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Available to book

Speaker, boundaries expert & author

Michelle Elman

Transform workplace wellbeing with Michelle Elman, speaker, boundaries expert and bestselling author. Michelle works with organisations to improve self-worth, mental health and authentic communication, delivering impactful insights featured on ITV, BBC and in four internationally-translated books.

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Michelle Elman, Speaker | Life Coach, Author
Michelle Elman

Michelle Elman

London, 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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Book Michelle

London, 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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Michelle Elman's biography

At a glance

  • Author of best-selling self-help books
  • Host of top UK education podcast
  • Founder of Scarred Not Scared movement
Michelle Elman is a life coach, author and broadcaster known for helping people create better relationships with themselves through honest. empathetic conversations about boundaries, self-worth and mental health. Her work blends personal experience with professional insight, making her a relatable and compelling voice in the fields of wellbeing and personal development. After undergoing 15 operations by the age of 20 and living with hydrocephalus, Michelle began sharing her journey publicly to challenge perceptions around scars, illness and body image. She gained widespread recognition through her Scarred Not Scared campaign, which became a rallying point for greater visibility of people living with physical differences. Her ability to speak candidly about vulnerability and trauma has since led to numerous TV and radio appearances, including coaching on ITV’s This Morning, BBC3 documentaries and W Channel’s Adulting with Emily Atack. Michelle is the author of four best-selling books, with a fifth due for release in 2025. Her writing has been translated into multiple languages and recognised internationally, with Cosmopolitan naming The Joy of Being Selfish one of the best books on mental health. She is also the host of the top-rated podcast In All Honesty, and a regular columnist for Happiful magazine. A trained Master NLP Practitioner and Psychology graduate, Michelle brings both academic grounding and real-life experience to her work. Her talks are known for their emotional honesty, humour and accessible style, offering audiences practical tools and thought-provoking insights. With an online community of over 500,000 people, Michelle continues to shape the conversation around boundaries, confidence and emotional wellbeing. Her presence is both warm and authoritative, and her message resonates across a wide range of audiences, from school pupils to corporate leaders.

Michelle's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Have You Hated Your Body Enough Today?
Michelle Elman shares her personal journey of navigating life with visible scars, medical trauma and societal beauty standards. Drawing on 15 surgeries by the age of 20, she explores the pressure to conform and the emotional toll of hiding parts of ourselves. Through vulnerability and reflection, Michelle challenges how we view bodies and encourages audiences to shift their inner dialogue toward compassion and acceptance.
The Power of Boundaries
Michelle Elman demystifies the often-misunderstood concept of boundaries, offering a clear and structured approach to setting limits without guilt. She explores how poor boundaries can affect relationships, wellbeing and productivity, and explains why saying no is an essential part of self-care. With a frank and accessible delivery, she provides practical language and frameworks to help people assert themselves and maintain healthier connections.
Being Selfish is a Good Thing
Reframing selfishness as a form of self-preservation, Michelle Elman unpacks the stigma surrounding putting yourself first. She highlights how people-pleasing, guilt and overextending ourselves can lead to burnout and resentment. Audiences are invited to rethink the value of their time and energy, with Michelle’s trademark clarity and humour helping to normalise self-prioritisation as a vital life skill.

Why we recommend booking Michelle

Unlock your potential with Michelle Elman, the “Queen of Boundaries.” As a best-selling author and renowned life coach, her insights on self-worth and mental health provide teams with the tools to address challenges. Book now for strategies that foster growth and resilience.

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Trusted by Goldman Sachs

Featured Projects

Michelle Elman - In All Honesty podcast cover
Michelle Elman - Bad Friend: Why Friendship Breakups Hurt And How To Heal book cover
Michelle Elman - The Selfish Romantic: How To Date Without Feeling Bad About Yourself book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Michelle Elman for my next event?
Email michelle.elman@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 Michelle'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 Michelle Elman's speaking style like?
Michelle Elman structures her sessions around reframed concepts — such as repositioning selfishness as self-preservation or boundaries as practical tools rather than social transgressions — and delivers these through a combination of personal narrative drawn from lived medical experience and framework-based guidance rooted in her NLP and psychology training.

What topics does Michelle Elman specialise in?
Michelle Elman speaks on body image and medical trauma, boundary-setting and self-worth, and the reframing of selfishness as self-preservation. She is the author of four best-selling books, with Cosmopolitan naming The Joy of Being Selfish one of the best books on mental health, and founded the Scarred Not Scared campaign after undergoing 15 surgeries by the age of 20.

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.

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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.