Our Speaker Lineup
Mollie Balshaw
Short Supply
Innovating for a Sustainable Future
Mollie Balshaw is a curator, artist, and co-founder of Short Supply - a trailblazing arts organisation championing early-career artists from working-class and marginalised backgrounds across the UK. Based in Manchester, Mollie has earned a national reputation for challenging the centralisation and gatekeeping of the art world, building grassroots networks that empower creatives to thrive outside traditional systems. Through Short Supply, they’ve delivered high-impact exhibitions, mentoring programmes, and partnerships with major institutions, all while keeping artists at the heart of every decision.
A vocal advocate for autonomy in creative careers, Mollie’s work interrogates the structures that shape access, opportunity, and success in the arts. Their writing, public speaking, and programming confront the myth of meritocracy and push for a more equitable, self-determined future — not only for artists, but for all workers navigating systems that were never built with them in mind. Mollie brings clarity, urgency, and humour to conversations about power, community, and imagination in contemporary culture.
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Nicola Barke
'The Burmese Python'
Nicola Barke, known in the ring as The Burmese Python is a two-sport World Champion and trailblazer in martial arts, holding titles in Taekwondo, Lethwei, and Kickboxing.
As the UK’s first female Lethwei fighter, she has shattered gender norms in one of the world’s most brutal combat sports. Now an undefeated professional boxer signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, Nicola brings a creative edge to every bout, showing that success in the ring isn’t just about power; it’s about adaptability, innovation, and vision. Her unique approach to fighting proves that creative thinking in high-stakes environments forges not only champions, but also exceptional leaders.
Beyond the ropes, Nicola’s story is one of relentless transformation. Despite narcolepsy, life-threatening injuries, and even the temporary loss of her fighting license due to a brain tumour, she has continually reinvented herself: pursuing excellence as a biomedical science graduate, a global project manager leading multimillion-pound teams, and now a speaker inspiring the next generation.
Nicola believes that the same creativity that fuels elite athletes can shape bold, agile leaders in business and life. Her journey from fighter to thought leader proves that resilience, when combined with imagination, becomes an unstoppable force.
Joe Brammer
BULKHEAD
Joe is the candid Studio Head and one of the founders of BULKHEAD (Creators of The Turing Test and Battalion 1944). BULKHEAD started as 6 graduates and has grown to over 120 people backed by Tencent
Joe lead the charge for Bulkhead rolling out the 4 Day Work Week. Joe has worked as an artist, designer, game director, producer, executive producer and currently sits as CEO & Studio Lead.
Joe is extraordinarily direct and open in his talks and believes in removing the formalities and getting to the point.
Jim Caddick
"Caddicarus"
Jim, widely known to the online world as "Caddicarus" or his nickname 'Caddy', is a pioneering YouTuber who has captivated global audiences with his distinctive blend of sharp wit, cinematic production, dark humour and unfiltered absurdism.
Since launching his YouTube channel in 2011, he has amassed over 1.1 million subscribers and more than 350 million views, establishing himself as a formidable voice in online comedy surrounding video games. His work blends anarchic humour and storytelling in a way that has resonated with viewers across generations, influencing the evolution of long-form videos on the platform.
However, remarkably, the majority of his channel’s explosive growth (over 30% of its total viewership) has occurred within just the past five years, fuelled by only 29 videos. This stark contrast to the previous nine years, during which he produced over 600 videos with comparatively slower traction, has sparked a deep personal and professional inquiry: what truly drives meaningful connection and impact in the digital age?
That question continues to shape his creative philosophy and his exploration of how creators adapt, evolve, and thrive in an ever-shifting online media landscape.
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Charles Cecil MBE
Revolution Software
Charles Cecil MBE is a celebrated British video game designer and co-founder of Revolution Software, best known for creating the critically acclaimed Broken Sword series.
With a career spanning over three decades, he has been a key figure in shaping the narrative adventure genre, with titles like Beneath a Steel Sky and Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars earning both commercial success and cult status.
His work has garnered multiple industry awards, and he played a pivotal role in projects such as Doctor Who: The Adventure Games.
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In 2011, Cecil was awarded an MBE for his outstanding services to the video game industry.
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Emma Henderson MBE
Professional Speaker
Emma Henderson MBE is one of the world’s rarest leaders - a former airline captain with over 30 years in aviation, including command, training, and crisis management at 39,000 feet. As one of fewer than 500 female captains globally, she’s navigated both the literal skies and the invisible headwinds of high-pressure decision-making.
Emma brings the Flight Deck to the boardroom, blending operational discipline with human insight to teach leaders how to think clearly under pressure, respond with confidence, and guide their teams through turbulence - without losing altitude.
Since stepping away from commercial flying, Emma has become a sought-after international speaker and the founder of Grounded Leadership - a philosophy that combines the logic of aviation with the humanity leadership demands. She is also the founder of Project Wingman, a charity supporting NHS frontline staff, for which she was awarded an MBE.
Emma’s story is one of command, challenge, and reinvention, and her TEDx talk will rewire how you think about decisions - on the flight deck, in the boardroom, and everywhere pressure meets purpose.
