Shaun Flores

Shaun Flores is a dynamic international keynote speaker, mental health advocate, and education consultant transforming conversations on OCD, masculinity, identity, and neurodiversity. A five-time TEDx speaker, public speaking trainer, and NHS peer support worker, Shaun brings lived experience and evidence-informed insight to audiences across education, corporate, and healthcare settings.

His journey, shaped by overcoming OCD and ADHD, has fuelled his mission to challenge misconceptions and foster greater understanding. As he frequently states, “OCD was the worst thing to happen to me, and I am determined to be the worst thing to happen to OCD.”

Contact Great British Speakers today to book Diversity & Masculinity, Neurodiversity and Mental Health Campaigner Shaun Flores for your next event.

Type Of Speaker

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More About Shaun Flores

Before fully dedicating himself to mental health advocacy, Flores had a successful career as a commercial model, collaborating with prominent brands such as Uber, Peloton, John Lewis, and Walkers. During this time, he struggled with disordered eating and the pressures of maintaining an unrealistic body image, challenges that are often overlooked in discussions surrounding men’s mental health. His experiences in the modelling industry have strongly influenced his work on redefining masculinity and promoting healthier body image ideals for men, a central theme in many of his talks.

Diagnosed with OCD & ADHD in 2022, Shaun has used his personal journey from trauma to transformation to create impact through storytelling, vulnerability, and psychological tools. His signature workshops, including “Rejection Rehab”, “The Flores Effect”, and “The Masculinity Playbook”, blend therapeutic insight with real-world relevance empowering students, professionals, and leaders to navigate mental health, resilience, digital overwhelm, and inclusive culture. He is a leading voice in redefining masculinity, using lived experience and public speaking to challenge outdated norms and promote emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and resilience in men.

He is also working on an upcoming book, a deeply personal narrative that delves into the misconceptions surrounding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and broader mental health challenges, particularly within the Black community. The book explores his diagnosis of OCD at 27, which became a pivotal moment in his advocacy journey. It also addresses his struggles with ADHD, disordered eating, and the pressures of maintaining unrealistic body standards during his modelling career, offering a candid look at the intersections of race, masculinity, and mental health.

His work includes collaborations with clients such as First Rate Exchange Services, Panasonic, NHS trusts, Bromford Housing Trust, JAAQ, Men’s Health UK, and educational institutions. He has also worked with charities like MIND and CALM, delivering keynote speeches, workshops, and consultations that promote mental health awareness, diversity, and inclusion.

SHAUN FLORES TEDx SPEAKER

Shaun has delivered talks at institutions including City, University of London, St George’s University, Kings College London, and platforms such as TEDxTamworth, TEDxImperial College, and TEDxSheffield Hallam. His corporate and DEI engagements include partnerships with Panasonic UK, White Ribbon UK, and multiple NHS trusts

His first talk saw him speaking about the education system in 2018 in a piece titled ‘The Failures of Multiculturalism’ followed by ‘The Straitjacket of Masculinity’ in 2022 about masculinity and male mental health – you can watch both talks below.

He is due to complete a 5th TED talk about psychedelics and a possible mental health revolution.

SHAUN FLORES KEYNOTE TALKS

1. “Reframing Privilege: Challenging the Narratives That Divide Us”

This talk breaks out of the echo chamber that often surrounds discussions of privilege. It challenges conventional wisdom by examining privilege through social justice and conservative lenses and incorporating insights from The Unfair Advantage and Malcolm Gladwell’s David and Goliath. It encourages audiences to rethink their views on power and opportunity.

2. “Beneath the Surface: Unmasking the Hidden Realities of Anxiety and Depression”

In a world that never stops, anxiety and depression often thrive unseen. This talk goes beyond clichés, offering a raw, authentic exploration of what it means to live with these conditions. I share my experiences, discuss modern life’s paradoxes, and offer unconventional strategies for managing mental health.

3. “A Hunter in a Farmer’s World: The ADHD Story by Shaun Flores”

This talk delves into the evolutionary theory behind ADHD, exploring how traits once essential for survival are now seen as disadvantages in a structured world. I challenge common misconceptions, discuss the impact of modern technology on ADHD, and highlight how ADHD can be harnessed as a superpower.

4. “Redemption Culture, Not Cancel Culture: Calling People In, Not Calling Them Out”

In an era of deep divisions, this talk advocates for a shift from cancel culture to a culture of redemption. By exploring the dangers of thought policing and the power of open dialogue, I encourage audiences to move beyond calling people out and towards calling them in, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

These talks have been designed to engage, challenge, and inspire audiences. They address some of the most pressing issues of our time with depth and nuance. They will resonate across various settings, from corporate events and educational institutions to social justice forums.

