Steve Gilbert grew up in Birmingham with dual ethnicity in what he calls a really poor family. Growing up, he was from one of only a few black families living in a largely white area. Racism was a daily part of Steve’s life. He experienced name calling, experienced people constantly touching his hair, had people following him around shops and was racially profiled by the Police.

It was only when he was older that he realised that other people were having similar experiences.

Mental health challenges have played a profound part in Steve’s life. In his early 20s he experienced long periods of depression and at 24 he attempted to take his own life.

It was after he was arrested in his mid-twenties and then admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act that Steve was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Five years later he was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following years of abuse from his family. Steve has been on a mission to rebuild his life ever since.

Steve Gilbert OBE | Using His Voice

A core thread that has run through Steve’s life is the importance of using his voice. Even as a child he was never afraid to speak up even when there had been an injustice.

Steve quotes John Lewis who walked alongside Martin Luther King Junior: “Speak up, speak out. Get in the way. Get into good trouble, necessary trouble.” Steve takes pride in using his voice, to encourage humanity, their empathy, their capabilities, their courage to think bigger, to feel braver and to activate them to do their part in reducing inequalities. 

Steve Gilbert OBE | Anti-Racism & Mental Health Advocacy

Steve has made it his life’s work to tackle racism and support organisations and leaders to become Anti Racism organisations. Steve contributes to many projects and organisations, including:

Kooth PLC commissioned Steve to provide support and challenge to the senior management team on issues of racial equity and justice and to chair the organisation’s Diversity and Inclusion Council.

Steve co-chairs the innovative NHS Race & Health Observatory’s Mental Health Working Group, investing in research to transform the mental health experiences of Black and historically racialised people.

Steve has been involved in the development of the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework. He harnessed his personal, familial and community experiences of using mental health services, alongside his frustrations of working with NHS organisations, resistant to change.

As one of three Vice-Chairs to the Independent Mental Health Act Review, Steve worked collaboratively with the Department of Health & Social Care, supporting the chair in making recommendations to the Government, with a particular focus on reducing racial inequity.

Steve has served as a non-executive director of the mental health charity Mind and in 2020 was appointed Trustee.

Steve Gilbert OBE | On Suicide Prevention

A Suicide Attempt Survivor, Steve spent many months thinking about taking his own life. Recognising the gap in representation from black men with experience of suicide ideation, Steve has collaborated with leading experts to further policy and research into the issue.

Steve has worked with clinical researchers from Oxford University’s Department of Psychiatry and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, developing guidance to help clinicians identify and treat patients at risk of suicide.

Steve Gilbert OBE | Speaker and Event Host

With a strong stage presence Steve has been trusted to deliver keynote speeches to a wide range of audiences, bridging the gap between expert knowledge and relatability. Drawing on his depth of knowledge and breadth of experience, Steve is renowned for his powerful presentations, clarity of communication, meticulous planning, and tempering striking candour with reassuring compassion.

As a speaker and event host, Steve takes time to understand the needs of organisations and audiences and the intended benefits for them. The title and content of a speech will be co-developed with organisations to reflect the needs of the audience, intended outcomes and specific calls to action.

Steve is also an engaging and enigmatic event host.

Steve Gilbert OBE | Speaking Topics

Cultivating Equity: Your Role as an Ally in Creating Change

Steve draws on his expertise and experiences to inspire and empower the audience to become effective allies in their organisations and spheres of influence. Through powerful anecdotes, real-life examples, and practical strategies, Steve describes the transformative impact of allyship and offers actionable insights to drive meaningful change. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and equipped to take tangible steps towards becoming a proactive ally in the pursuit of equity and social justice, leveraging your influence and privilege.

Mastering the Balancing Act: What Life With Bipolar Disorder Taught Me About Leading in a Turbulent World

Discover the profound journey of Steve Gilbert, OBE, as he shares compelling insights from his personal experience with bipolar disorder and resilient leadership. Steve authentically shares the challenges he has faced and the invaluable lessons learned, offering practical strategies for leading effectively in a rapidly changing world. His compelling narrative and authentic approach resonate deeply, bridging the emotional and practical aspects of leadership in turbulent times. Book Steve Gilbert as your keynote speaker to engage and inspire your audience, leaving them equipped with tangible takeaways to navigate challenges, foster empathetic leadership, and drive meaningful change in their professional and personal endeavours.

Finding My Way Back to Life (and Lessons I Learned Along the Way)

This compelling speech chronicles Steve’s remarkable journey from surviving the depths of mental illness, familial abuse and suicidal thoughts to embracing a life full of hope. With powerful storytelling, Steve shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path, offering profound insights and practical wisdom. Steve’s inspirational and motivational tone encourages the audience to nurture hope, destigmatize mental illness, and take proactive steps towards well-being. Through this impactful keynote, Steve ignites a call to action, urging individuals to join the movement of breaking down barriers and fostering a community of support. Book this keynote to empower your audience with a message of courage, transformation, and unwavering hope.

Mastering Your Leadership Journey: Embracing Self-Reflection for Success

Steve will lead the audience on a transformative journey of self-reflection, focusing on seven essential components crucial to effective leadership. Each component is carefully examined, supported by real-life examples and practical strategies, to inspire a mindset shift and foster personal and professional growth. The session culminates in a powerful call to action, with Steve inviting the audience to translate self-reflective insights into tangible steps for continuous development. Throughout, Steve delivers a compelling and inspirational message, reinforcing the importance of self-reflection as the cornerstone of successful leadership.

Heart-Led Leadership: Unleashing Emotional Intelligence for Success

Beginning with a summary of emotional intelligence (EI) and its role in leadership Steve explores the role of self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management as key components of EI. Sharing personal experiences to illustrate the transformative influence of EI in leadership, Steve highlights how EI enhances communication, team dynamics, decision-making, and adaptability. Addressing the common obstacles to EI, Steve will offer practical strategies and insights to nurture EI in leadership role. Concluding with a powerful call-to-action, Steve will leave attendees inspired to develop their own EI.

Embracing Possibility: Discovering Your Inner Potential Through ‘What If?’

As a renowned motivational speaker, Steve empowers audiences to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace new possibilities. Through inspiring anecdotes and practical strategies, he guides individuals on a journey of self-discovery, tapping into their unique strengths and talents. This compelling speech challenges the status quo, ignites a passion for growth, and empowers the audience to turn bold aspirations into actionable plans. Join Steve Gilbert on a captivating exploration of potential and possibility, and unlock the extraordinary within.

Unlocking Your Potential: Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Steve shares insights on identifying and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, drawing from his personal experiences. highlighting the need for competence, confidence, and courage in the entrepreneurial journey Steve navigates core principles, challenges, and strategies that define this mindset. The speech emphasises strategies for fostering innovation, risk-taking, and adaptability, urging individuals to embrace the entrepreneurial mindset for personal and professional growth. A powerful call-to-action will leave attendees motivated to take action in their own Entrepreneurial Journey.

Why Book Steve Gilbert OBE?

Steve is the go-to speaker, consultant and coach for organisations serious about delivering meaningful change to matters of diversity, equality and inclusion. He has extensive experience with organisations, as well as his own lived experiences. Whether as a keynote speaker, event host, conference chair or motivational speaker, Steve is guaranteed to leave an impression on those he works with and the audiences that he reaches.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book Anti-Racism Consultant, speaker and event host Steve Gilbert OBE for your corporate event.

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