Behind the Scenes
Our TEDx Team
Lindsay Arthur
Organiser
Lindsay, based in Manchester, was motivated to bring a TEDx event to the city that champions and nurtures local, diverse speakers eager to share their unique ideas and stories.
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With a background in healthcare, Lindsay is also a passionate advocate for the creative industries, spanning art, film, and video games.
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Hosting the 2025 event was one of the highlights of her year and she's looking forward to bringing TEDxNorthernQuarter back to her home town of Manchester for 2026.​
Innovating for a Sustainable Future
Andy Coley
Co-Organiser
Andy is a Leadership Development Trainer and Author of Leadership is a Skill as well as being an award-winning TEDx Speaker (The Speaker Awards).
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He is passionate about supporting people to share their stories from stage and is very much looking forward to supporting Lindsay and the rest of the team in bringing TEDxNorthernQuarter to the streets of Manchester.
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You can view Andy's TEDx talk at :
https://leadershipisaskill.com/andyctedx
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Andy is also a highly experienced Master Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and works with a range of businesses from Computer Games companies, to Charities through to Healthcare organisations.
Simran Whitham
Co-Organiser
Simran is the CEO of the award-winning FORMAT Group and a massive advocate for the power of community and bringing people together to share experiences.
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Simran planted the seed for the original TEDx event to happen and his talk 'Bring the Vibes, Bring the Tribe: Finding your community' has been viewed over 35,000 times so far on the TEDx channel.
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As a Mancunian, Simran is passionate about promoting what the amazing city of Manchester has to offer and for the 2026 event has stepped up to be a part of the organising committee.
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Matty White
Event MC
Matty White is a prominent Manchester-based broadcaster, and DJ with over two decades of experience in the media industry. He is best known for his work showcasing the city’s culinary scene and his advocacy for ending homelessness.
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He a former presenter and producer for BBC Radio Manchester, XS Manchester (where he served as breakfast presenter and station manager), and BBC Radio 6 Music.
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He is a frequent DJ at major Manchester venues like Freight Island and The Refuge. He also hosts live events, including the Manchester Food and Drink Award... and of course this year TEDxNorthernQuarter
Emma Gaskin
Speaker Coach
Emma is the founder of The Speaking Hub, which helps ambitious, soul-led women turn their voice into visibility, influence and income.
She helps people get seen as the go-to expert, helping speakers around the globe to talk and lead with confidence on every stage.
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Her secret? She blends speech science, storytelling and strategy to help speakers master their message, elevate their presence and speak with unshakable confidence.
From nervous system regulation to stage performance, she fuses the science of communication with the art of influence helping people to speak with power.
Elliot Kay
Speaker Coach
Elliot Kay is the CEO of the Speaker Awards and Summit, and a leading expert in impactful leadership communication.
With a career focused on helping speakers and leaders communicate with authenticity and influence, Elliot empowers professionals to lead with clarity, purpose, and connection.
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A passionate advocate for speaking as a tool for leadership and legacy, he has supported executives and thought leaders across sectors to elevate their voice and impact. Elliot’s work champions integrity, service, and the transformative power of spoken word.
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Jon Torrens
Speaker Coach
I’m an introvert. I studied art and design, then graphic design, got a job as a video game level designer, fell in love with performing stand-up comedy, became a full-time stand-up, didn’t become a star and so gave it up, went back to games and started a family.
While working at a games company I saw a really bad presentation and realised that all the writing and performance skills I’d learnt as a stand-up needed to be put to good use. I decided that things needed to change. If an introvert like me can do it, then I think anyone can transform into a confident communicator.
In 2013 I set up my own coaching business, working with groups in Cambridge and London. After much hard work I have flourished, having found my place in the world. Clever me, eh?
Gill McKay
Speaker Coach
Gill McKay is an executive speaker trainer and applied neuroscience educator who helps professionals leverage brain-based insights to master public speaking.
Her training business, Inquisitive Coaching, focuses on empowering individuals to find their authentic voice and deliver high-impact presentations.
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Gill utilises her 30-year background in neuroscience to help speakers understand and manage the biological "fight or flight" response, transforming public speaking anxiety into calm confidence.
Steve Payne
Speaker Coach
Steve Payne is a professional speaker, performance coach, actor, and founder of the Academy of Coaching and Training. He is a member of the training and accreditation panel for the Association for NLP and specialises in leadership, communication, and personal growth.
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Trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Steve spent over a decade acting in theatre, radio, and film, with appearances in many of the UK’s best-loved TV series. He has directed and written for award-winning film projects and co-authored the acclaimed book My 31 Practices.
His clients include leading global brands such as IBM, Cisco, RayBan, and IKEA, and he was recently shortlisted for Best TEDx Speaker at the 2024 Speaker Awards in London.
Amy Hart
Communications Manager
I’m Amy and I’m volunteering as Communications and Social Media Manager for TEDxNorthernQuarter.
I graduated from LJMU in Human Resource Management in 2018 and spent several years working in different HR roles. I loved the people side of it but felt pulled towards more creativity, which led me to follow my passion into marketing and social media. I’m now self-employed, helping brands tell their stories in ways that feel genuine and meaningful.
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Alongside this, I’m a health and fitness content creator sharing my running journey online. I’m a big advocate for moving more for mental health, personal growth and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Having grown up in care, I’ve always had a drive to not let my past define me but instead use it as fuel. I know what it takes to rewrite your own story and encourage others to do the same.
Our TEDx 2026 is sponsored by:
