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Engineer, BBC presenter & inclusion advocate

Ayo Sokale

Ayo Sokale helps organisations build inclusive, future-ready cultures. A Chartered Civil Engineer, BBC presenter, and neurodiversity speaker, Ayo works across sustainability, neurodiversity, STEM inclusion, and innovation, bringing insight from national engineering leadership roles. Nominated as a Top 50 Women in Engineering and Top 24 Global Ethnic Majority Role Model in STEM.

Trusted by Environment Agency, Get Coached, BBC

Ayo Sokale, Speaker | Chartered Engineer & BBC Presenter
Ayo Sokale

Ayo Sokale

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.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Ayo Sokale's biography

At a glance

  • Chartered Civil Engineer and water sector leader
  • BBC presenter and science communicator
  • Neurodiversity and inclusion advocate in STEM
Ayo Sokale is a Chartered Civil Engineer, BBC presenter, and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), whose career bridges infrastructure delivery, inclusion advocacy, and science communication. Ayo developed her engineering career over more than a decade in the water sector and built environment, including nine years at the Environment Agency delivering major flood risk management projects. She now serves as Principal Engineering Manager and sits on several ICE committees and the ICE Council, shaping national infrastructure policy while mentoring the next generation of engineers. Ayo has also served as Reading's Deputy Mayor and founded Plastic Free Caversham, giving her a grounded, evidence-based perspective on what inclusion and sustainability look like in practice. As a Black autistic woman working across engineering, broadcasting, and public service, Ayo brings lived experience to conversations about neurodiversity, representation, and systemic change. She co-presents the CBeebies science show Get Set Galactic, and her media work includes projects with BBC Reel, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and Smithsonian Channel. Ayo hosts and delivers thoughtful, high-energy sessions for leadership teams, STEM organisations, and companies navigating culture change. Blending engineering insight, systems thinking, and personal experience, she speaks on sustainability, neurodiversity, innovation, inclusion, and the realities of building environments where different perspectives are genuinely valued. Audiences leave with practical ways to think more creatively, lead more inclusively, and better support talent within complex organisations. Book Ayo to inspire your organisation with practical solutions that turn today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities through the power of diverse thinking and sustainable innovation.

Ayo's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Driving Meaningful Change In A Climate-Critical World
Ayo Sokale addresses the pressing climate change challenge and its implications for modern professionals. She discusses the sustainability triad, environment, social, and economy, alongside the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Key topics include biodiversity, reducing single-use plastics, and the roles of individuals, businesses, and governments. Ayo highlights environmental injustice through UK and US case studies and critiques current approaches to sustainability. Attendees will learn about the interconnectedness of sustainability, economy, psychology, and technology, equipping them to drive meaningful change.
Women In Tech, Construction, And STEM
Ayo Sokale addresses the crucial issue of equal representation for women in tech, construction, and STEM fields. She emphasises the importance of having women involved in designing the built environment and technology that shape our lives. Ayo challenges existing biases surrounding women's careers and highlights their positive contributions to these industries. By exploring the evolution of gender representation and drawing lessons from nature's diversity, attendees will gain insights into overcoming biases and fostering inclusivity in their professional environments.
Value The Difference
Ayo Sokale emphasises the importance of diversity of thought in her talk. As a black autistic woman in STEM, she reflects on how societal pressures often push individuals to conform, which undermines true inclusion. Ayo argues that genuine diversity requires creating spaces where everyone can authentically express themselves and be respected for their unique contributions. Attendees will learn about the barriers to inclusion and strategies to foster an environment that values diverse perspectives.
How To Think?
In this engaging talk, Ayo Sokale addresses the challenges leaders face in navigating political constraints and conflicting stakeholder needs while striving for meaningful change. Drawing from her political career and leadership experiences, she emphasises the importance of self-awareness and understanding the desired impact. Ayo introduces the GROW model for goal-setting and the Kotter 8-step change model to facilitate transformation. Attendees will learn five key lessons for driving positive change, including anti-dehumanisation and radical self-accountability.
Addressing Social Mobility In Modern Britain
Ayo Sokale emphasizes the importance of social mobility in the EDI conversation, particularly in the UK, where class issues are deeply ingrained in culture. She argues that acknowledging and addressing these issues is crucial for societal progress. Social mobility enables individuals to move through social strata, benefiting businesses and the economy. Attendees will learn about the structural barriers affecting social mobility and the necessary actions for policymakers and corporations to create inclusive opportunities for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Why we recommend booking Ayo

Ayo's ability to move fluently between technical expertise, public life, and personal authenticity makes her one of the most credible voices available on inclusion, STEM, and leadership today. Her engaging, insightful contributions make her popular with audiences and organisers alike.

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Trusted by Environment Agency, Get Coached, BBC

Testimonials

Ayo was fantastic and the session went down really well. Please extend my thanks to her for such a well presented and well-rounded session, not only touching on race but also neurodiversity a topic we have also presented on earlier in the year.

Monty Onanuga

ClearBank

What a wonderful speaker! Very dynamic, informative and entertaining.

National Trust

The event was hugely successful and Ayo was truly inspirational! Could you please convey our thanks and appreciation to Ayo for a very engaging talk - feedback has been very positive.

HCG

Featured Projects

Ayo Sokale - OTHERED: How to Thrive & Disrupt in Spaces Not Created for You book cover
Ayo Sokale - Wednesday Weekly Wisdoms podcast cover
Ayo Sokale - Get Set Galactic book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Ayo Sokale for my next event?
Email ayo.sokale@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk 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 Ayo's 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.

What is Ayo Sokale's speaking style like?
Ayo Sokale structures her sessions around case studies drawn from her own professional and civic experience — including flood risk management projects at the Environment Agency and her founding of Plastic Free Caversham — to ground systemic topics such as sustainability and inclusion in evidence-based, real-world outcomes. She applies systems thinking across the sustainability triad and diversity frameworks, connecting policy, psychology, and technology to give attendees a practical analytical lens rather than abstract principles.

What topics does Ayo Sokale specialise in?
Ayo Sokale speaks on climate sustainability and environmental justice, gender representation in STEM and construction, and neurodiversity and inclusion in the workplace. She is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, with nine years at the Environment Agency delivering major flood risk management projects, and co-presents the CBeebies science series Get Set Galactic.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

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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.

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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.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

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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. 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.

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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.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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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.

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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.