Availability dot

Available to book

Speaker, adventurer & resilience expert

Ed Jackson

Ed Jackson is a resilience speaker who helps organisations build mental toughness, drawing on his recovery from a life-changing spinal injury to climb mountains. A former rugby player and Channel 4 Paralympics presenter, he co-founded Millimetres 2 Mountains.

Trusted by Nespresso UK, Texel Foundation, Red Bull, Microsoft, Smith & Nephew

Ed Jackson
Ed Jackson

Ed Jackson

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get Ed's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Ed

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Ed Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Ed Jackson's biography

At a glance

  • Former rugby player and recovering quadriplegic
  • Mountain climber, adventurer, and broadcaster
  • Co-founder of Millimetres 2 Mountains charity
Ed Jackson is a former professional rugby player, broadcaster, author, and adventurer whose extraordinary story of recovery and reinvention has inspired audiences worldwide. After a devastating spinal cord injury in 2017 left him paralysed from the neck down, Ed defied all odds to walk again, climb mountains, and rebuild his life with renewed purpose. Today, Ed shares powerful lessons on resilience, perspective, and the strength of the human spirit. Drawing on his background in elite sport and his experience of catastrophic injury, he demonstrates how to overcome adversity through goal setting, reframing setbacks, and embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth. His story resonates across industries, offering practical insights into leadership, teamwork, and performance under pressure. Ed’s recovery journey has seen him summit peaks such as Snowdon and Mera Peak, co-found the charity Millimetres 2 Mountains to support others facing adversity, and launch businesses including Vapoura Rum. He has also told his story through the Sunday Times bestseller Lucky, the documentary The Mountain Within Me, and the podcast It's Good To Walk. Alongside his speaking career, he has become a familiar face on Channel 4, presenting Paralympic coverage during Tokyo 2021 and hosting athletics at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Ed equips organisations with practical strategies for navigating change and uncertainty. His framework for goal setting, reframing setbacks, and embracing discomfort as a growth catalyst helps teams develop mental toughness and adaptability essential in today's challenging business environment. Audiences leave Ed's presentations with concrete tools to cultivate resilience during adversity, practical methods to transform limitations into opportunities, and renewed clarity about focusing on possibilities rather than obstacles. His authentic approach creates lasting impact by connecting universal human experiences to everyday workplace challenges. Book Ed to inspire your team with actionable insights that turn setbacks into stepping stones for extraordinary achievement.

Ed's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

The Bright Side
After a life-changing accident, Ed Jackson discovered the power of perspective. In this talk, he shares how reframing negative experiences can open new pathways to growth, productivity, and fulfilment. Using personal stories of recovery and reinvention, he demonstrates how a positive mindset isn’t about denial of hardship, but about choosing courage and optimism as tools for transformation in business and in life.
The Discomfort Zone
Ed Jackson explores how true resilience is built not in comfort, but through challenge. Drawing from his own recovery and mountain expeditions, he reveals how pushing beyond perceived limits can unlock clarity, focus, and self-belief. With humour and honesty, Ed shows how embracing discomfort transforms potential into performance, helping individuals and teams adapt and thrive in uncertain or high-pressure environments.
Blind Summits: Next Steps in the Face of Uncertainty
In moments of uncertainty, progress often depends on focusing only on what’s directly ahead. Ed Jackson uses his journey of climbing mountains after paralysis to show how breaking down overwhelming goals into small, achievable steps creates clarity and momentum. His message offers powerful lessons in perseverance, adaptability, and maintaining focus when the end goal seems out of sight.
Ed's Story: Millimetres 2 Mountains
Ed Jackson takes audiences from the height of professional rugby to the depths of paralysis and back to the mountain summits he was told he’d never reach. Through his story of determination and recovery, he explores how to overcome fear, set meaningful goals, and find purpose in adversity. His powerful narrative reminds audiences that progress is measured not by speed, but by perseverance, focus, and belief in the next step.

Why we recommend booking Ed

Ed Jackson delivers powerful insights on resilience and adaptability, drawing from his extraordinary journey from paralysis to mountain climbing, equipping teams with practical strategies to transform setbacks into opportunities. Book this former rugby player and Paralympics presenter to inspire your organisation with actionable frameworks that cultivate mental toughness and drive extraordinary achievement in today's challenging business environment.

Check Ed's availability

Trusted by Nespresso UK, Texel Foundation, Red Bull, Microsoft, Smith & Nephew

Testimonials

Working with PepTalk has been an absolute breeze. Every speaker we’ve heard from has been absolutely perfect for our needs and the conversation we want to share with our colleagues. Notably Ed Jackson’s talk was inspiring, vulnerable and so honest and his story and delivery has left a lasting impression on all of us. The team at PepTalk are so attentive and have been able to translate our requests into the perfect reality.

BT

Made a tangible impact on my staff who were hugely complimentary about Ed's inspirational talk. Highly recommend for any team going through a period of change or transformation.

Gareth Nokes

Chief Financial Officer, Aspen Insurance Group

Very inspiring talk from Ed Jackson at Microsoft yesterday. Incredible story, amazing what can be achieved with the right mind set and determination. Highly recommended.

Iwan Evans

Director Customer Programs, Microsoft

Featured Projects

Ed Jackson - Lucky book cover
Ed Jackson - The Mountain Within Me documentary cover
Ed Jackson - It's Good To Walk podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Ed Jackson for my next event?

What is Ed Jackson's speaking style like?

Ed Jackson structures his talks around first-person narrative drawn from his spinal cord injury, recovery, and subsequent mountain expeditions, using these as sequential case studies to illustrate each principle he presents. He pairs this with a practical framework covering goal setting, reframing setbacks, and embracing discomfort, giving audiences concrete tools they can apply in workplace contexts.

What topics does Ed Jackson specialise in?

Ed Jackson speaks on reframing adversity, building resilience through discomfort, and navigating uncertainty by breaking goals into achievable steps. He is a former professional rugby player who, following a 2017 spinal cord injury that left him paralysed from the neck down, went on to summit mountains including Mera Peak and write the Sunday Times bestseller Lucky.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.