Paul Lindley

Paul Lindley OBE is a celebrated entrepreneur, children's welfare campaigner and advocate for social change. Known for his ability to inspire audiences with his vision for creating a better world, Paul is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, blending his entrepreneurial success and philanthropic endeavours to deliver impactful, thought-provoking talks. In 2004, Paul founded Ella’s Kitchen, the UK’s leading organic baby food brand, born from his frustration with the lack of healthy, convenient food for families. Named after his daughter, Ella’s Kitchen grew to dominate the UK market with a 28% market share and a global turnover exceeding £100 million - transforming the business from a small UK startup to a global business dominating 35 territories. Paul’s leadership transformed Ella’s Kitchen into more than a business - it became a movement, advocating for improved childhood nutrition and tackling childhood obesity.

After selling Ella’s Kitchen in 2013, Paul dedicated his life to championing children's welfare and social entrepreneurship. His numerous roles, including Chancellor of the University of Reading, Chair of the London Child Obesity Taskforce and patronages for family-focused organisations, reflect his commitment to driving systemic change. His bestselling books, Little Wins: The Power of Thinking Like a Toddler and Raising the Nation, emphasise the lessons society can learn from childhood to create environments where all children can thrive.

Paul's talks resonate deeply with audiences because of his ability to combine personal stories, practical business insights, and a vision for social good. His unique journey from chartered accountant to entrepreneur, through roles like Deputy Managing Director of Nickelodeon UK, offers a wealth of experiences that inspire leaders across industries. Paul’s achievements have been widely recognised. He was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2011 National Business Awards, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (London and South Region, 2011), and Business Person of the Year at the Oxfordshire Business Awards. His honours also include the City AM Entrepreneur of the Year (2012) and the Institute of Directors Director of the Year for SME businesses (2013). In 2019, Paul was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his services to exports in the food and drink sector and his contributions to children's welfare.

As a speaker, Paul challenges audiences to rethink leadership and entrepreneurship as tools for positive societal impact. His work with initiatives such as The Key is E, a social enterprise empowering African youth, and his ambitious cycling commitment to raise funds for underprivileged children, underscore his dedication to creating a fairer, healthier world. Paul’s keynote addresses leave a lasting impact, equipping audiences with actionable strategies and the inspiration to lead with purpose and compassion, making him a top choice for events focused on leadership, innovation, and social responsibility.