Inspirational Care Leaver & BBC Broadcaster

There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to broadcaster and journalist, Ashley John-Baptiste. From a challenging upbringing to a thriving media career, and even a stint on ITV’s The X-Factor, Ashley has overcome the adversity he was born into, and now uses his platform to advocate for change. A champion of equal opportunity, Ashley’s reporting roles have often seen him speak on society's underdogs, and if he’s not acting as an experienced host at events, he’s sharing a compelling and motivational speech. Backed by fist-hand experience in beating the odds to reach success, Ashley equips his audiences with the tools to triumph and inspires each guest he meets.

Best recognised for his roles as a reporter and journalist, Ashley’s media career began with him fronting the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme, where he covered all manner of diverse issues including racism, bullying, and the Grenfell Disaster. Fast-forward a decade and Ashley is a regular contributor to The One Show, BBC News and has co-presented numerous series of For Love or Money. With such a down to earth and relatable character, Ashley has experienced huge popularity on-screen as he resonates with viewers and shares real-life stories like ‘My Life Without Skin’ with integrity and empathy.

Having been taken into care at the age of two, Ashley’s future seemed to have been written for him, if the damming statistics of children in the system, were anything to go by. Undeterred by the cards he had dealt, Ashley thrived in school, gained the backing of his local MP and secured a place at the prestigious University of Cambridge, against all odds. Tackling life and his ambitions in a truly inspirational manner, at speaking engagements, Asley elaborates on how he persevered despite adversity and champions others in replicating his success. Equally aware of his privileged position now, Ashley is an avid campaigner for changes to fostering laws, and equality in opportunity.

Most recently, Ashley has continued making compelling TV and radio, like his BBC Radio 5 Live special on care leavers. Gaining a reputation for his appearances at live events, Ashley is using his personal story as an inspiration to others and has attended both in-person and virtual occasions as a speaker. Showing the versatility of his content, Ashley has hosted a National Care Conference during the Covid-19 pandemic, joined the Edinburgh TV Festival panel for a current affairs discussion and spoke about his commitment as an RTS bursary ambassador.

For a speaker that will resonate, motivate and offer invaluable input, book Ashley John-Baptiste today.

How to hire Ashley John-Baptiste

Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Ashley John-Baptiste 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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Feedback from in-person events:

Ashley is regularly booked to engage audiences at in-person events, read his latest feedback below.

“Ashley is a wonderful speaker, his story of self-motivation and overcoming barriers is inspirational. Ashley’s relaxed and down to earth presenting style makes him the perfect speaker for all ages of audience, but his age and experiences make him a good role model for young people.” - Liaison Office, Oxford Brookes

"The young people were genuinely inspired and blown away by Ashley. It was very moving, there were even a few tear from the support workers seeing how affected the young people were. When Ashley sung to the group we all had goose bumps. We very much hope he can come again one day. Thank you very much." - DCH Group

Feedback from virtual events & webinars:

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ashley attended many virtual events, booked as the exciting guest speaker. Read the feedback he has received below.

"Ashley gave such a heartfelt speech and touched all our foster carers. He came across so well and definitely inspired us all with his experiences and outlook. We feel really fortunate that he feels able to share his story and it's amazing what he has achieved so far in his life. We would like to wish him all the best and I'm sure we will have him back to talk again in person! I am really delighted with how the evening turned out. I've never planned an event on this scale over the virtual world and I was worried how it would turn out. Both Ashley and Richard helped to make it a brilliant evening for everyone to enjoy and one we will be talking about for a long time. Thank you too for your help in making the arrangements and overseeing everything" - Michelle, Adoption & Fostering Recruitment Team Manager, Hertfordshire County Council

"I just wanted to say a massive thank you to Ashley & Richard for being at our awards last night. They were both fantastic! Please pass on my comments to them and thanks from Hertfordshire County Council.

"The virtual call and involvement from Ashley went very well on Friday. We received excellent feedback from the FCs during the call and afterwards- several people were inspired by Ashley's achievements"- Simon, Sunbeam Fostering