Available to book

Blind tech pioneer & ultra runner

Simon Wheatcroft

Adversity

Resilience

Disability Awareness

Transform accessibility and innovation with Simon Wheatcroft, speaker, blind tech pioneer. Simon works with organisations to develop inclusive technology solutions and inspire resilience, collaborating with IBM, Google, and MIT while achieving global recognition for groundbreaking ultramarathon accomplishments.

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Trusted by IBM, Google, MIT

Simon Wheatcroft

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

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Book Simon

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Simon Now

Instant quote

•

No upfront fee

•

Vetted speaker

Speaker Biography

Blind

International Day of Disability

Digital Expert

STEM

Inspirational

Athlete

At a Glance

Blind tech pioneer and adventurer
Developer of inclusive technology
First blind solo runner of New York Marathon

Blind tech pioneer and adventurer Simon Wheatcroft refuses to let his lack of vision hold him back. With his extensive experience working with top technology firms such as IBM, MIT, and Google, Simon is dedicated to creating inclusive technology that allows himself and others to achieve what many consider unattainable. His projects range from developing robotic control systems for individuals with motor neurone disease to creating AI machine learning switching systems and sonification of data analysis. In addition, Simon has made significant contributions to improving the inclusivity and diversity of hackathons through his creation of hackcessible, a user-led accessible hackathon event. Simon's journey began after he became blind at 17 due to a genetic eye disorder. Determined to overcome his disability, he embarked on a mission to climb a mountain in California and propose to his girlfriend. Although safety concerns prevented him from reaching the summit, this experience taught him the importance of not allowing his lack of vision to defeat him. Upon returning to the UK, Simon embraced technology and learned to run outdoors unaided, relying on a smartphone app and his remaining senses. In just seven months, he went from running on a football field to completing his first race of over 100 miles. Through partnerships with technology firms and the use of social media, Simon has since participated in marathons and ultramarathons. Simon's achievements have gained international recognition, with features on TV programs like CBS News Sunday Morning Live and BBC Click. He even made headlines in the New York Times as the first blind man to solo run the New York Marathon. Simon's unwavering determination and groundbreaking accomplishments inspire others and push the boundaries of what is possible.

Topics, Sessions and Talks

Adapting Technology For A More Accessible World

In this talk, Simon Wheatcroft will explore technology and its often-unseen applications. He'll delve into inclusive design and how it leads to a more intuitive experience for all. Finally, Simon will share how minimal computer-to-human interactions can build complex experiences.

How Facing Adversity Helps To Achieve Your Goals

In this talk, Simon Wheatcroft will define the differences between quitting and failure. He'll explore the driving forces of quitting and how to bring back a positive, as well as the power of failure and the lessons it can teach.

Minimizing Risk By Setting Achievable Tasks

In this talk, Simon Wheatcroft will share how to reduce large goal risks by examining smaller tasks. He'll also explore implementation intentions and the ability to handle the unknown. Finally, Simon will share his experience of handling risk in life and death situations.

Why We Recommend Booking Simon

Book Simon Wheatcroft as a speaker to inspire your team with his remarkable journey of overcoming blindness and achieving the extraordinary. His expertise in cutting-edge inclusive technology and dedication to breaking barriers will motivate your audience to redefine their limits. Simon's story of resilience and innovation will leave a lasting impact, driving creativity and determination in your business.

Check Simon's availability

Trusted by IBM, Google, MIT

Testimonials

We invited Simon to speak out our annual UK & Ireland conference. His amazing journey and experiences truly inspired the team and made them think more deeply about their own untapped inner strengths. Simon delivered his speech with great humility and humour that only made it more powerful and resonated more strongly with the audience. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Simon as a motivational speaker.

Ed Couchman

Facebook

The most inspirational speaker we have ever seen.

British Printing Industries Federation

Simon spoke at Google's flagship Think Performance conference for C-level execs and simply stole the show with his moving and memorable stories of how advances in tech, specifically smartphones and now Google Glass, allow him to achieve his extraordinary goals.

Matt Brocklehurst

Product Marketing, Google

15,000+ experts

Have Questions About Booking?

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What topics does Simon Wheatcroft specialise in?

Simon Wheatcroft specialises in discussing inclusive technology, accessibility, adventure sports and more.

What is Simon Wheatcroft's speaking style like?

Simon delivers with humility and humour, inspiring audiences through powerful storytelling and personal experience. His talks motivate teams to recognise their own strengths and embrace new possibilities with confidence.

How can I book Simon Wheatcroft for my next event?

Email simon.wheatcroft@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 Simon Wheatcroft 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 Simon Wheatcroft'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 Simon Wheatcroft directly.

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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. 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.

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