David Naylor is an incredibly talented musician, teacher, and author who has utilised music to support individuals facing a wide range of challenges. In 2017, David became ill with Crohn’s Disease, which ultimately led to Bacterial Meningitis and Encephalitis. Overcoming these illnesses was a monumental challenge for David. He had to learn how to walk again and battle conditions such as epilepsy, OCD, and depression. On a mission to rebuild his life, he turned to music and began working with organisations such as The Priory and the Demartini Institute to support both himself and individuals in a similar situation. When looking to hire an inspirational speaker to attend your upcoming event, look no further than David today.
After waking from a three-week coma, David had completely lost his memory, leaving him no idea who or where he was. Passionate to regain control of his life, he learnt that prior to his admission into the hospital, he had been a musician and teacher who introduced music to the therapy programme at The Priory Hospital. Understanding that music had once played a powerful role in not only his, but other patients' lives, he came home after being discharged to find a collection of musical instruments, now known as The Gathering of Drums. He relearned how to play them and started his mission to overcome this challenge that life had thrown his way.
An inspiration to audiences globally, David gained the opportunity to deliver the captivating TEDx Talk ‘How our ancestral drums help us remember who we are’ in 2022. Keen to share how music gave him a reason to live, he released his first album, ‘One Last Poem’, in 2023, allowing him to connect with audiences in a powerful and personal way. Alongside this, David has also published his debut book, ‘Born at 48’, which is focused on the first 15 months of life after being in a three-week coma. Admired for his remarkable resilience, both mentally and physically, David is now a popular speaker for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
A leading authority in his field, David Naylor is now highly sought-after to attend speaking engagements internationally. With over ten years of experience developing and facilitating sessions at team-building events, his professionalism and unique insights offer audiences a new outlook on recovery through music to boost moods and inspire positive change. When looking to hire an experienced speaker to motivate audiences at future events, do not hesitate to hire David today.
How to hire David Naylor
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring David Naylor 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.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
David Naylor's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Remembering who we are
- Hidden me, hidden potential
- See yourself in the stars
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
“Thank you for reminding us that we are all indeed connected to each other. Loved your talk, your passion and the playing of your drums” – Mindspeak Academy
“His story touched so many people in the room and his music was so powerful” – Watford Fringe Festival
“That was an amazing talk. Thank you for sharing your story with us”
“After hearing your talk I thought if he can do it, that means I can do it too!”
“The talk was filled with passion, courage, humour and warmth. The sentiment in the audience was tangible.” – Crossroads care
"David has been on an amazing journey and is absolutely committed to sharing the important lessons he has learned along the way. His story is one of hope, inspiration and understanding. He punctuates his talks with the power of percussion to reinforce his key messages about diversity, equity and inclusion. Whether it's for a business audience or in the education sector, his unique perspective on life will help your attendees to think differently and believe in possibilities." – Mel, Pitch & Presentation Specialist & Founder, The RED EffectTM
- 2023 - Released his first album 'One Last Poem'
- 2023 - Published his debut book 'Born at 48'
- 2022 - Delivered the TEDx Talk 'How our ancestral drums help us remember who we are'
- 2015 - Demartini Method Facilitator at Demartini Institute
- 2015 - Drum Instructor at the London School of Samba
- 2010 - Music Facilitator at The Priory
