From Darkness to Endurance
My Journey of 401 Marathons
My journey from struggling with my identity and mental health to completing one of the most extraordinary endurance feats ever attempted is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. In this talk, I take audiences through my transformation, sharing how I went from hitting rock bottom to running 401 marathons in 401 days across the UK. I reveal the highs and lows of my 10,000 mile journey, showing how embracing vulnerability and stepping outside my comfort zone unlocked my true potential. This session is a masterclass in overcoming adversity, demonstrating that no challenge is insurmountable when you believe in yourself. Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of what’s possible, inspired to reimagine their own limits and take bold steps forward.
Breaking Barriers
The Courage to Be Authentic
Finding the courage to live authentically has been the hardest and most rewarding journey of my life. In this talk, I dive deep into my experiences of hiding my true self and the inner battles that nearly cost me everything. I share how letting go of societal expectations and embracing my real identity transformed not only my own life but also the lives of those around me. Through personal stories and honest reflections, I challenge audiences to consider where they might be holding back and encourage them to break free from the fear of judgment. This talk is ideal for teams and leaders who want to foster an environment of inclusion and authenticity. By the end, participants will feel empowered to step into their true selves and help create a culture where others feel safe to do the same.
The Power of Choice
Redefining Possibility
Every life-changing transformation begins with a single decision. In this talk, I share how pivotal choices have shaped my journey, from overcoming personal struggles to achieving what once seemed impossible. I explore how choosing to take control of my life and run The 401 Challenge not only transformed my path but also inspired thousands along the way. I highlight the power of everyday decisions, showing how even the smallest choices can redefine what’s possible. This talk encourages teams to take ownership of their actions, recognise their potential, and understand that the decisions they make today can create extraordinary opportunities for their future.
What a fantastic session. I knew what was coming but it still gave me the chills and most importantly hope. And please thank Ben that he was so kind to stay on over and above we had booked.
Boots
Ben's a really great speaker and makes his story even more interesting with some little jokes too! I think the story touched everyone in many different ways which was really nice and someone also said he’s the best speaker we’ve had so far.
Policy Expert
Yesterday went down fantastically, thankyou so much! Feedback on Ben included how down to earth, relatable and moving his story was. It's certainly sparked some food for thought across the wider business.
Sunbelt Rentals
A huge thankyou for the session yesterday – it was perfect! We’ve been flooded with positive messages about it, and how inspiring and emotional people found hearing from Ben.
ACCA
Ben was fantastic, I've never seen the team so gripped by a speaker - He spoke for 45 minutes yet his superb storytelling ability meant that the time flew past. His story was compelling, funny, inspirational and at times, moving. The team really enjoyed the afternoon and I'm so pleased that we got to hear him speak.
QuantSpark
We have been so lucky as an organisation to have had some great speakers at our events over the last 20 years, but Ben Smith stands out as one of the very best. His story resonates with us all. Anyone who has been touched by adversity will relate to Ben’s experiences, but his story of resilience is truly inspirational. He has a unique skill in making his story relatable at the same time as astonishing us with his incredible achievements, all told with great humility. Ben’s story is one that needs to be heard, and he is superb at telling it.
EURA Relocation
Unapologetically Me
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in a Changing World
In a world that's becoming more connected yet more divided, understanding the value of diversity and inclusion is more important than ever. Growing up in a society that didn't fully accept me as a gay man, I faced challenges that have shaped my belief in the power of acceptance, both self-acceptance and acceptance of others. In this talk, I share the obstacles I overcame in coming to terms with my sexuality and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels like they belong. Embracing diversity isn't just about following the rules, it's about empowering people to bring their true selves to the table, which strengthens teams and fuels innovative thinking. By the end of the session, you'll have a clearer sense of how inclusion fosters trust, creativity, and ultimately drives success by embracing each other's differences.
HAPPY TALKS
