Jessica Hepburn is an award-winning author, arts producer, and adventure activist who has become one of the UK's most compelling keynote speakers. Known for her powerful storytelling and unflinching honesty, she inspires audiences to live big and brave when life doesn’t go to plan. In 2022, she became the first woman in the world to complete the Sea, Street, Summit Challenge - swimming the English Channel, running the London Marathon, and summiting Mount Everest. Her talks are a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of turning adversity into action.
Jessica's career began in the arts, with early roles at Northern Stage and the Brighton Festival, before she became Executive Director of the Lyric Hammersmith in 2005. Over a decade, she led the theatre through a £20 million redevelopment, earning a nomination for Theatre Manager of the Year. During this time, Jessica faced personal challenges, undergoing eleven rounds of IVF and experiencing multiple miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy. These experiences led her to write her first book, ‘The Pursuit of Motherhood’, which became an Amazon bestseller and opened up conversations about infertility.
In 2016, Jessica co-founded Fertility Fest, the world's first arts festival dedicated to fertility, infertility, and modern families. The festival aimed to use the power of the arts to improve IVF patient solidarity and support, and to raise discourse about reproductive science. Her subsequent books, ‘21 Miles’ and ‘Save Me from the Waves’, further explore themes of endurance and self-discovery, with the latter being named a Stanfords Travel 'Book of the Month'. Jessica's contributions have been recognised with accolades such as the Fertility Foundation's Fertility Hero Award and a nomination as a 'Woman of Suffragette Spirit' by Amnesty International.
Audiences should consider hiring Jessica for her compelling insights into overcoming adversity, the intersection of arts and science, and the transformative power of adventure. Her topics resonate deeply in today's context, addressing themes of resilience, mental health, and redefining success. Jessica's unique blend of personal narrative and professional expertise offers valuable perspectives for diverse audiences.
Social Media
Books
The Pursuit of Motherhood
21 Miles: Swimming in Search of the Meaning of Motherhood
Save Me from the Waves: An adventure from sea to summit
Save Me from the Waves: How adventure changed my life
Jessica Hepburn's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Adventure as Therapy
- Arts and Science Intersection
- Infertility and IVF
- Living Big and Brave
- Mental Health Advocacy
- Redefining Success
- Women's Health and Empowerment
- 2024 – Published ‘Save Me from the Waves’, recognised as Stanfords Travel 'Book of the Month'
- 2022 – Became the first woman to complete the Sea, Street, Summit Challenge
- 2018 – Published ‘21 Miles’, named an Outdoor Swimming Society 'Book of the Year'
- 2016 – Founded Fertility Fest, the world's first arts festival on fertility
- 2015 – Swam the English Channel in 17 hours, 44 minutes, and 30 second
- 2014 – Released debut book ‘The Pursuit of Motherhood’, an Amazon bestseller
- 2005–2015 – Served as Executive Director of the Lyric Hammersmith, leading a £20 million redevelopment
How to hire Jessica Hepburn
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Jessica Hepburn 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.
