Ben Cohen MBE is a former England rugby international and founder of the StandUp Foundation, the world's first anti-bullying charity focused on equality and inclusion.
Ben earned over 50 caps for England and remains the joint second-highest try scorer in the team's history. He played a central role in England's 2003 Rugby World Cup victory and represented the British and Irish Lions. He has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins, and The Real Full Monty, whilst collaborating with brands including Nike, Jaguar, and O2.
Following his retirement from professional sport, Ben shifted his focus towards social impact and advocacy. He founded The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation and works closely with charities including Orchid, BBC Children in Need, and Sports Relief. Diagnosed as clinically deaf himself, Ben supports initiatives promoting accessibility in sport for deaf and hard of hearing people.
Ben’s experience competing at the highest level of international sport, alongside his work challenging bullying and discrimination, gives him a grounded perspective on resilience, identity, and leadership under pressure. He draws on his personal journey to explore what it means to perform in demanding environments, and how cultures built on respect, equality, and empathy support both individual wellbeing and collective success. His work spans sport, education, business, and community settings.
Audiences gain insight into building stronger, more supportive teams, navigating adversity with honesty, and fostering inclusive environments where people feel valued and heard. Ben shares practical reflections on handling difficult conversations, managing pressure, and encouraging accountability, helping organisations create cultures that promote trust, resilience, and long-term engagement.
Book Ben Cohen to inspire your audience with real-world lessons on teamwork, resilience, and creating positive change through leadership and action.
How can I book Ben Cohen for my next event?
Email ben.cohen@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Ben Cohen for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Ben Cohen's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Ben directly.
What topics does Ben Cohen specialise in?
Ben Cohen specialises in discussing inclusive leadership, social impact, teamwork and more.
What is Ben Cohen's speaking style like?
Ben delivers engaging, insightful talks with warmth and professionalism. He is well prepared, flexible, and connects easily with audiences, blending personal stories and practical advice for a memorable experience.
Does Ben Cohen offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Ben Cohen offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.