TEDxScarisbrick

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Addis Miller

  Model

  At 28, Addis-Amah has walked runways for Hugo Boss, Valentino, and Calvin Klein—but his most profound transformation happened off-camera. After a life-altering 21-day water fast, he traded the glitter of fashion for a deeper quest: redefining modern masculinity and holistic well-being. Now a vocal advocate for radical self-honesty, he challenges toxic beauty standards through raw storytelling and somatic practices. His journey- from international model to spiritual seeker - inspires men to embrace vulnerability as strength. By sharing his unflinching evolution, Addis-Amah lights the way for others to break free from societal constructs and discover true vitality from within.

• Celia Gaze

  Founder of The Wellbeing Farm

  Celia Gaze is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and founder of one of the UK’s first B Corp certified event venues. After burning out in a senior NHS role, she transformed a neglected farm into a thriving hub for conscious, meaningful celebrations. Through her work, she challenges the commercialized norms of weddings, parties, and even funerals—offering a fresh approach rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and intention. Celia inspires people to rethink traditions: Are we celebrating from the heart, or just following empty customs? By breaking away from outdated expectations, she believes we can create deeper connections and leave a lasting legacy. She’s also the founder of Conscious Day, a global movement calling for realignment with what truly matters. Is it time for a Conscious Revolution?

• Dr Alice Ashcroft

  Researcher in gender diversity and software development

  Dr Alice Ashcroft is a researcher and consultant who analyses the impact of identity and gendered language in software design and technology use. Alice has been published in peer-reviewed academic publications, and her PhD, titled “Design, Innovation and Software: The Impact of Gender and Language”, focused on how gender affects communication and teamwork in software design and innovation workshops. Their work highlights the need for more inclusive practices that give everyone a voice, helping to improve creativity and collaboration in the design process.

• Hannah Clowney

  Youth Digital Wellness Advocate

  Hannah Oertel is a leading authority on technology’s impact on childhood and founder of Delay Smartphones, a campaign organization promoting healthier digital habits. As a therapist, coach, and mother, she combines over a decade of solution-focused therapy expertise with actionable insights—helping parents, educators, and children navigate the mental health challenges linked to smartphones and social media. Witnessing firsthand the decline in youth well-being, Hannah’s work bridges research and real-world application. With compassion and humor, she advocates for resilience-building strategies, including her signature concept: The Lost Art of Waiting, which highlights how delayed gratification fosters creativity and self-regulation.

• Josh Jen

  Architect, Artist + Designer

  Josh Jen is a London-based architect, artist, and designer whose work bridges architecture, fashion, and cultural identity. Through exhibitions, digital design, and research-led installations, Josh explores how garments can shape new architectural vocabularies that are locally grounded and globally relevant. His collaborations with CLO 3D and Pantone have been exhibited internationally, showcasing how digital tools can translate cultural narratives into spatial form.

• Lina Mariam

  Founder of Zentuals Life

  Lina is a global travel entrepreneur and online wellness coach dedicated to creating transformational spaces for women. She runs international retreats, guiding people through holistic health, empowerment, and trauma healing work. As the founder of several health and conscious living brands, Lina integrates ancient wisdom with modern modalities to support mental clarity, emotional resilience, and physical vitality. Her work centers on self-liberation, inner peace, and community connection, using wellness as a tool for both personal and collective transformation. Lina helps others reconnect to their inner wisdom, live with intention, and create peace from within.

• Loui Blake

  Founder & Impact Investor | Bridging Human + Planetary Health

  Louie Blake’s work focuses on wellness as a way of life. He is the co-founder of Long Lane, a hotel & members club in the British countryside, which seeks to unite wellness & hospitality. He is a partner at GC investments & an angel investor in health brands including Dirtea & FYTA. A keen ultra runner, Louie regularly takes on challenges for charity, most recently completing 7 ultramarathons in 7 days across the UAE for the UN’s refugee appeal.

• Reece Placid

  Youth Advocate + Entrepreneur

  Reece Placid is a vibrant and energising entrepreneur with a compelling purpose – he is dedicated to enhancing opportunity for less advantaged younger folk through close mentoring and skills transfer. Reece is the founder and CEO of Believe&Achieve - a fresh fully ‘ designed by him clothing experience. In addition, Reece invests himself in the potential of others through being the Chair of the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust Youth Board and a main Trustee; being co-leader of MyBrothersKeeper – a highly effective unique prison and prisoner intervention support network guiding complex and once violent young men to positive outcomes and being theUK Ambassador for The Street Soccer Foundation.

• Riki Bleau

  Record Label Founder

  Riki Bleau is the visionary founder of Since ’93. With a history of global award winning talent including a combined 8 Grammy wins, the roster includes global stars like Tems, whose debut album Born In The Wild has over 70 million streams, South African sensation Tyla, who has surpassed 3.63 billion global streams; and rising star Shallipopi, whose smash hit single Laho has amassed over 100 million streams. Over two decades, the serial entrepreneur has had a hand in shaping British youth culture, from Channel U, a pioneering UK music platform that gave emerging talent national exposure and shaped the black identity within arts, to co-publishing icons like Labrinth, Emeli Sandé and Sam Smith. He’s managed exceptional talent including Naughty Boy, Mojam, Ms Dynamite, Krept & Konan, Popcaan and Wizkid.

• Rob Scotland

  Cultural anthropologist and strategic brand leader

  Rob Scotland is Head of Brand Marketing at Veo, a cutting-edge sports-tech startup. With over a decade of experience in brand strategy, he has collaborated with top advertising agencies and global giants—crafting breakthrough campaigns for Ferrari F1, Nike, Xbox, and Microsoft. Based in Copenhagen with operations spanning the UK and USA, Rob brings a sharp strategic edge to every project. Previously, he honed his expertise as Director of Consumer Insight at Pandora, shaping brand narratives that resonate worldwide.

• Simon Ash MBE

  Former bomb disposal expert

  Simon is a former bomb disposal expert, combat officer, and leadership specialist with firsthand experience in navigating high-stakes uncertainty through the power of strategic questioning. Passionate about leadership development, he believes curiosity and the right questions—not just answers—are the keys to personal and professional growth. A Reserve Army Officer and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Simon continues to test his limits through global expeditions and operations. His adventures and military service (recognized with an MBE in 2019) fuel his insights on resilience, decision-making, and leading under pressure—lessons he now shares to help others thrive in ambiguity.

• Will Dakin

  Not Quite Big Band

  The director of the Not Quite Big Band (NQBB), a professional jazz ensemble based in Manchester. He is the driving force behind the band, which has seen significant success since its inception. The Not Quite Big Band is a professional jazz ensemble that started as a university band and has grown into a successful act, performing sold-out shows.