Shaun Flores

Shaun Flores – Mental Health Advocate, and Neurodiversity Speaker

Shaun Flores is a British-Trinidadian inspirational speaker, consultant, and changemaker redefining how we talk about mental health, masculinity, neurodiversity, and redemption culture. A five-time TEDx speaker and former model turned mental health advocate, Shaun has become one of the UK’s most authentic voices on OCD awareness, inclusive education, neurodiversity and male vulnerability.

His story from the fashion runways of London to recovery after an OCD and ADHD diagnosis has inspired thousands to find strength in their own stories. Shaun’s work blends psychological insight, lived experience, and cultural intelligence to help people and organisations move from awareness to action.

Through his programmes, The Flores Effect™ and Rejection Rehab™, Shaun has trained and inspired audiences across universities, NHS Trusts, and global brands, helping them build resilience, empathy, and inclusive communication skills. His sessions are known for their emotional honesty, research-based storytelling, and transformative takeaways that empower people to speak, lead, and live with courage.

Shaun has collaborated with leading institutions including Sony Music, The NHS, Papa John’s, Panasonic, and multiple UK universities. His talks such as “Redemption Culture, Not Cancel Culture”, “Reframing Privilege”, “The Straightjacket of Masculinity”, and “Cleaning Up the Mess That OCD Made” have made him a regular voice in corporate, educational, and mental health spaces. Featured by BBC, Channel 4, Men’s Health UK, Metro, and the International OCD Foundation, Shaun uses his platform to challenge stigma, celebrate intersectionality, and model vulnerability as strength.

From developing several educational programmes, including The Everyday Advocate and Rise: The Advocacy & Resilience Programme, which equipping individuals with tools for self-advocacy, emotional intelligence, and post-traumatic growth.

Shaun’s philosophy is simple: “I will leave the world in a better place than I found it”. His mission is to build a culture where speaking up, questioning norms, and leading with compassion aren’t exceptions; they’re the standard.

SPEAKING TOPICS

“Reframing Privilege: Challenging the Narratives That Divide Us”

This talk breaks out of the echo chamber surrounding privilege by offering fresh perspectives from both social justice and conservative viewpoints. It takes the audience on a journey to rethink power and opportunity, using examples from Malcolm Gladwell’s David and Goliath and The Unfair Advantage. If your organisation is ready to move beyond simplistic privilege discussions and dive into thought-provoking insights that challenge the status quo, this session will leave the room buzzing with new ideas. 

“A Hunter in a Farmer’s World: The ADHD Story by Shaun Flores”

Imagine a world where ADHD is celebrated as a superpower, not a setback. In this riveting talk, I connect evolutionary history to modern-day life, reframing ADHD as a trait that once meant survival but now gets misunderstood in a world built for structure. This session will not only break misconceptions but also offer actionable insights on how to harness ADHD’s creative strengths for both personal and professional success. Perfect for teams looking to embrace neurodiversity and unlock hidden potential!

“Cleaning Up the Mess That OCD Made: The Misconceptions of OCD”

OCD is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often trivialised or distorted by stereotypes. This talk is a deep dive into what it means to live with OCD dismantling the myths and offering a more transparent, more empathetic understanding of this condition. If your team is interested in exploring mental health beyond surface-level awareness, this talk will provide the education and compassion needed to break the stigma surrounding OCD. 

“The Straightjacket of Masculinity”

Masculinity is often portrayed rigidly, but the truth is far more complex. This talk encourages participants to think critically about what it means to be a man in today’s world. By breaking down men’s emotional barriers, I challenge stereotypes and offer healthier, more authentic ways of being. Perfect for teams interested in gender dynamics and creating a culture of emotional intelligence, this talk sparks honest conversations about the future of masculinity. As a successful model for brands like Uber, Peloton, and Walkers, I’ve experienced firsthand the pressures of the industry and the toll it takes on mental health. This talk offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how societal expectations shape disordered eating and body image struggles, particularly in the modelling world. If your team is ready to discuss the intersection of media, body image, and mental health, this session will provide powerful insights and inspire change.

“Neurodiversity in a Neurotypical World”

The workplace is built for the neurotypical, but the future belongs to the neurodiverse. This talk explores how companies can harness the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals like those with ADHD, dyslexia, or autism to create more inclusive, innovative environments. If your organisation wants to unlock hidden talents and break free from one-size-fits-all thinking, this talk will show you how neurodiversity can become your biggest asset.

“The Intolerance of Uncertainty: How OCD Reflects Humanity’s Allergy to Not Knowing”

Uncertainty is part of life, but for people with OCD, it can feel like a full-blown allergy. This talk explores how OCD manifests humanity’s deep discomfort with uncertainty and offers tools to manage it in everyday life and business. By helping participants confront their fears of the unknown, this talk will equip them with practical strategies for embracing uncertainty, fostering a more adaptable, resilient mindset.