Speakers 2026
David Faulkner - OverThunk
David considers himself a lucky husband and dog dad of two. For the past 20 years, his career has been about helping people think about things they might not have thought about before, so they can get where they want to be. Through his business, OverThunk, he help teams become truly intact, he also coaches and shines a light on the magic managers who keep workplaces thriving.
With a thought-provoking message on Managering, he brings clarity, depth, and a powerful call to rethink Leadership.
Dave James - Dave The Coach
Dave James is a speaker coach and professional speaker who works with leaders, professionals and creatives to help them speak clearly and authentically without losing themselves in the process.
His work is about more than just performance, it’s about presence, helping people to feel safe when using their own voice.
Dave previously delivered a TEDx talk on mindfulness and men’s mental health, which was selected as a TEDx editors pick. Across coaching, comedy and speaking, his work explores trust, authenticity and what happens when we focus on connection.
Dave's talk brings a bold and insightful approach to power of public speaking to create change in our own lives.
Donston Powell
External Affairs Director at BetaDen
With a background in marketing and a career focused on technology-led growth, Donston works at the intersection of innovation, investment, and ecosystem building. He is particularly passionate about emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing, and health tech, and how these can be translated into practical solutions for businesses and communities. Through his work at BetaDen, he supports founders to scale, attracts corporate and institutional partners, and helps shape sustainable innovation ecosystems beyond reliance on public funding. A frequent speaker and workshop facilitator, Donston is known for making complex technologies accessible to non-technical audiences, inspiring organisations to engage with innovation confidently and responsibly.
The One Where You Understand Quantum
Technology: Prepare for a talk that brings Quantum Tech from the seemingly abstract, distant and difficult to understand - to simplicity and understanding in everyday life and potentially to the future of local industry.
Kate Cox
Founder, Worcester Paint Festival
Kate Cox is a Neurodivergent (ND) visionary Creative Producer. Not afraid to take risks, Kate has created multiple bold projects from conception to reality, including Worcester Paint Festival, Clik Clik Collective (live installations including ‘Gin Lane’ at Worcester Victorian Fayre), the ‘Cabinet of Lost Secrets’ venue at Nozstock the Hidden Valley, alongside strong community engagement. She is passionate about Street and Graffiti Art Culture.
Her talk challenges our beliefs on Street Art & Graffiti
Dr Laurence Quinn
MedMan on YouTube
Dr Laurence Quinn is an experienced NHS GP and Clinical Educator. He supervises GP Registrars and teaches Bristol University medical students, helping the next generation of doctors connect before they correct. He also runs ‘MedMan’, a YouTube channel where he’s helped millions make sense of their health with honesty and simplicity. A father of two and lifelong learner, Laurence believes listening and attention can heal in ways modern medicine sometimes forgets.
Prepare for a talk that informs & inspires - 'What 10,000 Conversations Taught Me About Listening'
Nicole Allison
Founder, Worcester City Women Football Club
Nicole Allison is a Worcester-born leader in women’s sport dedicated to reshaping football for future generations. Having played and coached the game locally, she transitioned into the business side of football with senior roles at Tottenham Hotspur FC and the English Football League. As Founder of Worcester City Women FC and Director of WCWFC In the Community CIC, she is pioneering a rare independent club model in European women’s football, delivering professional standards and significant community impact outside the traditional men’s club structure. Nicole also lectures in sports entrepreneurship and football business, championing equality, innovation, and new career pathways for young women in sport.
Nicole's talk challenges existing sports systems and highlights a new way to work with sports for women.
Toktam Thomas
Founder, Toktam Thomas Health
Born into instability, immigrating at four, and emancipated by twelve, Toktam Thomas discovered a profound truth: we don’t rise once life becomes easier—we rise the moment we stop arguing for our limitations. As a mother of two who built a business from inner clarity rather than outer circumstances, she now helps ambitious leaders release the identities that keep them trapped in survival.
Toktam’s work is about creating the inner freedom from which execution becomes effortless, discipline becomes identity, and success becomes a natural expression of who you are.
Toktam's talk shares the real, fluff free truth to what truly cultivates happiness & fulfilment.
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What is TEDx?
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, independently organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxWorcester, where x = independently organised TED event. At TEDxWorcester, TED Talks videos and live speakers come together to spark meaningful discussion, connection, and inspiration within our community. The TED Conference provides overarching guidance for the TEDx program, but each TEDx event, including TEDxWorcester, is self-organised by local volunteers and leaders.
Please note that our event is independently planned, and all content, speakers, and programming are curated specifically for Worcester.