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Keynote SpeakerStevie Ward

Leading with Resilience, Inspiring Authenticity, Breaking the Stigma on Men’s Mental Health

At 18, just a week after his A-level results, Stevie Ward was in the toilet at Wembley Stadium, minutes from his Challenge Cup debut in front of 80,000 people. Terrified and looking for answers, he asked himself, “What am I going to do here?” The answer came in a note... Read more

Topics

Popular Talks

The Authenticity Game Plan
Leading with Safety
Resilience is a Game of Two Halves
Mental Health & Wellbeing

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Biography

That note revealed the key to elite performance that Stevie believes we all intuitively know we have, but haven’t been shown how to get there. Stevie shows the audience how we all deny our full potential by playing it safe instead of actually “playing our own game”. Stevie’s keynotes inspire self-reflection and responsibility as they understand it is not just his story- it is theirs too.

Stevie’s rugby career is the stuff of legend: youngest-ever Grand Final winner, two Challenge Cups, three Grand Final victories, and captain of Leeds Rhinos by 26. But behind the trophies were ten surgeries and deep mental health struggles. These challenges led him to launch Mantality, a movement to break the stigma around men’s mental health.

Since then, Stevie has inspired organizations like Warner Bros. Discovery, NHS, and Southampton FC through his speaking and consultancy. After retiring in 2021 Stevie went on to present with Sky Sports News regularly covering Rugby League, hosted the first of it’s kind in the Concussion Roundtable and starred in his own documentary – Living with Concussion. Stevie’s life has taken him from sharing stages with Prince Harry, to featuring in a Boy George song and being roasted by Ricky Gervais, all before 30.

Stevie’s keynotes cover resilience, teamwork, leadership and psychological safety. With raw authenticity and passion he helps leaders and teams expose their true potential.

"Thank you for such a powerful and engaging session! I particularly enjoyed the mix of vulnerability, energy and fun throughout, it made your message feel very human and safe. This session was a great way to bring resilience and psychological safety to life, and give people practical tools going forward." Warner Brothers

"What is really noticeable is that how the freedom to be vulnerable and be yourself really resonated as did your style and how you presented subjects that aren’t really spoken about in the police - you really made people think and definitely will have changed some viewpoints for the better." Super Intendant, Greater Manchester Police

"The strength of the bond established was rapid; in 25 years of participating in team building events funded by big budgets at the likes of Microsoft, Amazon and Accenture I have never witnessed such a rapid impact and return for time invested. The enduring enthusiasm, bond and strength of the community that has persisted beyond establishment is rare." Managing Director, Accenture UK

Popular Talks by Stevie Ward

The Authenticity Game Plan
This talk delves into the power of leading with authenticity. Drawing from his experiences as a professional athlete and leader, Stevie Ward emphasizes how genuine, transparent leadership can drive both personal and team success. Through stories of overcoming challenges and staying true to one’s values, he shares actionable strategies for...

This talk delves into the power of leading with authenticity. Drawing from his experiences as a professional athlete and leader, Stevie Ward emphasizes how genuine, transparent leadership can drive both personal and team success. Through stories of overcoming challenges and staying true to one’s values, he shares actionable strategies for fostering trust, emotional intelligence, and purpose in leadership.
Leading with Safety
In this keynote, Stevie explores the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to be themselves. He connects leadership with psychological safety, explaining how leaders can encourage open communication, vulnerability, and support. With insights from his career and mental health journey, Stevie provides tools for leaders to build teams...

In this keynote, Stevie explores the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to be themselves. He connects leadership with psychological safety, explaining how leaders can encourage open communication, vulnerability, and support. With insights from his career and mental health journey, Stevie provides tools for leaders to build teams that thrive on trust, inclusivity, and well-being.
Resilience is a Game of Two Halves
Stevie frames resilience as a dual challenge—both physical and mental. Drawing from his rugby career, he highlights how overcoming injuries and mental health struggles taught him that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back but also about adapting, learning, and evolving. This talk emphasizes the importance of balancing toughness with self-compassion,...

Stevie frames resilience as a dual challenge—both physical and mental. Drawing from his rugby career, he highlights how overcoming injuries and mental health struggles taught him that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back but also about adapting, learning, and evolving. This talk emphasizes the importance of balancing toughness with self-compassion, offering key lessons for enduring and growing through life’s toughest moments.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
In this powerful session, Stevie advocates for prioritizing mental health and well-being as the foundation for both personal and professional success. He shares his journey from the pressures of elite sport to the realization of how crucial it is to care for mental health. Stevie breaks down the stigma around...

In this powerful session, Stevie advocates for prioritizing mental health and well-being as the foundation for both personal and professional success. He shares his journey from the pressures of elite sport to the realization of how crucial it is to care for mental health. Stevie breaks down the stigma around seeking help and offers practical advice for fostering a culture of mental well-being in any environment.