The Client

Making a difference to people’s lives

Their Challenge

The organisation wanted a keynote speaker for its annual staff conference to inspire positive change in the way they provide services.

My Solution

As an accomplished keynote speaker, I’m familiar with how to establish the underlying theme (key) and set the overall tone (note), no matter the event, organisation or audience. When I deliver my keynote speech, I made sure my audience get:
• a high energy talk, whether I’m kicking off the event or blowing the final whistle
• practical takeaways they can implement immediately
• a way for audience members to engage with me after the talk

The Results

Darren provided a 45 minute hybrid solution for a blend of in-person attendees and remote meeting participants.
He share stories that people can relate to and challenged people about their approach to work and life.

Edward Thomas, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Wrekin Housing Group

The Client

XXI Club
Founded in 1932 to promote sporting excellence

Their Challenge

The club wanted an after-dinner speaker for its annual dinner to entertain and inspire its members following the announcement of the 21 high-achieving sports people and 21 people selected for service to sport.

My Solution

Having attended dozens of annual dinners, either as an after-dinner speaker or audience member, I have the experience to choose the right shade of humour. When giving an after-dinner speech, I make sure my audience get:
• an entertaining behind the scenes tour of a 20-year career in elite sport
• funny stories, insightful anecdotes and life lessons
• engagement from start to finish

The Results

The 85th Annual Dinner for University of Manchester XXI Club was held at the iconic Manchester Hall.

Darren was a fabulous after dinner speaker! Funny, inspiring and very professional from start to finish, engaging the whole audience with his personal stories and perspectives on life. I can highly recommend this speaker.

Rowena Birch, Chair of Performance Sport Panel, University of Manchester

The Client

Carabao Cup semi-finalists

Their Challenge

The club wanted a live question and answer session as part of its Healthy People, Healthy Business event for 50 local business leaders and guests.

My Solution

Having interviewed for live TV and radio, I’m comfortable in answer questions either as part of a presentation or as a stand-alone event . To run a successful Q&A sessions, I make sure to:
• prepare a few questions in advance
• collect questions throughout the event.
• Notify the audience at the start
• Stick to the time limit
• use the right equipment

The Results

“A speaker people talked about long after he left the room. I don’t normally use speakers, however, Darren came highly recommended. He put the audience at ease immediately so everyone felt comfortable. It was serious in parts and funny. Thought provoking and educational. Very good at engaging the audience. Definitely we would book him again for young audiences and scholars.”

Fleur Robinson, Commercial Director, Burton Albion Football Club

The Client

Producer of the inclusive top 50 UK employers

Their Challenge

The organisation wanted an awards presenter for its annual ceremony designed to recognise leading diversity champions, significant role models and extraordinary employees that have displayed motivation, innovation and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

My Solution

Having presented, been nominated for and received over a hundred awards, I understand that the presenters’ words and how they are spoken impacts the recipients’ ability to internalise the importance of their achievement. When presenting awards, I make sure my audience get:
• a story about the significance of the award
• the recipients’ name pronounce Correctly
• the award held and handed over like a piece of treasure

The Results

The fifth annual ceremony of the Inclusive Companies Awards was the biggest to date and an unforgettable experience for winners, nominees and spectators alike.

Your support was widely appreciated, and we were honoured to have you present an award. Paul Sesay, CEO, Inclusive Companies

The Client

Local Authority of the Year

Their Challenge

The organisation wanted a motivational speaker to lead a discussion on how to remove the barriers to recruitment, retention and progression for people with disabilities.

My Solution

Using my lived experience of disability, I’ve facilitated sessions for forums, groups and networks for people with disabilities. When speaking about how to see the world differently, I make sure my audience get:
• an enabled rather than disabled mindset
• the tools to think outside the tick box
• the strategies to build disability confidence

The Results

As an external provider, Darren is in a unique position of being one of only a few who has both the experience of being from this particular cohort and the expertise of working with them.

He completely changed the dynamics of the group and inspired them to share their personal stories openly with each other after his talk.

Glenn Watts, Business Development Manager, Wolverhampton City Council

The Client

Opening up a world of opportunity

Their Challenge

The company wanted a motivational speaker for its Insight Day to inspire and energise the university students and recent graduates keen on an internship or graduate programme in the banking and financial services industry.

My Solution

As a former graduate trainee, I’m familiar with preparing for job applications, interview questions, psychometric tests and assessment centres. When providing a motivational talk, I make sure my audience get:
• the inspiration to become future leaders
• the value of diverse thinking
• a strategy for landing your dream job

The Results

It was a great pleasure to work with Darren. He is not only a great motivational speaker but also a lovely person. His presentation was truly inspirational and it was definitely a highlight of the day. He proves the only person limiting you is you and his persistence and passion for helping people is exquisite.

Daria Dobrzyniecka, Graduate Recruiter, HSBC

The Client

The West Midlands’ Biggest Apprenticeship Provider

Their Challenge

The college wanted a motivational speaker to equip students including those with physical and sensory disabilities with the tools and skills to improve access to higher education.

My Solution

As a former corporate employee and small business owner who has worked with people not in employment, education or training, I bring a breadth of relevant experience. When delivering a session on career development, I make sure my audience get:
• the 5 essential steps to choosing a career.
• the value of extra-curricular activities
• a way to develop employability skills

The Results

Darren provided a 45 minute keynote for over 200 students across year groups.

“He’s spoken to a number of groups of students who have given glowing feedback. His storytelling is compelling his ability to motivate and focus young people is fabulous. I thoroughly recommend him as a guest speaker.”

Helen Newton, Assistant Principal at Dudley College

The Client

Changing lives through excellence in education and employment

Their Challenge

The college wanted real life professionals to give students an insight into industries related to their course so they are better prepared for getting on and staying in their chosen career path.

My Solution

As a Paralympian and professional speaker, I understand the overlap with performing arts like dance, drama, and music. When sharing industry experience, I make sure my audience get:
• a goal-setting process
• a way to reduce social anxiety during performance
• an understanding of how to build business acumen

The Results

70 of our performing arts students received a 2-hour experiential workshop.

Darren truly captured the attention of everyone with his inspirational and motivational storytelling. He linked his own experiences with tried and tested methods of self-improvement to enable everyone to take away practical tips.

Michelle Rensler, Faculty Area Manager for Music and Performance

The Client

2018 Stonewall top 100 employer

Their Challenge

The organisation wanted a motivational speaker to celebrate and recognise the experiences and achievements of black people and communities in a way that was neither tokenistic nor patronising.

My Solution

As a black British man I understand the intersectionality of race, nationality and gender. When speaking about Black History Month, I make sure my audience get:
• the legal case by reporting racial incidents and crimes
• the social justice case by identifying institutional racism
• the business case by recognising the competitive advantage of a diverse workforce

The Results

Darren spoke at our Lunch and Learn event attended by over 100 employees.

His conversation about performance and achieving his goals was so impactful. Colleagues were energised by his reflections about his personal experiences and how we owe it to ourselves to embrace change, remain focused and live our best lives despite the challenges that can arise. I would whole heartedly recommend him as a motivational speaker.

Jan Licett, Director of Business Support, Wolverhampton Homes