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Gen Z hiring expert & speaker

Sophie O'Brien

Transform recruitment practices with Sophie O'Brien, speaker on Gen Z talent acquisition and values-based hiring. Sophie works with startups and SMEs to eliminate CV bias and identify purpose-driven candidates, leveraging insights from her 5,000+ diverse talent community.

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Sophie O'Brien, Speaker | Founder, Pollen
Sophie O'Brien

Sophie O'Brien

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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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Sophie O'Brien's biography

At a glance

  • Founder of innovative recruitment platform Pollen
  • Leading voice in Gen Z workplace trends
  • Advisor on value-based hiring practices
Sophie O'Brien is the founder of Pollen, a recruitment platform that is reshaping how young people access meaningful employment by eliminating traditional CVs and focusing on potential. With a background in media and advertising, Sophie has navigated her own challenges within conventional education and employment systems, which fuels her commitment to democratising career opportunities for Gen Z and beyond. Her work centres on innovative hiring practices, diversity in the workplace, and empowering the next generation. Sophie addresses the persistent difficulties startups and SMEs face in attracting the right talent, particularly in a landscape where hiring experienced candidates can be costly and reactive hiring cycles are common. By adopting a values, behaviours, and skills-based approach, she helps leaders identify candidates who align with their business ethos rather than merely their experience. Sophie taps into a community of over 5,000 motivated and diverse job seekers, enabling businesses to reach hidden talent beyond their usual networks. Her decade-long experience in hiring within small companies has equipped her with the insights needed to bridge the gap between young job seekers and employers. In addition to her entrepreneurial efforts, Sophie speaks at business festivals and SME events, sharing her expertise on engaging the Gen Z workforce. Her workshops focus on aligning work with purpose and understanding the values that drive Gen Z, emphasising the importance of meaningful work over financial incentives. Sophie’s insights into the emerging Gen Z leadership crisis highlight the need for organisations to adapt their engagement strategies to meet the expectations of a new generation prioritising balance, purpose, and ethical practices. Her contributions have resonated with audiences, prompting them to rethink their hiring strategies and ensuring they are prepared for the future of work.

Sophie's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Gen Z and the New World of Work
Sophie O’Brien explores how Gen Z is reshaping workplace culture, challenging outdated structures, and demanding greater alignment between values and career choices. She examines the implications for businesses, from rethinking incentives to fostering inclusive work environments. Attendees gain insights into adapting to these shifts and leveraging Gen Z’s priorities to build more sustainable and equitable organisations.
Access and Opportunity
The job market remains stacked against young people, perpetuating a diversity crisis that limits business growth and innovation. Sophie O’Brien examines the systemic barriers that restrict access to employment and how businesses can rethink hiring to create fairer, more dynamic workplaces. She offers practical strategies to open up opportunities, improve retention, and cultivate talent beyond the usual networks.
Bridging Generations
Multigenerational teams are the future of work, but without understanding different expectations and communication styles, businesses risk disengagement and high turnover. Sophie O’Brien shares strategies to foster collaboration between generations, improving team motivation and workplace culture. By addressing generational differences and highlighting shared goals, she equips organisations with the tools to build more cohesive and productive teams.
Beyond the CV
The CV is no longer a reliable measure of potential, yet many businesses still rely on it as the main hiring filter. Sophie O’Brien examines why this outdated approach fails both companies and candidates, offering alternative strategies to assess talent more effectively. She provides a framework for values-based hiring, helping organisations make smarter recruitment decisions that align with long-term success.
The AI Conundrum
AI promises recruitment efficiency, but when used poorly, it often creates barriers, reduces diversity, and harms employer branding. Sophie O’Brien breaks down the common pitfalls of AI-driven hiring and how businesses can integrate technology without losing the human element. She provides insights into balancing automation with a personalised approach to improve hiring outcomes and candidate experience.

Why we recommend booking Sophie

Transform your hiring with Sophie O'Brien, founder of Pollen. With a decade of experience, she helps startups and SMEs attract and retain Gen Z talent through innovative, values-based strategies. Book now to improve your recruitment and drive sustainable growth.

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Featured Projects

Sophie O'Brien - The Pollen Pod podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Sophie O'Brien for my next event?
Email sophie.obrien@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 Sophie'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 Sophie O'Brien's speaking style like?
Sophie O'Brien structures her sessions around practical frameworks drawn from her direct experience founding Pollen and a decade of hiring within small companies, translating systemic analysis of generational workplace trends into actionable strategies for recruitment, retention, and team cohesion.
What topics does Sophie O'Brien specialise in?
Sophie O'Brien speaks on Gen Z workplace culture, systemic barriers to employment access, and multigenerational team dynamics. She is the founder of Pollen, a recruitment platform that removes CV-based screening to connect businesses with diverse young talent across a community of over 5,000 job seekers.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.