenges and staying true to one’s values, he shares actionable strategies for…
  • Leading with Safety

    In this keynote, Stevie explores the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to be themselves. He connects leadership with psychological safety, explaining how leaders can encourage open communication, vulnerability, and support. With insights from his career and mental health journey, Stevie provides tools for leaders to build teams…
  • Resilience is a Game of Two Halves

    Stevie frames resilience as a dual challenge—both physical and mental. Drawing from his rugby career, he highlights how overcoming injuries and mental health struggles taught him that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back but also about adapting, learning, and evolving. This talk emphasizes the importance of balancing toughness with self-compassion,…
  • Mental Health & Wellbeing

    In this powerful session, Stevie advocates for prioritizing mental health and well-being as the foundation for both personal and professional success. He shares his journey from the pressures of elite sport to the realization of how crucial it is to care for mental health. Stevie breaks down the stigma around…

Biography

At 18, just a week after his A-level results, Stevie Ward was in the toilet at Wembley Stadium, minutes from his Challenge Cup debut in front of 80,000 people. Terrified and looking for answers, he asked himself, “What am I going to do here?” The answer came in a note slipped under the door—from Brian McDermott, the most successful Super League coach ever.

That note revealed the key to elite performance that Stevie believes we all intuitively know we have, but haven’t been shown how to get there. Stevie shows the audience how we all deny our full potential by playing it safe instead of actually “playing our own game”. Stevie’s keynotes inspire self-reflection and responsibility as they understand it is not just his story- it is theirs too.

Stevie’s rugby career is the stuff of legend: youngest-ever Grand Final winner, two Challenge Cups, three Grand Final victories, and captain of Leeds Rhinos by 26. But behind the trophies were ten surgeries and deep mental health struggles. These challenges led him to launch Mantality, a movement to break the stigma around men’s mental health.

Since then, Stevie has inspired organizations like Warner Bros. Discovery, NHS, and Southampton FC through his speaking and consultancy. After retiring in 2021 Stevie went on to present with Sky Sports News regularly covering Rugby League, hosted the first of it’s kind in the Concussion Roundtable and starred in his own documentary – Living with Concussion. Stevie’s life has taken him from sharing stages with Prince Harry, to featuring in a Boy George song and being roasted by Ricky Gervais, all before 30.

Stevie’s keynotes cover resilience, teamwork, leadership and psychological safety. With raw authenticity and passion he helps leaders and teams expose their true potential.

Ready to invite Stevie Ward to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

What clients say about Stevie Ward

"Thank you for such a powerful and engaging session! I particularly enjoyed the mix of vulnerability, energy and fun throughout, it made your message feel very human and safe. This session was a great way to bring resilience and psychological safety to life, and give people practical tools going forward." Warner Brothers
"What is really noticeable is that how the freedom to be vulnerable and be yourself really resonated as did your style and how you presented subjects that aren’t really spoken about in the police - you really made people think and definitely will have changed some viewpoints for the better." Super Intendant, Greater Manchester Police
"The strength of the bond established was rapid; in 25 years of participating in team building events funded by big budgets at the likes of Microsoft, Amazon and Accenture I have never witnessed such a rapid impact and return for time invested. The enduring enthusiasm, bond and strength of the community that has persisted beyond establishment is rare." Managing Director, Accenture UK

How to book Stevie Ward as a keynote speaker

How do I book Stevie Ward for a keynote speech?

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

What are Stevie Ward's speaking fees?

Stevie Ward'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 Stevie tailored to your event.

What topics does Stevie Ward speak about?

Stevie Ward speaks on Business & Management, Diversity, Entrepreneurial, Health, Innovation & Creativity. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Stevie to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Stevie Ward available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Stevie Ward for events worldwide, subject to Stevie'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 Stevie Ward 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 Stevie Ward 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 Stevie Ward?

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 Stevie can accommodate.

Can Stevie Ward tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Stevie Ward 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 Stevie can offer.

What languages does Stevie Ward present in?

Stevie Ward 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 Stevie Ward a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Stevie Ward's areas of expertise include Business & Management, Diversity, Entrepreneurial, Health, Innovation & Creativity. To get a clear sense of Stevie'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 Stevie Ward speak at?

Stevie Ward can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Business & Management, Diversity, Entrepreneurial, Health, Innovation & Creativity is relevant. Details of Stevie'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 Stevie Ward 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 Stevie Ward is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Stevie Ward?

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