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Shaline Manhertz
Exceeding Your Potential
Kristianah Fasunloye
Astraea PR
This dynamic duo have 50 years of strategic communications and engagement expertise acquired in central and local government driving transformative change in governmental systems.
Heading up communications and media teams on instrumental and impactful projects, including:
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Establishing a lasting legacy from the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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Pioneering efforts to enhance maternity services safety for mothers and babies through the Ockenden Maternity Review, the largest-ever review of an NHS service
Kristianah and Shaline’s partnership brings a wealth of understanding of the best government policies, processes, and systems and implements them in other industries.
Stephen Morris
The LEGO Group
Stephen Morris is an Interaction Design Master and Play Design Specialist at The LEGO Group, with over two decades of experience bringing interactive ideas to life.
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With a background in interaction design, programming, and storytelling, he has designed playful experiences that spark imagination across generations with companies like Walt Disney Parks, Cartoon Network, and the BBC. His work blends childlike curiosity with cutting-edge design to explore how technology and creativity can create moments of joy, connection, and discovery.
Stephen is passionate about helping people reconnect with play - not just as something we leave behind in childhood, but as a mindset we can carry into every part of life. Through his talks, workshops, and creative leadership, he encourages audiences to embrace play as a tool for innovation, resilience and more meaningful human connections.
Whether speaking to business leaders, educators, or creatives, he invites us to ask a powerful question: what might change if we made space for more play?
Bach Nguyen
Photographer
Innovating for a Sustainable Future
Bach is an award-winning photographer and videographer whose creative vision has made waves across the UK and global media landscapes.
With a portfolio that bridges high fashion, street culture, and digital storytelling, Bach has collaborated with some of the most influential pioneers in the British creative scene. His client list includes global powerhouses like Adidas, Puma, and Gymking, as well as Format Group and the world-renowned YouTube collective, The Sidemen.
Bach’s striking visuals and ability to craft powerful narratives through the lens have earned him recognition at the highest levels — including a prestigious Nikon Photography Award.
Beyond commercial success, Bach captured some of the greatest artists & athletes, such as Post Malone, Swae Lee, Jordan Henderson and many more. Known for his instinctive style and relentless work ethic, Bach continues to push creative boundaries, merging technical excellence with raw emotion in every frame.
Whether behind the camera or leading a visual campaign, his work consistently elevates brands and personalities to new heights.​
Sam Squire
Inspire 2 Ignite CIC
Sam is an ex-professional footballer, turned youth worker.
His vision is a world where every young person, no matter their background, can follow their dreams with the right support and pathways to succeed.
His mission is to create an ecosystem that connects underserved young people to the experiences, skills, and networks needed to thrive.
He believes talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t, and dedicates his life running a social enterprise called Inspire 2 Ignite to change that.
Prof. Keon West
Speaker, Author
Professor Keon West is a prominent social psychologist at formerly at Goldsmiths, University of London, specialising in prejudice, identity, and intergroup relations.
His influential research on racism and anti-LGBT discrimination has earned several prestigious honours, including the Michele Alexander Award and the APA’s Award for Distinguished Contributions to Ethnic Minority Issues. He’s also recognised for his teaching and mentoring excellence.
A frequent contributor to Media articles, BBC / BBC Radio and Channel 4, West brings academic insights to mainstream conversations on bias.
His 2025 book, The Science of Racism, presents an accessible, evidence-based examination of how racism persists in modern society.
Henry White
The Sidemen
Henry White is the 27 year old creative director behind Europe’s biggest creator group: The Sidemen (100M+ followers).
Previously at global esports organisation Fnatic, Henry has played a key role in shaping the visual and cultural identity of multiple gen-z entertainment brands, helping to scale them to global prominence.
With a background in design and a deep interest in the intersection of creativity, internet culture, and audience connection, Henry’s work focuses on how storytelling and design can drive cultural relevance in a fast-moving digital world.
Simran Whitham
The FORMAT Group
Simran Whitham is an award-winning entrepreneur, renown business leader, and CEO of FORMAT Group, the UK’s largest games industry community organisation.
With over a decade at the forefront of Europe’s creative industries, he has built one of the most acclaimed community event movements, known for uniting thousands across gaming, tech, and culture under a shared passion for bringing together in a way that has been lost in the events industry.
On the TEDx stage, Simran shares his mission to help people rediscover meaningful connection in an increasingly digital world. His talk explores how to build real-world communities, foster belonging, and push back against the rising tide of isolation and disconnection in modern Western society.
Jess Wiseman
3D Artist
Jess Wiseman is a 3D artist, traditional painter and has also founded her own character based IP Figuregot. With a passion for anything creative, her youth was spent dedicating hours to self-taught mediums across animation, design, illustration and product innovation.
With a notable list of clientele including; The Sidemen, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, Billionaire Boys Club, Reebok and many more, with these experiences acting as the perfect foundation to develop skills in multiple fields. Figuregot allowed her to funnel all areas into one brand- giving her the perfect opportunity to work with complete creative freedom, exploring the depths of her imagination and limits as an artist.
Fast forward to 2025, her artwork’s pursuit for realism is abundant in her recent pieces both off and on the canvas.
