16 of the Best Speakers for International Men’s Day

November 19th marks International Men’s Day and pays homage to the achievements and contributions of men in society. The day is celebrated globally by men and women, and in anticipation of this year’s celebration, we have compiled a list of our finest male speakers that are guaranteed to make your International Men’s Day event men-orable.

Jonny Wilkinson CBE

Rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson turned television pundit, is one of the UK’s most sought-after rugby speakers. Jonny is best known for his iconic drop goal that secured England’s victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

With 91 caps for England, he is one of the most capped players in history and holds the record for the most points scored by an England player, with 1,179. He also played for the British & Irish Lions. He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players.

Since retiring in 2014, Jonny has become a popular television pundit and engaging after-dinner speaker. He captivates audiences with stories from his illustrious career, including his legendary World Cup moment. He shares personal insights into his battles with anxiety and depression, offering a more profound and more inspiring perspective.

Spencer Matthews

Known for his charisma and charm, Spencer Matthews is one of the UK’s most popular reality stars. He has appeared in 10 series of E4’s award-winning show Made in Chelsea. His engaging personality has also led him to feature on shows like Celebrity Masterchef, The Jump, and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Beyond his television fame, Spencer is a successful entrepreneur and founder of CleanCo, an alcohol-free spirit brand he launched after deciding to go sober. He also embarked on an emotional expedition to Mount Everest to recover the remains of his brother, Michael, which was documented in the Disney+ film Finding Michael.

Chris Packham

Chris Packham, an award-winning broadcaster and presenter, is synonymous with conservation, biodiversity, and environmentalism. His storytelling and deep knowledge of the natural world captivate viewers, making him a household name in natural history broadcasting and environmental activism.

Chris’s dedication to wildlife conservation has earned him numerous awards for his television programmes and advocacy work. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Southampton and is best known for his wildlife documentaries and filmmaking. His BAFTA award-winning Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Winterwatch series have gained notable popularity, earning him a feature on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Peter Baines

From a distinguished career as a professional forensic investigator, Peter Baines has made a remarkable transition into an acclaimed leadership speaker. His unique experiences and insights, garnered from his diverse career, are now shared with audiences worldwide.

Peter’s career as a forensic investigator took him across the globe, assisting the United Nations and Interpol with high-profile criminal investigations. His work in countries like Saudi Arabia, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia showcases his expertise and dedication.

Best known for his impactful work in forensic investigation and leadership, Peter combines fascinating anecdotes with profound leadership lessons. His talks leave audiences inspired, motivated, and equipped with insights that they can apply in their own lives and careers.

Adam Morse

A British-born actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker, Adam Morse has achieved remarkable milestones despite losing most of his eyesight at nineteen. He is not just the world’s first award-winning blind filmmaker, but also a passionate advocate for differently abled artists. His work has inspired audiences globally and shattered barriers in the entertainment industry.

Adam gained widespread recognition for his directorial debut, LUCID, released in 2020. The film garnered acclaim, including a nomination for the prestigious Michael Powell Award at the Edinburgh Film Festival and winning Best Director at the Gold Movie Awards. Additionally, Adam is known for his recurring role in the Apple+ series SEE, starring alongside Jason Momoa.

Gary Neville

You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of Gary Neville. A Manchester United legend, with over 600 appearances for the club, including five years as captain and 85 caps for England, Gary’s career highlights include winning 20 trophies, including eight Premier League and two Champions League titles.

Since retiring, Gary has transformed football punditry as a key figure on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football alongside Jamie Carragher. Their show is renowned for in-depth analysis of football tactics and societal issues impacting the sport.

Gary’s influence extends beyond punditry; he co-owns Salford City FC, produces TV shows, owns successful hotels like Hotel Football, and engages audiences globally through his YouTube series, The Overlap, where he interviews notable sports personalities. Gary Neville continues to leave a lasting impression on football and business, embodying a career that inspires fans and professionals alike.

Frank Bruno MBE

Frank Bruno, one of Britain’s most beloved sporting icons, became one of the UK’s greatest boxers during the 80s and 90s, culminating in his crowning achievement as WBC heavyweight champion in 1995. Since retiring from boxing, Frank has captivated audiences on the after-dinner speaking circuit with his infectious charisma and engaging personality.

From a promising start in boxing from a young age, Frank quickly rose to prominence, turning professional at just 21 and winning 40 out of 45 bouts. His career milestones include claiming the European heavyweight title in 1985 and facing formidable opponents like Mike Tyson. His pinnacle moment came in 1995 with a triumphant victory over Oliver McCall for the WBC heavyweight title. As an event speaker, Frank delves into these triumphs and personal struggles, providing a candid look into his celebrated career and private battles.

Tim Peake

Tim Peake spent over 100 days on the International Space Station and even made history by running the 2016 London Marathon from space.

Before his journey to space, Tim served as a Captain for the Royal Green Jackets and a qualified pilot. His dream of becoming a space explorer came true in 2015 after intense training to withstand the extreme conditions of space.

