01
JAMES ROUTLEDGE
Founder of Sanctus and author of Mental Health at Work, championing open, human conversations about wellbeing in business.
THE ARCHIVE / 2023–2025
NEVER “JUST ANOTHER CONFERENCE”
For three years running, we packed out theatres with laughter, learning and a lot of standing ovations. Each event was its own riot of inspiration: part comedy show, part training session, part therapy (without the awkward trust falls).
We always held it in Stoke-on-Trent, despite literally everyone telling us to move it to London, because we believe in the underdog. We believe in people who’ve been overlooked. We believe in voices that aren’t always heard. And we believe confidence doesn’t belong to the shiny few. It belongs to everyone.
PAST SPEAKERS
THE HUMANS WHO MADE THE ROOM FEEL ELECTRIC.
02
PIXIE POLITE
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant and our hostess with the mostess. Chaos, swears and joy.
03
JESS JONES
Comedian and writer, proudly ‘the fat funny one’, using humour and honesty to smash stereotypes and celebrate self-acceptance.
04
GELONG THUBTEN
After chasing success as an actor and burning out hard, he gave it all up to find something deeper as a Buddhist monk.
05
KIRA MATTHEWS
Author of the 90-Day Future Self Journal, host of No Room for Doubt and all-round confidence queen.
06
VIX MELDREW
Taught thousands of people to build relationships and grow communities, with wit, wisdom and easy-to-use frameworks.
07
KIRSTY HULSE
Founder of Confidence Live, author, award-winning leadership trainer and corporate rebel.
08
GRACE CAMPBELL
Unfiltered, sold-out stand-up comedian and bestselling author.
09
SHAKIRA AKABUSI
TV presenter, speaker and women’s health powerhouse, shattering motherhood, fitness and confidence stereotypes.
10
SUE PERKINS
Broadcaster, comedian and presenter whose quick humour and warmth made her a national treasure.
11
KATHERINE RYAN
Award-winning comedian, writer and Netflix star known for razor-sharp wit and unapologetic takes on modern life.
12
CAITLIN MORAN
Bestselling author and columnist, celebrated for fearless, funny writing on feminism, culture and life’s messy brilliance.