Before entering the world of professional speaking, Anthony Bennett focused on sharing his experience with young people and community groups, using storytelling as a tool to educate and empower. His early work involved raising awareness around health, well-being, and resilience, paving the way for his eventual career as a full-time inspirational speaker.

Anthony Bennett | When Illness Struck

In 2006, after returning from a trip with students to Disneyland Paris, Anthony Bennett fell extremely ill and was left fighting for his life. The cause was narrowed down to the air conditioning within the coach, which affected 80% of the students, but left Anthony with just a 10% chance of survival. Unfortunately, Anthony had managed to contract four serious infections: Strep-Pneumonia, Influenza, Sepsis and Staphylococcus. These caused:

– His white blood cells to be reduced to zero

– Seizures whilst in a coma

– Him to be resuscitated and brought back to life and impressive 12 times

After regaining consciousness, Anthony had to learn how to walk and talk again, as well as breathe on his own after spending three weeks on an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine.

Anthony Bennett | Inspirational Speaker

After making a full recovery, Anthony Bennett played a major role in winning a £7.5 million charity partnership between Whitbread PLC and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, where he spent four years travelling the UK inspiring people to get involved with raising much-needed funds. The money raised went towards the construction of a brand new cardiac hospital wing, helping to treat 20% more children. To date, this partnership has raised over £20 million.

He went on to be named one of the happiest people in the UK in The Independent on Sunday’s 2015 ‘Happy List’, a programme recognised by the Prime Minister for his efforts in enriching the lives of others and making Britain a better place.

Anthony Bennett | Speaker

Anthony Bennett is now an international speaker, inspiring global audiences with his tale of survival.  As an inspirational keynote speaker, Anthony shares his powerful personal story of surviving 12 near-death experiences and 10% chance of survival, to becoming one of the happiest people in the UK. His story of resilience and positivity is a perfect fit for organisations looking to boost morale, improve mental health awareness, and spark meaningful reflection within their teams.

He provides keynote speeches at conferences, inspirational talks at businesses and charities, and motivational workshops at schools. What sets him apart is not just the extraordinary nature of his survival story, but the way he translates those lessons into practical, uplifting guidance for everyday life and work.

His speaking style is known for being warm, approachable, and authentic. Rather than presenting himself as a polished, untouchable figure, James draws on his own vulnerabilities and lived experience to connect with audiences on a human level. He has an ability to take a harrowing personal journey and transform it into a powerful source of hope, encouraging others to look at their own challenges.

Anthony Bennett’s Clients: AB InBEV, Allocate, Amazon, Beefeater, BMA, BT, CIPD, Citizens Advice, Costa Coffee, EIZO, GS1, Harvard Medical School, hfma, HM Prison Service, IOPC, IQVIA, Lloyds Bank, L’Oreal, Network Rail, NHS, Piramel, Premier Inn, SKY, Swim England, Teenage Cancer Trust, uniper, Very, Whitbread.

Anthony Bennett | Speaking Topics

– The Power of Teamwork

– Dealing with Setbacks

– Using and Sharing your Superpower

– Maintaining Motivation

– Resilience

– Mental Health

– Being ‘Miracle Man’

– Overcoming Fear

Anthony Bennett | Keynote Topics

Dealing With Setbacks & Being the Best You Can Be: Positive seeds of growth are often planted during some of our lower times. Opening new ways of thinking about setbacks and the positives that can come out of that, Anthony speaks on the impact of self-challenge and saying yes to opportunities and being the best you can be.

The Journey (Teamwork): Storytelling through his multiple brushes with death, Anthony highlights the importance of teamwork and how everyone, from the patient-facing cleaners, nurses, and surgeons to the behind-the-scenes procurement and warehouse teams, all played a role when it came to saving his life.

Resilience & Building a Positive Mindset: With mental-health related absences on the rise, we are seeing an increase in the number of people being signed off work with depression, anxiety, and burnout. When a positive boost is needed, these sessions are the perfect way to motivate and inspire your teams. Anthony shares examples and practical tips on building resilience and working with our inner voices to work with us rather than against us.

A heartfelt thank you from an ex-patient: For health-related issues, this presentation gives everyone an insight into the superpower they have, whether they appreciate it or not. Anthony’s thought-provoking sessions uplift the hearts and minds of all listening and makes them wonder: What is your superpower?

As well as these keynote sessions, Anthony has now developed a longer interactive 90 minute session, helping audiences follow their inner “Dream Voice”.

Anthony Bennett Mental Health Speaker

With mental health high on everyone’s agenda – thanks partly to the COVID-19 pandemic, home working and loneliness – Anthony also offers virtual events to help with work-related absences thanks to depression, anxiety and burnout.

Anthony Bennet School Speaking Talks

He also provides online sessions for schools, utilising digital technology such as social media – where he has a following of over 10,000 – in order to reach the minds of young people and provide them with confidence and motivation.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book inspirational speaker Anthony Bennett for your corporate event.

Contact us.