Tim’s extraordinary career has made him a sought-after speaker, with recognition from the Royal Family. At events, he shares engaging stories about life in space, his thoughts on visiting Mars, and insights from his military career, inspiring a new generation of adventurers.

Nigel Owens

Rugby royalty Nigel Owens is renowned as the most-capped referee in world rugby and the only one to officiate three consecutive Heineken Cup finals.

Born and raised in Mynyddcerrig, Wales, Nigel’s journey began at 16 when he picked up a referee whistle, leading to a remarkable career. He made history as the first openly gay man to referee at the highest level, facing criticism and adversity along the way, which he has spoken about openly.

Nigel’s dedication and record-breaking achievements earned him a knighthood. He passionately speaks about his refereeing career and his work with the charity Bullies Out, advocating for gender equality.

Mike Bates

Entrepreneur, human intelligence specialist, and covert counter-terrorism operations leader Mike Bates is not your average guy.

With 20 years of service in the Intelligence and Security fields of the Ministry of Defence and His Majesty’s Royal Marines, Mike has been on the front lines of the UK’s counter-terror response. He made history as the first officer in the MOD to pass all required courses, earning him the title of the modern-day James Bond.

Mike’s extraordinary background and experiences give him a unique perspective on life, making him one of the most dynamic and sought-after public speakers today. His talks are a thrilling blend of real-life espionage, counter-terrorism strategies, and entrepreneurial insights, captivating audiences worldwide.

Steven Barlett

Put this dragon in the hot seat and revel in words of wisdom. Steven Bartlett is an entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and author best known for hosting ‘The Diary of a CEO’, the UK’s number one podcast, where he delves into the remarkable stories of the world’s most influential people.

Steven’s own story is nothing short of inspiring. Once a university dropout who stole food to survive, his determination and ambition led him to found Social Chain, now a global leader in social media marketing.

Steven’s experience as a speaker is unparalleled. He has graced the stage at over 400 conferences worldwide, sharing his insights and inspiring audiences. His dynamic speaking style, coupled with his compelling journey, makes him the perfect choice for your next event.

Dr Alex George

Dr Alex George is a well-known reality TV star and a passionate advocate for mental health. After gaining fame on Love Island, he has used his large social media following to support mental health across the UK, becoming a leading voice in the field.

His dedication to mental health took on new meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic when he tragically lost his younger brother to suicide. This personal loss drove him to start a campaign, pushing the UK Government to focus on youth mental health during the crisis. His efforts succeeded, and he was appointed the UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador.

Dr Alex George is committed to breaking down barriers around mental health, especially for men, who often struggle to talk about their feelings. He shares his experiences and offers practical advice for managing mental health, making him a powerful speaker for events such as International Men’s Day.

Tim Campbell

A prominent English businessman and dedicated advocate for inclusion, Tim Campbell first gained recognition as the winner of the inaugural series of The Apprentice, where he competed to secure a role with businessman Alan Sugar.

In 2012, Tim was honoured with an MBE for his contributions to enterprise culture and his support for the then-Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. Today, Tim’s focus is on mentoring businesses and advising on strategies for diversity and inclusion, channelling his extensive experience into these roles.

With his deep industry knowledge and engaging speaking style, Tim Campbell is an inspiring choice for events like International Men’s Day, where his insights and experiences can shine.

Mark Foster

Mark Foster is a British TV personality who is a noted commentator on major swimming events, from the Olympics to the World Championships.

Before making waves on TV, Mark was a swimming legend, boasting six World Championship titles, eleven European Championship titles, and two Commonwealth Games golds. In 2017, Mark broke new ground by coming out as gay, demonstrating immense courage and setting a powerful example in a world where vulnerability can be challenging.

Mark’s infectious charisma and engaging storytelling make him a standout speaker, ready to bring a splash of excitement and insight to International Men’s Day.

Alastair Campbell

Alastair Campbell is an incredibly skilled communicator, writer, and strategist who worked closely with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Today, he has written seventeen books, including a bestseller on winning in politics, business, and sports. Alastair also appears on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and hosts a popular podcast with his daughter. His extensive experience and engaging style make him a fantastic choice for your next event.

Steve Gallant

Steve Gallant is the hero who inspires. An anti-violence campaigner, best-selling author, and motivational speaker, he is best known for his heroic actions during the 2019 London Bridge terrorist attack, where his bravery saved lives.

Steve Gallant’s transformation is extraordinary. Once a violent criminal serving a murder sentence, he turned his life around to become a dedicated anti-violence advocate. His achievements include earning a business degree in prison, writing a best-selling book, and receiving the Queen’s Gallantry Medal. In 2021, Queen Elizabeth II granted him early release for exemplary behaviour.

At Evolve, we’re thrilled to offer you a wide range of inspiring male speakers with incredible life stories that have touched audiences everywhere. Whether you’re interested in sports heroes, environmental advocates, or anything in between, choose from our entire list of International Men’s Day Speakers to find the perfect speaker for your next event. You can also contact us directly by emailing us at info@evolve-agency.co.uk or calling on 0115 718 0831.