Mickey Wilson and Chris Endersby are the co-founders of Firestarter, a brand consultancy known for its ingenuity and psychological approach to unlocking brand-led growth. The pair blend creativity with behavioural science to deliver insightful discussions on branding, leadership, and identity.
Founding her first agency at just 21, Mickey brings intuition and natural rebellion to every element of her work. Now, with over 30 years of experience building brands and consultancies, Mickey has collaborated with global organisations such as Samsung, Ocado and CIMA. Since co-founding Firestarter, she has served as the Head of Creative and has played a key role in the development of their DARE Formula – Differentiation, Authenticity, Resonance, and Expression. Chris began his career moving through various roles within Kent County Council before becoming Vice President of JP Morgan Asset Management for several years. In 2012, he served as the owner of Sophrosyne Consulting, moving to KPMG UK as a Senior Management Consultant, acting as the owner of End2End Consulting, a change consultancy working with UK Rail, Canada Life and GAM Investments. As the co-founder of Firestarter, Chris utilises his psychology background to guide entrepreneurs in creating meaningful and impressive businesses.
Sharing their valuable insights, both Mickey and Chris have been featured across a range of media, from online articles to virtual interviews. Chris appeared on the Start Your Own Business podcast, with Mickey featuring in an article for Talent Ladies Club.
The pair bring creative instinct grounded in psychological evidence that challenges assumptions and breaks the mould of regular perspectives. Their keynotes cover identity, artificial intelligence, brand impact, authenticity, and more, providing audiences with key skills to succeed in amplifying their own businesses and navigating the uncertainty of ensuring individuality, creativity, and passion within tumultuous business landscapes.
Mickey Wilson & Chris Endersby's official speaking topics are listed below:
STANDING OUT IN AN ERA OF CONFORMITY
- On paper we’re living in what should be the most creative era in history – so, why are businesses becoming more alike than ever?
- This talk exposes the forces driving conformity - from deep-rooted psychology to the Catch-22 pressures of modern business. It reveals why so many businesses drift into the “me too trap” and how that slowly erodes their value, their pricing power and their ability to grow.
- Fusing real founder experience with behavioural psychology, this keynote reframes differentiation not as a marketing layer, but as a commercial necessity.
- Because in a world of AI, automation and infinite output, the biggest risk to businesses today is becoming replaceable.
- This isn’t a talk about branding tactics. It exposes the deeper forces shaping business behaviour, revealing why so many companies default to what feels safe and what it actually takes to stand apart.
FROM AI-BLAND TO IMPACT BRAND
- We’ve entered an era where entire brands can be created in days. But speed alone doesn’t create impact. While it’s never been easier to build a brand, it’s also never been easier to build one that gets completely overlooked.
- This keynote introduces Firestarter’s DARE framework, a practical way to move from Instigator to Impact Maker. From having a mission to accomplish to becoming the brand your ideal customers choose.
- We focus on what actually drives impact and tackle a critical question most businesses are still getting wrong. How do you harness AI to build your brand while not stripping out what makes it valuable?
- This isn’t a framework talk. It’s a reality check and illustrates why so many brands may look the part but fail to create real impact. And it gives you a clear way to change that – from how you think, how you build to how you show up, how and when to use AI to accelerate the process, and when to avoid it altogether.
THE AUTHENTICITY ILLUSION
- You invest time in your brand. You refine your messaging. You work hard to get it right.
- And, yet…
- Some customers connect immediately. Others don’t. Some people trust you quickly. Others hesitate.
- And, it’s hard to explain why.
- This keynote explores what’s really going on, because your brand isn’t experienced in one consistent way. It’s experienced differently depending on how – and how deeply – someone engages with it. Some people only see the surface. Some dip in occasionally. Some immerse themselves fully.
- And, this is where the Brand Lake model comes in. A simple but powerful way to understand how your brand is experienced at different depths; why even small misalignments can create
- inconsistency, hesitation or loss of trust. It shows how to build your business from inside out, so it consistently connects, builds trust and performs well over time.
BEYOND LOGIC: HOW B2B BRANDS CAN INFLUENCE DECISIONS
- Most B2B brands focus on being relevant. They talk about Features, ROI, Efficiency and Outcomes. And, on paper, it all makes sense. But, in reality deals stall, decisions drag and competitors keep winning.
- Because relevance gets you considered BUT resonance is what gets you chosen.
- This talk explores the missing layer in B2B branding, the psychological and emotional forces that actually drive decisions, even in the most rational environments.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
“I just wanted to say huge thanks to you and Chris for your talk at Greenford Quay. It was so fantastic to have you there – both for myself and TIC, and also (and most importantly!) for the audience who were so engaged with what you had to say. Thank you for also sticking around afterwards - I know how much guests enjoyed chatting to you.” - Alasdair, The Intrepid Collective
“Watching Mickey present was like being back at school with your favourite teacher – fun, exciting and rewarding. Mickey’s energy and excitement are second to none. Every founder should hear this talk.” - Clark, WEYTEC
“The workshops were enlightening and educational. I feel like we have clarity in our brand for the first time in 10 years.” - Founding Directors, Dapatchi
“Thank you so much for our fantastic session today. It was truly a pleasure to have you with us, and I am sure the founders found your insights incredibly valuable. The content translated perfectly to the Nordic regions, and we really appreciated the practical tips you shared.” - Maria, Tech Nordic Advocates
“Thank you. Mickey was fantastic and did an amazing job.” - Mark, IAAF
“Another great episode, lots of excellent practical advice for small businesses.” - Mark, Start Your Own Business Podcast
“It was fun talking with Chris. So much great advice.” - Fiona, Start Your Own Business Podcast
“This was one of our favourite podcast recordings from the last few months! The conversation delves into the significance of values in business, the challenges of maintaining boundaries, and the role of playful creativity in fostering innovation and brand identity. Chris emphasises the importance of building relationships and staying true to one's values while adapting to different environments. A must-listen for anyone interested in personal development, business strategy, and the intersection of creativity and psychology.” - Dr Russell Thackery, Resilience Unravelled Podcast
- 2026 – Chris became a Foster Care Ambassador for Kent County Council
- 2015 – Firestarter founded
- 2015 – Chris was the owner, change consultant and coach for End2End Consulting Solutions
- 2013 – Chris was the Senior Management Consultant for KPMG UK
- 2012 – Chris was the owner of Sophrosyne Consulting
- 2007 – Chris served as Vice President of JP Morgan Asset Management
- 1998 – Chris held various roles within Kent County Council
How to hire Mickey Wilson and Chris Endersby
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Mickey Wilson and Chris Endersby for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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