SHAUN FLORES IN THE MEDIA

Featured by BBC, Channel 4, Metro UK, Men’s Health, and the International OCD Foundation, Shaun is also a published writer and emerging author of his memoir-in-progress, Breaking the Chains of Obsession. A former model with campaigns for Vogue Italia, ASOS, Uber, and Peloton, he now channels his creativity into social change, self-advocacy, and cultural impact.

He is also the host of the Flower Hour podcast, where he aims to bridge societal gaps and produce a more inclusive society by discussing topics such as race, politics, music, social media, sexuality, religion, self-confidence, masculinity, inclusion, diversity, mental health, and rehabilitation. Guests include life coach Africa Brooke, founder of the Black Curriculum Lavinya Stenett, and Free Black University member Melz Owusu.

Shaun’s mission is clear: to leave the world better than he found it through education, compassion, and helping others speak from the soul, not the script.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book Masculinity, Neurodiversity and Mental Health Speaker Shaun Flores for your corporate event.

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Testimonials

Shaun is a phenomenal and inspirational mental health advocate who shares the true realism of what OCD is from his lived experience. Shaun’s advocacy has helped changed the landscape of OCD awareness to which has given everyone around the world a much more deeper level of understanding and so much hope! I’m one of those people to which I’ll forever be thankful to Shaun for helping me in my recovery journey. Shaun is a true OCD warrior and an inspiration to all.
Matthew Bannister, Peer Support Worker

The talk Shaun delivered was the best event I have done within my time as Students Union Deputy President by far given the fact that he manages to provide intellectual talks in a way that’s engaging as well on taboo topics like OCD, something that isn’t being addressed and so many don’t even realise they suffer from – ‘ a brutally misunderstood disease’ as he describes it. Even being a man talking is very important given how rare it is to find men in the space, speaking openly and authentically on their experiences. Naturally, it’s very hard to do so given the societal stigmas that exist for men to speak on their mental health. So many people who attended the event were quick to reach out to me, speaking on how amazing they found the talk and how it educated them on OCD, something they lacked an understanding of prior.

Ashton Shepherd, Deputy City St George’s University President

have had the privilege of working with Shaun Flores in a professional capacity, having invited him to speak at events for both students and staff. Through this work, I’ve had the opportunity to observe his communication style, integrity, and commitment to social impact. I can confidently say he is one of the most impactful speakers I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with. Shaun’s ability to connect with audiences through honesty, vulnerability, and tailored messaging is truly remarkable.

Mya Chopra, Mc Farlane Disability Coordinator LAMDA University

To say that Shaun imacted our students is an understatement. I was blessed to sit in an assembly room full of our male students speaking publicly about their perceptions of their body image and masculinity due to Shaun’s openness to discussing his mental health journey. Shaun went above and beyond on his day with us, and I am so excited that this is only the beginning of the work we will do together—he really does impact those lucky enough to hear him speak.
Oli McVeigh, Assistant Headteacher at Ferndown Upper School

As the lead organiser for TEDx University of Sheffield, I contacted Shaun to be a speaker curator for our event given his previous broad experience in public speaking. He did an outstanding job coaching our speakers drawing upon his experiences and own strategies, providing them with excitement and motivation. Shaun is a fantastic public speaker with experience in TEDx events and always willing to help, approachable and involved. It was a pleasure working with him.
Maria, TEDx University of Sheffield Lead Organiser

Shaun is one of those rare speakers capable of provoking thought and stirring emotion. Having invited him onto my BMTstories platform – and had the offer returned with an interview for his podcast series – I have witnessed first-hand his unique ability to probe complex issues and plumb the depths of his own lived experience to share invaluable gems.
Alain, Founder of BMTstories

Shaun provided a heart-warming, honest and informative understanding of living with OCD. The group were really engaged, and Shaun took the time to answer every question. He received lots of positive feedback and I would recommend him to any organisation.
Oxleas NHS

Shaun is an electrifying public speaker. His passion for the subject matter is infectious. Almost instantly, people can gain a fresh perspective on important issues affecting our everyday lives and transform perception through his effortless skill. Shaun has deep professional expertise, and it shows. He draws on his own lived experience to illustrate the change that is needed in society today – which he and his work is spearheading. His sessions are packed with illuminating anecdotes, surprising paradoxes, and a refreshing dose of authenticity. Shaun is a lively and provocative speaker on such sensitive and important topics. He is well-connected and a trusted resource on public speaking, presentations and sessions and opens such important dialogue through his work. It is my pleasure to give Shaun my highest recommendation as a keynote and public speaker. He continues to deliver valuable information and insight in an inspiring manner.
Annabelle, Emerging Talent Diversity Advisor, HSBC

CoachBright is a social mobility charity working with disadvantaged young people across England. Shaun spoke at two of our City University graduations – trips designed to celebrate our students’ hard work and inspire excitement for their futures – to both GCSE and A Level students. Shaun’s thoughtful, honest and encouraging speeches on mental health and perseverance held the room throughout, and led to many insightful questions. Thank you so much Shaun!
CoachBright