Shelley James Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerShelley James

Lighting design consultant, TEDx and Keynote Speaker, Author and WELL Light Advisory Member

Dr Shelley James is a lighting design consultant specialist in integrated strategies that balance the needs of people and planet. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop leader for her engaging, evidence-backed approach to lighting. Her passion was sparked by a traumatic head injury, leading to pioneering research into... Read more

Biography

Dr Shelley James is a lighting design consultant specialist in integrated strategies that balance the needs of people and planet.

She is a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop leader for her engaging, evidence-backed approach to lighting.

Her passion was sparked by a traumatic head injury, leading to pioneering research into the effects of light on visual perception and ongoing collaboration with the Bristol Eye Hospital and Moorfields in London.

Clients include global lighting and technology brands and regulators, healthcare and education trusts, architects and designers, academic institutions and museums. Dr James is also a Visiting Lecturer at UCL Bartlett and the Royal College of Art. Dr James is also a trained glass artist, electrician and year-round open-water swimmer.

A recent social media campaign to raise awareness of the impact of light on teens was translated into three languages and reached over 2.5 million young people around the world. Her TEDx talk was the top three most-watched in the world following launch. It was recently featured in a recent LA Business Times article about the top 30 TEDx talks to make an impact this century.

Dr James is frequently invited to feature on podcasts to share her expertise on the potential for innovative lighting solutions to integrate physical and mental health and environmental goals and and featured in the award-winning BBC Four documentary Innovations that Changed the World. She has written two popular guides to lighting, the most recent edition has been translated into Korea, leading to an invitation to present to the prestigious KIIEE Annual Spring Conference in Seoul in May 2025.

Her unique combination of skills and insights and engaging presentation style has made Dr James a sought-after speaker for conferences and workshops around the world.

“Dr Shelley James was the headline speaker at a business event I organised looking at the use of light in design at SEN schools. The talk she gave was extremely informative, engaging and fun, ensuring that the attendees all participated in the session and took ideas away. She used practical demonstrations to bring to life some of the challenges faced by students that need to be addressed within the design principles for SEN facilities. It was a really great lively session and Dr Shelley was absolutely fantastic to work with.” Michelle Mckechnie, Senior Business Development Manager, Kier Construction
”A great session!– super-practical and full of cool facts too, the conversation was really interesting and engaging at all times. The session was over booked and the room was packed with colleagues from every level in the organisation. We all left with a better sense of what might work better for ourselves and other people, we learnt about the impact and importance of light exposure and how this is related to our mental and physical health. This is particularly helpful for an office environment, as we spend most of our time indoors in front of our computers. The session with Dr. Shelley was enlightening and my colleagues came away buzzing and excited to put some of the tips into practice at home and in the office.” Andrea Burnett, Executive Director, Santander UK
“We have loved working with Shelley: we especially value her rigour and generous-spirited creativity. She literally sheds light on the subject of human thriving and well-being - people go away from her sessions with a host of new illuminating insights.” Tracey Camilleri, Co-Founder Thompson Harrison, Associate Fellow at Oxford University Said Business School
“Shelley advanced the role of lighting in a compelling way, touching on well-being and productivity, and how light can improve sleep, resolve conflicts, reduce back pain and support shift work.” Professor Jeremy Myerson, Director, WorkTech Academy

Popular Talks by Shelley James

  • Light your path to productivity: Optimise your workspace lighting

    While most professionals expect an adjustable chair, desk and monitor at work, most don’t give the lights a second thought. And yet lighting is linked to neck and back pain, eye strain, headaches and fatigue. This session will review the return on investment for lighting, offering simple strategies to shift…
  • Neuroarchitecture for neurodiversity - and biodiversity

    Understand the critical role of lighting in creating supportive, sustainable environments for learning, especially for neurodiverse populations. This keynote offers insights into the neuroscience of visual perception, circadian entrainment and behaviour in humans and animals, providing an evidence-led framework for facilities managers and educators.

  • Making light work: Hack your body clock to boost sleep and performance

    This interactive session explores the circadian cycle and links to sleep, mood, memory and stress and the critical role of genetics and chronotpye on natural patterns of sleep and wake, delivering practical, personal strategies to improve physical and mental health.

  • Balancing People and Planet: A Smart Blueprint for Sustainable Development

    Explore how we can meet human needs without compromising the health of our planet by harnessing smart technologies and machine learning. This keynote offers actionable and affordable strategies to foster resilience and sustainability harnessing the latest innovations and insights from the space station to the workstation.

How to book Shelley James as a keynote speaker

How do I book Shelley James for a keynote speech?

You can book Shelley James through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Shelley's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Shelley James's speaking fees?

Shelley James'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 Shelley tailored to your event.

What topics does Shelley James speak about?

Shelley James speaks on Diversity, Performance, Wellbeing. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Shelley to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Shelley James available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Shelley James for events worldwide, subject to Shelley'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 Shelley James 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 Shelley James 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 Shelley James?

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 Shelley can accommodate.

Can Shelley James tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Shelley James 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 Shelley can offer.

What languages does Shelley James present in?

Shelley James delivers keynotes in English. 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 Shelley James a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Shelley James's areas of expertise include Diversity, Performance, Wellbeing. To get a clear sense of Shelley'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 Shelley James speak at?

Shelley James 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, Performance, Wellbeing is relevant. Details of Shelley'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 Shelley James 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 Shelley James is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Shelley James?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Shelley James, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Shelley's current availability for your dates.