Overcoming Adversity

Eniola Aluko

The former Juventus, England and Chelsea striker was a natural goalscorer and a leading talent in the women’s game. She won Super League and Serie A titles as well as FA Cups, and played over 100 internationals. She served as Aston Villa Women's sporting director. Off the pitch she’s a lawyer, having qualified in the US and worked in the City. She's a regular pundit and commentator on both the men's and women's game, becoming the first woman pundit on Match of the Day. She hit the headlines with her stand against the discrimination, outdated behaviou...

Rt Hon Lord (David) Blunkett

As Home Secretary David was in charge of security, immigration and policing. He is now Chairman of a multi-Academy Trust and an advisor to easyJet. As well as sharing insights on cyber-crime and crisis management, David considers how leaders can best engage with the public and counter the widespread sense of grievance. He argues for business to take a lead: “You are a part of our communities, not just employers of people with certain skills.” After dinner he takes a lighter look at a life in politics - both highs and lows – from The Queen offering to cut up his meal, to...

Clarke Carlisle

Clarke made over 500 senior level appearances and led the football players’ union. He has also written a powerful memoir. Clarke is open about his struggles with alcohol, depression and gambling – the strains of a multi-billion pound industry in which both fans and club believe they own you. He’s similarly candid about racism and the Kick It Out campaign. Clarke talks about diversity and culture change in a game traditionally associated with macho behaviour.

Baroness (Tanni) Grey-Thompson

Britain’s best known Paralympian, Tanni amassed eleven gold medals in five consecutive Games. She also won six London Marathons and achieved a total of thirty four world records. Since retiring from competitive sport Tanni has taken an active role in the Lords, particularly on campaigns and legislation around disability. She believes that disabled people still face barriers that need to be removed, and calls for more genuine engagement rather than political rhetoric: “Public perceptions are changing.”

Nicolas Hamilton

Nicolas was told as a child he’d never walk due to his cerebral palsy and would spend his life reliant in a wheelchair. Not one to be told he can’t do things, with determination and gruelling training he not only walked unaided, but he started to realise his dream: to be a racing driver. Now a regular in the British Touring Car Championship, his story and ‘anything is possible’ attitude inspires everyone that hears it.

Lewis Pugh

Lewis is the first to complete long distance swims in each of the world’s oceans. He has also swum in Arctic and Antarctic waters, and the length of the Channel. His aim is to raise global awareness of a fragile maritime environment – one with retreating glaciers and increasing levels of plastic pollution – and he has negotiated official protected status for over two million square kilometres of ocean (equivalent to the size of Western Europe). As well as highlighting the urgent plight of the world’s seas, Lewis also reflects on his mindset and the vision, prepara...

Kate & Helen Richardson-Walsh

The nail-biting finale to the Rio 2016 Olympic hockey final provided one of the most memorable moments of the Games for British fans. For the scorer of the winning penalty (Helen) and the long-serving team captain (Kate) it was the pinnacle of two international careers stretching over 15 years. With lessons in overcoming setbacks, building a winning culture, teamwork and leadership, the first same-sex married couple to win gold in the same team also reveal how the team changed, life in the Olympic Village, and their views on inclusion and diversity.

Jaco van Gass

Jaco was a member of the Parachute Regiment. When was completing his second six-month tour of Afghanistan the helicopter he was in came under enemy fire and he was hit by a rocket propelled grenade, sustaining devastating injuries and losing his left arm. He didn’t let his injuries stop him and been a member of the GB Para-Cycling team. Jaco was also a member of the record-breaking team of wounded soldiers to trek unsupported to the North Pole and was joined by Prince Harry.

Mohsin Zaidi

Mohsin's memoir A Dutiful Boy was described as utterly compelling and a book that will save lives. A former successful criminal barrister, his journey from an impoverished part of east London and a strict Muslim household encapsulates lessons and experiences in mental health, faith, social mobility, sexuality, and ultimately the power of hope and humanity to overcome seemingly impossible odds.