Keynote SpeakerPolly Williamson

"Where did I go? Polly Williamson. WOW! Our Aviva Risky Women community was joined yesterday by Polly a 6-times Europeans Gold Medallist at Eventing BUT that isn’t what she came to talk to us about. This story was one of the highs and lows, of courage, discipline, focus, competitiveness and love. It takes quite a bit to move me but Polly really did either that or someone had put something in the air conditioning. 
Twelve years ago whilst out riding Polly sustained a life changing traumatic brain injury. We heard about not only her journey of the physical recovery but that of her mental recovery – rediscovering who Polly was. 
The physical recovery – to be able to stand, to walk, to talk, to move … having been a sportsperson … would be challenging in itself (oh by the way Polly has since completed a half-marathon). BUT that wasn’t the biggest challenge, it was finding the Polly Williamson that she was now … I loved it when she said that where she found peace was when she was with the horses again – she didn’t have to talk and no-one was talking at her. Because since her injury Polly’s senses had become more sensitive … her sense of smell, her hearing – she was more conscious of her surroundings. Polly didn’t recognise the person in the photos in her house … she wasn’t that Polly. It is not uncommon for people recovering from traumatic brain injury not to recognise themselves and to actually change their names as a result. Polly’s resiliency, courage, competitiveness shone through but also one of the most important things we all forget is to ask for help – Polly openly shared this with us.
I learnt so much and the most amazing thing about Polly she delivered something she went through with so much warmth and humour. Thank you so much Polly for sharing your story, for inspiring us all and reminding us to be so grateful for everything we have." Charlotte, Aviva Director

"This was a fantastic session and fully echo Charlottes comments. Thanks so much for your time Polly." David, Aviva Director

"This morning I attended an inspirational talk from Polly Williamson (former European riding champion). The talk was about building resilience in your professional and personal life and was held at Clarke Willmott's Taunton office. Polly sustained a subarachnoid haemorrhage after a horse she was training fell and kicked her in the head. Polly was placed in an induced coma and when she woke 11 days later she had to learn to walk and talk again. Polly spoke to Clarke Willmott's Next Generation Networking Group about her accident and how she overcame her challenges with pure DETERMINATION. Polly explained how she gained confidence by setting short and long term goals. Achieving those objectives in turn built her confidence and therefore her resilience to the challenges she was facing. If you have the opportunity to attend one of Polly's talks, I would definitely recommend going!" Ben, Private wealth solicitor, Clarke Willmott

"Wonderful to welcome the incredible Polly Williamson to speak to our Next Generation networking group. Her inspiring story really shows what you can achieve with resilience, determination and the right support. Her journey has been quite incredible and I am awestruck every time I see her." Business Development manager, Clarke Willmott

"Polly makes all things seem possible with the right mindset and determination and her lack of any self-pity sharpens the listeners’ focus on what is possible rather than what is hard to achieve. I highly recommend Polly as a speaker." Mrs Emma McKendrick, Headmistress Downe School

"Like many others in the room, I found your talk inspiring, highlighting to all what you can achieve with a determined and resilient mindset." Malcolm Bennett, NatWest Director | Head of Financial Institutions

"Loved Polly’s perspective that an act of kindness goes a long way’’ Danielle McIntyre CCIBS, Global co-Chair Enable Network

"If you haven't just been on the session with Polly, pleaseeee watch it back, it’s such a thought provoking thing to listen to and I’d encourage you to share it around your teams as she gives such a wonderful explanation"

"Polly was fab wasn't she? And so inspiring"

"We invited Polly Williamson to speak at our ‘Business Brain’ event in London in April 2024. The audience was a wide range of executives from the Financial World. Polly used her personal experiences to talk about Resilience and building confidence. She took questions both during and after her excellent slide-supported presentation. The session lasted about 45 minutes. Polly fully engaged the audience throughout and received rave reviews. This was primarily because of her ability to relate to real business issues and challenges that people face every day, drawing from her personal journey having suffered a life-changing accident. Her advice was clear, practical and hard hitting. I would recommend her wholeheartedly as a speaker at any event." Director at Templar Advisors Ltd

“We were delighted that Polly agreed to speak at our Ladies Day event at Badminton Horse Trials this year. We had over 45 professionals from the Agri sector and you could hear a pin drop in our marquee as we all listened to Polly’s story of her recovery journey after her life-changing brain injury. A truly inspirational woman, Polly’s resilience and sheer determination to regain her identity left us in no doubt that any adversity can be overcome by having a positive mind-set and never giving up! I thoroughly recommend Polly as a speaker, she is professional and her warm personality when engaging with the audience really made our event extra special and memorable. Thank you Polly.” Events Manager, Albert Goodman Accountants