Fern Lulham is a blind psychotherapist, renowned for her impactful speaking and consulting work exploring the human side of change. Combining a professional understanding of psychology with the lived experience of being blind, she helps organisations across the globe to understand how people respond to change, uncertainty and pressure. By challenging assumptions to turn complex issues into insightful conversations, Fern's influence spans from mental health, burnout, and psychological safety to leadership and inclusion. Enabling others to adapt, connect, and thrive is the cornerstone of her message and the key to unlocking true change.
Fern's career began in broadcasting, a passion she developed as an On-Air Personality at Hospital Radio Hastings before joining the University of South Wales and Western Carolina University to study communication broadcasting. Throughout her early career, she developed experience in student radio as an On-Air Personality, Programme Director, Radio Lab Assistant and General Manager. Further presenting roles followed across stations including Hastings Local Radio, WBKR-FM, WMOM-FM, Three Pines Gander, Roundhouse Radio and Insight Radio. Her varied experience across media developed the communication skills that soon became central to her speaking work.
In 2014, Fern expanded her repertoire by working as a voice-over artist, later becoming a Podcast Host at Accessible Media Inc. in 2017. Her career subsequently broadened into Reporter and Presenter for BBC Radio 4, Audio Describer for ITV, and CPD training facilitator. As an Audio Producer for the BBC, she works to produce radio programmes and podcasts for BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service. Developing her knowledge and widening her influence, in 2019, Fern began working as an Accessibility Consultant and Content Specialist, where she focuses on making products, venues, media and more genuinely inclusive to all. Likewise, in 2022, Fern qualified as a Psychotherapist, supporting clients with anxiety, belonging, relationships, shame and grief.
With unique psychological insight, personal storytelling and a great sense of humour, Fern has become a sought-after speaker. In 2020, her TEDx Talk "What Online Dating Looks Like When You're Blind" surpassed 85,000 views, demonstrating the powerful reach of her message. Delivering engaging and thought-provoking talks to organisations and leaders alike, she provides the vital perspective needed to help teams adapt, connect, and thrive. Through all of her work, Fern remains dedicated to building a more accessible and empathetic world.
Fern Lulham's official speaking topics are listed below:
- What Blindness Has Taught Me About Leadership
- Beyond Burnout - The Cost of Constant Change
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Feeling Seen: Creating a Culture Where People Belong
- Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
- Resilience
- Motivation and Inspiration
Official Feedback From In-Person & Virtual Events
“When it comes to speaking, Fern is brilliant! Not only is she engaging to young people of various ages, her positivity is also infectious! She speaks about her own experiences enthusiastically and answers all questions with honesty. I was blown away listening to Fern speak of her journey and how much she has overcome. She is a true motivational role model and she definitely reminded me to look for all the great things in life and remember that I can overcome anything with the right mindset!” - Future First, Educational Programmes for Schools
“Thank you so much to Fern for delivering her course to us! We all took so much from it, not only for the work we do with schools, but also on a personal level. Hearing your personal experiences was both eye-opening and touching for all of us who were able to attend. It would be wonderful to work with you again!” - Diversity Role Models
“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Fern for joining us as our guest speaker. She was truly incredible and it was a real honour to hear her perspective - both as a patient and through her expertise as a psychotherapist and speaker. Her talk genuinely blew people away. It was deeply moving, incredibly powerful and resonated with colleagues on so many levels. The honesty, compassion and insight she brought to the session created a space that felt both safe and inspiring and the impact of her words stayed with people well beyond the session itself. We are incredibly grateful for the time, energy and authenticity she brought to our EDI Festival.” - Amy, London North West Healthcare Trust
“It was so fantastic to have Fern in the room, being part of these important conversations. Everyone I spoke to loved her talk and came away better informed. Thank you for making the day so much better!” - Marie, Red Bee Media
“Thank you to Fern for such a brilliant speech and for hosting our awards ceremony so well and making it a truly special event! It was so wonderful to have her and I will definitely keep her in mind for other events!” - Claire, Pocklington Trust
“Everyone who was there - including me - was blown away by Fern’s workshop at the 2024 Visionary UK Conference. If you have a conference or event coming up, book this woman! She will 100% deliver and inspire!” - Fiona, CEO at Visionary UK
“I want to thank Fern so much for speaking at our Inspiring Life talk. She totally outdid the 20 people we have had her - from politicians to Paralympians! I have never had so many phone calls of appreciation. Her talk touched people, connected with people and helped inspire people to see that even in the darkest times, with strength and determination, things got so much better for her and yet, she still showed her human side.” - Suzie, Founder of Eye Matter charity
“Brilliant insight into lived experience of disability - unlike most other training in this area. Good balance of this, along with the practical and legal considerations and very interactive which was great!” - Basildon Council
- 2022 - Began working as a psychotherapist
- 2019 - Became an accessibility consultant & content specialist
- 2019 - Audio producer for the BBC
- 2019 - Became a CPD Training Facilitator
- 2019 - Began working as an Audio Describer for ITV
- 2018 - Became a Reporter and Presenter for BBC Radio 4
- 2017 - Became a Podcast Host at Accessible Media Inc.
- 2015 - Worked as an On-Air Personality at Insight Radio
- 2014 - Began working professionally as Voice-Over Talent
- 2014 - Became Deputy Station Manager at Roundhouse Radio
- 2014 - Returned as an On-Air Personality at Hospital Radio Hastings
- 2013 - Worked as an On-Air Personality at Three Pines Gander
- 2012 - General Manager at WWCU-FM Power 90.5
- 2012 - Worked as an On-Air Personality at WMOM-FM
- 2011 - Became Programme Director at WWCU-FM Power 90.5
- 2011 - Worked as a News Reader at Hastings Local Radio
- 2010 - Worked as a Radio Lab Assistant at Western Carolina University
- 2009 - Worked as an On-Air Personality at WWCU-FM Power 90.5
- 2009 - Appeared as an On-Air Interviewee at Able Radio
- 2008 - Worked as an On-Air Personality at Tequila Radio
- 2005 - On-Air Personality at Hospital Radio Hastings
How to hire Fern Lulham
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Fern Lulham 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.