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Keynote Speaker
Michael Gunning
International athlete, broadcaster and keynote speaker
Popular talks
- Leadership & Motivation
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- LGBTQ+
- Performance
- +2
Talks
Popular talks by Michael Gunning
- Leadership & Motivation
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- LGBTQ+
- Performance
- Resilience
- Sport
Biography
About Michael Gunning
Michael Gunning is an international athlete, broadcaster and keynote speaker who brings together elite sporting experience, personal resilience and a powerful perspective on inclusion, identity and belonging.
A former international swimmer who represented both Team GB and Team Jamaica, Michael spent 16 years competing at the highest level of the sport, setting national records for both countries. He was named Jamaica’s Sportsman of the Year in 2018 and was recognised on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Sport & Games in 2024.
Michael’s story goes far beyond the swimming pool. As an openly gay, mixed-race athlete competing in a traditionally underrepresented environment, he has experienced first-hand the challenges of identity, representation, confidence and belonging. He now uses those experiences to help organisations and audiences explore how people can overcome barriers, perform under pressure and create environments where everyone feels able to be themselves.
Michael is a Pride House Ambassador for the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, championing LGBTQ+ inclusion and helping create safer, more inclusive environments across sport. He has also helped establish the Commonwealth Games Pride Network and has worked with organisations including UEFA, Speedo and the British Elite Athletes Association on inclusion, representation and athlete wellbeing.
Alongside his sporting career, Michael is an established presenter, broadcaster and event host. He has appeared across major television and media platforms, and regularly works with global brands and organisations. Warm, authentic and highly engaging, Michael combines personal storytelling with practical insight. His talks give audiences a fresh perspective on resilience, authenticity, inclusion and what it takes to perform at your best while remaining true to who you are.
How to book Michael Gunning
Answers on fees, availability and booking process.
How do I book Michael Gunning for a keynote speech?
You can book Michael Gunning through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Michael's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
What are Michael Gunning's speaking fees?
Michael Gunning's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Michael tailored to your event.
What topics does Michael Gunning speak about?
Michael Gunning speaks on Diversity, LGBTQ, Motivation, Performance, Sports. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Michael to align the content with your delegates and goals.
Is Michael Gunning available for international events?
London Speaker Bureau can book Michael Gunning for events worldwide, subject to Michael's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Does Michael Gunning deliver virtual or online keynotes?
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Michael Gunning is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
How long is a typical keynote by Michael Gunning?
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Michael can accommodate.
Can Michael Gunning tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?
London Speaker Bureau will brief Michael Gunning on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Michael can offer.
What languages does Michael Gunning present in?
Michael Gunning delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
What makes Michael Gunning a strong fit as a keynote speaker?
Michael Gunning's areas of expertise include Diversity, LGBTQ, Motivation, Performance, Sports. To get a clear sense of Michael's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
What kind of events can Michael Gunning speak at?
Michael Gunning can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Diversity, LGBTQ, Motivation, Performance, Sports is relevant. Details of Michael's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Does Michael Gunning offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Michael Gunning is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
How far in advance should we book Michael Gunning?
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Michael Gunning, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Michael's current availability for your dates.