Former Pro Rugby Player & Captain of the Leeds Rhinos, Mental Health Advocate & Director of Mantality

Stevie Ward epitomises resilience and leadership. The former Captain of the Leeds Rhinos has led an illustrious career whilst battling inner demons and severe injuries. Founder & Director of Mantality, Stevie has created a platform that allows men to access therapy and life coaching services so that they can become the best version of themselves. Since retiring in 2021, Stevie has turned to sharing the lessons he learned in his time as a pro rugby league player through his keynote speeches. Addressing topics such as resilience, mental health, and wellbeing, how to be authentic and lead with safety, Stevie is highly sought-after for a variety of events.

Born and raised in Leeds, Stevie joined the Leeds Rhinos, a Super League frontrunner, in 2010. During his tenure with the team, Stevie achieved great success. This included feats like becoming the youngest-ever Grand Final winner, a 2-time Challenge Cup winner and 3-time Grand Final winner. Stevie was also appointed Captain of the Leeds Rhinos in 2019 at just 26 years old. Whilst he was achieving these great goals, Stevie also struggled with several mental health issues and underwent ten operations. In 2021, Stevie retired from professional rugby in order to tend to his health, after suffering three concussions in 2019 and 2020. His journey was featured in the Sky Sports documentary “Living with a Concussion”.

Having experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, Stevie thought more and more about why mental health struggles weren’t spoken about enough amongst men, especially those in sports. His own experience propelled him to create a space where men can admit to their anxieties and depression and thus Mantality was formed. Through the Mantality podcast, Stevie and his team share stories from thought leaders and change-makers about leadership, resilience, and mindset. It is Stevie’s hope that the stigma surrounding men’s mental health is disassembled.

An authentic leader on a mission to guide individuals and organisations on high performance and effective communication, Stevie is one of the most accomplished keynote speakers to hire. He speaks with purpose, panache and poise and is now available to hire for events related to mental health and wellbeing, resilience, leadership and high performance. If you are looking for a seasoned and experienced keynote speaker, look no further than Stevie Ward!

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How to hire Stevie Ward

Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Stevie Ward 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.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

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Stevie Ward's official speaker topics are listed below:

The Authenticity Game Plan
Leading with Safety
Resilience is a Game of Two Halves
Mental Health & Wellbeing

Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events

Feedback from In-Person Events:

"Another brilliant session with Stevie Ward for our scholars." - Charlie, Head of Academy Player Care & Psychology, Doncaster Rovers FC

"Thank you for such a powerful and engaging session! I particularly enjoyed the mix of vulnerability, energy and fun throughout, it made your message feel very human and safe. This session was a great way to bring resilience and psychological safety to life, and give people practical tools going forward." - Warner Brothers

"What is really noticeable is that how the freedom to be vulnerable and be yourself really resonated as did your style and how you presented subjects that aren’t really spoken about in the police - you really made people think and definitely will have changed some viewpoints for the better." - Mike, Super Intendant, Greater Manchester Police

"The strength of the bond established was rapid; in 25 years of participating in team building events funded by big budgets at the likes of Microsoft, Amazon and Accenture I have never witnessed such a rapid impact and return for time invested. The enduring enthusiasm, bond and strength of the community that has persisted beyond establishment is rare." - James, Managing Director, Accenture UK