TEDxWorcester

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Dave James

  Dave James is a speaking coach based in the UK. Before he started helping other people find their voice, he spent years finding his own, first as an A&E nurse and then as a podiatrist, in environments where connecting with people and creating rapport quickly was essential. That background is where his coaching philosophy comes from. He is the creator of Speaking Without Freaking™, a speaking approach that starts with your identity, not with technique.

• David Faulkner

  Most important jobs first, I’m a lucky husband and dog dad of two. I’m also a Learning leader, coach, and community-builder with more than 22 years’ experience helping locate and unlock potential, especially where people can feel overlooked, disconnected, or stuck. My work blends coaching, lived experience, and honest storytelling to challenge traditional ideas of success, motivation, and reinforce the power of human conversation, connection and community. I’ve a deep belief that people are capable of causing extraordinary impact when they are seen, listened to, and have the tools they need. TEDx has always been something I’ve wanted to apply for. So I finally did, unbelievably was picked and got to do it right here, on my doorstep.

• Donston Powell

  Donston Powell is the Head of Programme Delivery and Strategic Growth at BetaDen, one of the UK's leading technology accelerator programmes. He leads the delivery and growth of initiatives that support ambitious technology startups while building strategic partnerships across industry, academia, investors, and the public sector. With a background in marketing and innovation, Donston is passionate about emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing, health tech, and robotics. He is a regular keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and technology advocate, known for making complex topics accessible to non-technical audiences. Through his work, he helps organisations embrace innovation, accelerate growth, and create lasting economic impact through technology.

• Dr Laurence Quinn

  Laurence Quinn is an NHS GP, medical educator, and creator of the YouTube channel MedMan, where he translates complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content for the public. Alongside his clinical work, he teaches medical students and GP trainees, with a particular interest in communication, psychology, and the human side of medicine. Through storytelling, humour, and real experiences from the consulting room, Laurence explores how better communication can improve trust, connection, and healthcare outcomes.

• Kate Cox

  Kate Cox is a Neurodivergent (ND) visionary Creative Producer. Not afraid to take risks, Kate has created multiple, highly respected bold projects from conception to reality, including a Street and Graffiti Art festival in Worcester and boundary-pushing, live installation projects at events all over the UK. This is coupled with strong community engagement, working with individuals from diverse age groups, socio-economic backgrounds, and cultural communities. She is passionate about Street and Graffiti Art Culture. Finally diagnosed as Autistic in 2024, a huge life shift, she received a highly competitive ‘Develop your Creative Practice’ grant (Arts Council England) in 2025, allowing her space for personal development and training, enabling her to support other ND creatives to shine. Part of this has been to develop her voice, and find confidence within that space. Doing a TED talk was a dream, and she hopes to build on this experience further.

• Nicole Allison

  Nicole Allison is a recognised leader in women’s sport with over two decades of experience across all levels of football - from grassroots and community projects to the professional game and governing bodies. Holding an MSc in Football Business, she first experienced the sport as a player and coach before moving into management and leadership roles off the pitch. Her career has included roles at Kantar Media, the English Football League, and Tottenham Hotspur FC, where she progressed to become General Manager of Tottenham Hotspur Women, playing a key role in the club’s development during a pivotal period for the women’s game. Before incorporating Worcester City Women FC in 2021, Nicole also represented players and coaches, supporting their careers and transitions beyond the pitch. Today, she is the Founder and Director of Worcester City Women FC (WCWFC), an independent female-owned club at the heart of her mission to create meaningful opportunities for women and girls in football. Alongside this, Nicole is co-founder of SheHub, a global benchmarking platform for women’s sports clubs and leagues, designed to drive insight, standards, and collaboration across the industry. In addition to her work across clubs and ventures, Nicole teaches at leading international institutions, is a Director WCWFC In the Community CIC, and mentors athletes and students, championing equity, leadership, and sustainable growth across the women’s game.

• Toktam Thomas

  Born into instability, immigrating at four, and emancipated by twelve, Toktam Thomas discovered a profound truth: We don’t rise once life becomes easier—we rise the moment we stop arguing for our limitations. As a mother of two who built a business from inner clarity rather than outer circumstances, she now helps ambitious leaders release the identities that keep them trapped in survival.