Gary Parsons has forged a respectable corporate career, that has allowed him to learn the true importance of championing mental health and wellbeing in workplace leadership. As the Co-Founder of Talk Staff, a highly successful people consultancy, Gary has first-hand expertise on the impact mental health has on leadership effectiveness and organisational success, now on a mission to inspire business leaders to embrace their vulnerability to become authentic leaders. Highly sought after as an inspirational speaker on navigating mental health and wellbeing, redefining leadership, breaking stigmas and cultivating supportive cultures, Gary Parsons is the perfect speaker to encourage improved leadership and increase understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
Gary’s powerful advocacy for mental health and wellbeing began at age 18, when his life took an unexpected turn after being diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. Despite this physical hurdle in his life, challenging his self-image and confidence, Gary took this vulnerability in his stride, going on to co-found Talk Staff in 2009. A testament to Gary’s resilience, Talk Staff developed into a multi-award-winning consultancy, redefining business strategies for sustainable growth and transforming organisational cultures - also seeing Gary honoured with the Commitment to People Development Award from the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. Continuing to struggle with his mental health throughout his business journey, Gary finally broke his silence on the impact Bell’s Palsy had on his mental health in 2021.
Today, alongside being a Non-Executive Director of Talk Staff and Designed4Success, Gary is an industry-leading leadership mental health advocate, spearheading a variety of initiatives that dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness in the professional world. In addition to his thought-provoking keynote speeches and workshops, Gary is also the Host of the Leaders in Disguise Podcast, a compelling podcast on which leaders discuss their journeys of overcoming mental health challenges. Fostering a community in which people feel safe and supported, Gary champions the development of a stigma-free society. Gary is also frequently requested to share his expertise in a variety of publications, media outlets and blogs advocating for systematic change in businesses and embedding awareness of mental health into leadership.
Sharing his challenging, yet profoundly rewarding, story, Gary Parsons is a respected mental health speaker who is sought after by top clients to generate thought-provoking conversations on mental wellbeing. With his mission not only being a professional aspiration but also a personal commitment to his own struggles, you can trust that Gary is one of the most authentic mental health speakers on the circuit. Advocating for a future where mental health is a priority, Gary hopes to develop workplace cultures where mental health, wellbeing, resilience and transparency are the cornerstones of leadership. If you are looking for a mental health speaker who can adeptly discuss transforming challenges into strengths, personal adversity, vulnerability as a strength and breaking stigmas, don’t hesitate to hire Gary Parsons today!
How to hire Gary Parsons
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Gary Parsons 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.
Gary Parsons' official speaking topics are listed below:
- Navigating Mental Health & Wellbeing - Transforming Challenges into Strengths
- Vulnerability as Strength - Redefining Leadership Through Authenticity
- Resilience & Recovery - From Personal Adversity to Professional Success
- Breaking Stigmas - Fostering Open Conversations on Mental Health in Business
- Cultivating a Supportive Culture - Strategies for Wellness & Success in the Workplace
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"Having known Gary for over six years, I've been consistently impressed with his personal approach to business and his ability to engage with a cross-sector of audiences. He has a natural gift for public speaking that really shines, especially when he's talking about topics that affect businesses and their journey to success. His honest, articulate and inquisitive style is genuinely engaging and always leads to productive conversations. I have spoken on panels alongside Gary, been in Boardroom discussions with him and we've had numerous informal chats and he always offers valuable insight. I know he is a keen advocate for breaking down barriers relating to mental health in the workplace and I have seen him speak with passion and integrity at events on this subject. Gary is always willing to share experience and mentor others and I would have no hesitation in recommending him." - Chris, Economic Strategy Manager, Nottingham City Council
"I would recommend Gary as a top guy who knows his product, service and clients and I have not come across any other consultant with such passion to get it right for his clients. Always going that extra mile. They broke the mould when they made Gary. Wishing Gary and the team the very best." - Anita, Managing Director, Hatch and Capture Ltd
"When speaking to Gary you automatically become aware that he is someone who knows his industry, is professional in his approach and will be totally honest with you." - Ruth, MD, Xycomm Electronics
"Gary is an absolute superstar. He goes above and beyond to help me and I am so grateful. I would definitely recommend him and his company to anyone who wants a reliable and dedicated service. Thank you for all your help for the past two and a half years." - Emily, Executive Assistant, Parkview Care
"Gary speaks with compassion and drive, drawing from his own lived experiences, he champions positive mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Encouraging conversations for leaders to show vulnerability and recognise their own mental ill-health, enabling them to seek support at the earliest opportunity. He is amazing to work with." - Kate, Project Manager, University of Derby
"I've had the pleasure of hearing Gary speak several times, and he has held the audience spellbound with his warmth, humour and expertise. Gary possesses a natural flair for storytelling, making him an exceptional speaker. He effortlessly weaves personal experiences with a great understanding of how mental health influences performance, emphasising the crucial need for enhanced support in the workplace." - Tracey, Executive Coach & Mentor, THL Coaching
"Thanks for all your help and guidance over the last 4 years! It's been both tough and rewarding." - Jake, Sales Development Executive, Vulcan Studios
- 2024 - Leadership Mental Health Advocate & Inspirational Speaker for Gary Parsons UK, Host of the Leaders in Disguise Podcast
- 2024 - Non-Executive Director of Talk Staff
- 2024 - Non-Executive Director of Designed4Success
- 2022 - Chief Executive Officer of Talk Staff
- 2022 - Chief Executive Officer of Designed4Success
- 2017 - Recipient of the Commitment to People Development Award from the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce
- 2015 - Non-Executive Chair of Regency Futures
- 2009 - Managing Director of Talk Staff
- 2007 - Consultant for Spring Group Plc
- 2007 - Digital Marketing for MoneySuperMarket.com
- 2004 - Membership Services for Global Travel Group
