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Available to book

Mindfulness expert & TEDx speaker

Dave James

Transform workplace wellbeing and communication with Dave James, mindfulness expert and TEDx Editor's Pick. Dave equips leaders with practical stress-reduction techniques and emotional intelligence strategies for high-pressure environments. Former NHS healthcare professional who transforms workplace wellbeing through evidence-based mindfulness practices.

Trusted by NHS

Dave James, Speaker | TEDx Pick Happiness Coach
Dave James

Dave James

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

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

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Birmingham, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Dave James's biography

At a glance

  • Professional speaker and TEDx Editor's Pick
  • Mindfulness expert for emotional regulation
  • Former NHS professional specialising in wellbeing
Dave James helps people communicate with confidence, clarity, and calm — on stage, at work, and in life. A TEDx Editor’s Pick speaker and former NHS healthcare professional, he brings together insights from mindfulness, psychology, and performance to help audiences reduce stress, build resilience, and speak with genuine presence. With a background as an A&E nurse and podiatrist, Dave knows what pressure feels like and how to stay composed under it. His personal journey through trauma and burnout led him to mindfulness and coaching, giving him a deep understanding of how mindset and communication shape wellbeing. Today, he works with leaders and teams to build confidence, authenticity, and connection through both speaking and self-awareness. Dave’s keynote, How to Be a Happy Human, explores practical ways to manage stress, avoid burnout, and find joy in everyday moments. In Happiness at Work and What Mindfulness Can Do for Men, he examines how mindfulness can transform workplace culture and emotional wellbeing. Alongside his talks, Dave also runs workshops that help people craft engaging stories, communicate with impact, and manage speaking anxiety — always with a dose of humour and humanity. Audiences leave Dave's presentations with immediately applicable tools for stress reduction, clearer communication strategies that improve relationships, and practical methods to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. His blend of science-backed techniques and relatable humour makes complex wellbeing concepts accessible and actionable. Book Dave when you need a speaker who transforms mindfulness from abstract concept to practical reality, helping your team find calm and clarity in today's demanding world.

Dave's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

How To Be A Happy Human
Dave James explores what it really means to live and work with presence, purpose, and positivity. Drawing on personal experience and humour, he shares five practical pillars that help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve emotional balance. With an emphasis on small, actionable shifts, he helps audiences understand how to build resilience and rediscover joy in the everyday.
Happiness At Work
Combining insights from leadership, wellbeing, and communication, Dave James shows how to create happier, more productive teams. He shares practical tools to improve collaboration, confidence, and connection, while addressing common causes of workplace stress and disengagement. His approachable style and sharp humour make serious topics feel refreshing and achievable.
What Mindfulness Can Do For Men
Through personal stories and grounded insight, Dave James unpacks how mindfulness can help men manage pressure, build emotional awareness, and strengthen resilience. Speaking candidly and with humour, he normalises conversations around mental health while offering simple, practical ways to stay centred and in control in high-stress environments.

Why we recommend booking Dave

Dave James combines healthcare expertise, mindfulness practice, and comedic insight to help professionals build confidence and speak authentically, transforming how teams approach communication and wellbeing in high-pressure environments. Book Dave to equip your team with practical mindfulness techniques that reduce stress, improve relationships, and create a calmer, more productive workplace.

Testimonials

What sets Dave apart is not just his professional expertise but his remarkable ability to engage and entertain. His sessions are always a highlight, filled with humour, insight, and a refreshing approach to our industry that leaves delegates both informed and inspired.

Tony Gavin

Director, Osgo

Everyone needs a Dave at their event. He over delivered. A very competent speaker, fantastic stage presence. He wove a great message into a story that captured the audience and was tailored to our event.

Jamie Stewart

Founder, Circle Networks

Very confident, capable, and able to walk that delicate line between serious and factual, or great use of appropriate humour and linking. Book him before they find out how good he is!

Dave Hyner

Motivational Speaker

Featured Projects

Dave James - Tats and Chats podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Dave James for my next event?
Email dave.james@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 Dave'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 Dave James's speaking style like?
Dave James structures his sessions around a framework of five practical pillars, delivered through personal narrative drawn from his background as an NHS nurse and his own experience of trauma and burnout, combined with science-backed techniques from mindfulness and psychology.

What topics does Dave James specialise in?
Dave James speaks on happiness and burnout prevention, workplace wellbeing and team productivity, and mindfulness for men's mental health and emotional resilience. He is a TEDx Editor's Pick speaker and former NHS healthcare professional whose background as an A&E nurse and podiatrist informs his work on stress, mindset, and communication.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

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.