Ben Smith was born into a military family and sent to boarding school at a young age. It was here he first started being bullied for his sexuality which caused his low levels of confidence. This had a massive effect on his mental health and he felt he couldn’t cope with what his life was at the time. As scary as it had seemed at the time, the TIA Ben suffered in his late 20’s made him change his life around. He put on his trainers and joined a local running club, which, in turn, motivated him to help others.

In 2015/16, Ben set out to run one marathon every day for 401 days across the UK. Covering 10,506 miles, he raised over £330,000 for two anti-bullying charities, Stonewall and Kidscape. The challenge gained national and global coverage, increasing the awareness of how harmful bullying can be at any age.

Thanks to the 401 challenge, Ben founded the 401 Foundation which offers easily accessible grants of between £100 and £3,000 to help local communities and individuals build their confidence, self-esteem and positively contribute to people’s mental wellbeing.

Ben Smith – Overcoming Adversity

Ben’s story is one of triumph over adversity and it inspires and motivates all audiences. Ben brings to life the importance of respecting and accepting others no matter who they are. Understanding that resilience is the key to overcoming difficult times in your life, and ultimately believing that the limitations we think we have, have only been put there by ourselves are impactful lessons to learn.

Ben Smith Keynote Motivational Speaker

Ben delivers a story that is both captivating and inspirational. Covering the practical aspects of logistical planning and professional planning, his talks incorporate triumph over adversity, mental toughness and mindfulness.

As part of our ‘Chat With…’ Series, Ben spoke to our Great British Speakers’ director Jane Farnham about mental resilience – his experience with depression, attempted suicide, sexuality and finding happiness. Watch the interview here.

You will find Ben travelling extensively to inspire all sorts of people at all kinds of events both indoors and outdoors, and now virtually, including schools, higher education establishments and corporate clients.

His unique, honest and humorous style of presenting his story is sure to inspire and relate to any audience. His talk resonates with people on so many different levels and can be easily adapted to any occasion. It’s a real-life story about finding what makes you happy.

Ben Smith and the 401 Challenge

Ben put all his experiences with mental health and bullying into a book, 401: The Extraordinary Story of the Man Who Ran 401 Marathons in 401 Days and Changed His Life Forever in 2019. It became a critical hit, inspiring readers with his commendable journey of a previously lost and broken man who discovered that anything is possible, if only you choose to search for what makes you truly happy.

Ben Smith Speaking Topics

Ben has delivered over 400 talks, reaching over 90,000 people since completing his 401 challenge. His teaching includes healing through support, achieving goals and above all, proving that with happiness and a strong foundation, anything is possible. Other areas include LGBTQ+ and mental health. In 2016, Ben shared a TEDx Youth talk titled ‘Happiness’ which addressed how he changed his life through an improved mindset. Equally relevant for corporate audiences, Ben instils the skills required to triumph through difficult times and establish strong mental resilience. Ben has worked with a number of businesses including Cintra, Elite Travel and the Insurance Institute of Ipswich.

Ben Smith Awards and Appearances

The 401 Challenge has won Ben Smith a number of awards and accolades including: the Helen Rollason Award at the 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the Pride of Britain National and Regional Fundraiser of the year 2016, the Power of Light Award from the Cabinet Office and commendations from Her Majesty The Queen, HRH The Duke of Cambridge and Prime Ministers David Cameron and Theresa May.

Whilst Ben is very grateful for these accolades, what motivates him most is the positive effect the 401 Challenge has had and continues to have on hundreds of thousands of people around the world. But he’s not done yet.

Between June and September 2022, Ben Smith will run and cycle over 10,000 miles across all 50 US states, in just 86 days with the aim of raising over £100,000 for mental health charities. He aims to help support people who, like him, have had problems with depression and suicide, struggles with their sexuality, and above all, want to find true happiness.

A Chat with Speaker Ben Smith

As part of our ‘Chat with…’ podcast series at Great British Speakers, our director Jane Farnham sat down with Ben to talk about his experience of bullying, confidence and self-esteem, physical and mental health and wellbeing, and LGBTQ+. Find out more HERE.

Ben’s difficult life experiences have led him to where he is today. He has had to change his mindset and open himself up to new and exciting, and sometimes scary, opportunities.

As a speaker, Ben Smith is extremely open and honest, genuinely telling audiences about the good, the bad and the ugly of his life, and explaining how courage and determination can help the lives of many, not just your own.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book mental health and LGBTQ+ speaker Ben Smith for your corporate event. 

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