August 2025 Speaker News

This is our August 2025 speaker news round up this month featuring feedback on Matt Ellison, Amy Lame, James Poulter, James Cracknell, Emma Campbell and Anna Hemmings; we welcome Gurps Khaira to the website; we have updates from Helen Richardson Walsh and Michelle Li; news of Alan Chambers latest special expedition, and we congratulate all the winners at the Speaker Awards.

EVENT FEEDBACK

“I wanted to write to you to say a huge thank you for visiting us today and for sharing your story and your message. I have had lots of students from a range of backgrounds come to me to say it was the best lecture they have heard.” On Anthony Bennett – July 2025 (pictured)

“Our group really enjoyed Matt’s presentation, it was great and went very well.” On Matt Ellison – June 2025

“It was awesome, such a good panel and had lots of great feedback!” – On Amy Lame – June 2025

“An engaging speaker who led a thought-provoking discussion that generated genuine interest among participants.” On James Poulter – June 2025

“It all went really well with James, thank you, we really enjoyed having him as our host!” On James Cracknell – June 2025

“She is a very professional, well-prepared, relevant speaker with a friendly attitude, perfect for our event.” On Anna Hemmings – June 2025 (pictured)

“Yes, very well thank you! Emma was lovely and her talk was excellent. You could tell she put a lot of effort into creating the right content for our audience.” On Emma Campbell – June 2025

NEW SPEAKERS

We are delighted to welcome Gurps Khaira to our website

Gurps Khaira career began in Project Manager roles at Wells Fargo, State Street Global Advisors and Paysafe Group, before moving on to his current role at HSBC. This prior experience equipped him with the skills and knowledge for his role at HSBC, and for his keynote speeches. Gurps serves as the Programme Manager for Global Cybersecurity Implementations at HSBC. In this role, he oversees the deployment of enterprise-wide cybersecurity initiatives. Throughout his career he has successfully navigated some of the most challenging environments, driving transformation and mitigating risks, making him stand out as a dynamic leader.

Known for his ability to manage complex organisational change under tight deadlines and budgets, Gurps brings a hands-on, action-oriented approach to leadership and programme delivery. His insights will be invaluable for IT and security leaders looking to conquer the chaos of cybersecurity transformation with confidence and strategic precision.

SPEAKER UPDATES

Helen Richardson-Walsh is a former Great Britain and England hockey player, Olympic gold medallist, author, and trainee sport psychologist.

She began her international hockey career in 1999 at just 17 years old, making history the following year in Sydney as the youngest woman to represent GB hockey at an Olympic Games. Over an impressive 18-year career, Helen competed in four Olympic Games, earning 293 caps and 19 medals, including Olympic bronze in London 2012, European gold in 2015, and ultimately, an Olympic gold medal in Rio 2016. She has recently updated us on her speaking topics.

Michelle Li is a recognised global leader and climate champion and inspirational speaker.

Michelle Li didn’t just change careers; she answered a global call to action. Forging a path from the heart of Silicon Valley’s tech scene to the forefront of the climate movement, she brings a founder’s mindset and a disruptor’s energy to one of the most critical challenges of our time. Her journey from building software for giants like Salesforce and DocuSign to building a sustainable future is a masterclass in purpose-driven transformation. Michelle has also recently update us on her speaking topics

OTHER NEWS

Alan Chambers MBE is a Polar Explorer and an Inspirational, Motivational and leadership speaker who led the first successful British unsupported expedition from Canada to the Geographic North Pole. Alan is currently on Mission Spiritus – an exploration/scientific collaboration centered around his epic walk across Antarctica – looking at the impact of Microplastics on the environment. More information can be found on this news piece on CNN.

Lurata Lyon fell a victim of kidnap by Human Trafficking and Organ Harvesting gang during the split of former Yugoslavia. She was kept in a dark small room, locked up for 6 months in solitary confinement abused, beaten, and fearing for her life. After finally, eventually getting rescued, Lurata was brought to the UK as a political refugee and is now an international public speaking and presentation skills coach and a motivational speaker. She recently featured in an interview on the Daily Mail. 

Lastly a huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees at the Speaker Awards this year. A special mention to Alex Atherton (who won Best Newcomer) and Emma Henderson (who won Bookers Choice) and to Jackie Handy and Anna Hemmings who were both highly commended in their respective categories. More details on the winners can be found on the Speakers Awards website.

That is, it for this month. As always if you have any questions or enquiries, please contact us on enquiries@scampspeakers.co.uk