Keynote Speaking
Jonathan Griffiths is an award-winning, UK-based keynote speaker on celebrating brilliant humans and workplaces. He speaks from original research, original concepts, and twenty years of watching what happens when organisations get the human side of leadership right — and what it costs when they don't.
Every talk draws on lived experience and data — most notably a 2026 research study asking 105 people what makes someone truly brilliant. The answers weren't intelligence, achievement, or charisma. They were kindness, empathy, and inspiration. Three qualities most organisations have stopped measuring, and most audiences immediately recognise as the ones that actually matter.
Each talk is built on this original research and on two decades of evidence for what human-centred leadership actually produces. See the business case →
The research finding
105 people. One question. The answer wasn't what most organisations measure.
Kindness. Empathy. Inspiration.
Explore the ideas →Signature talks
Each talk stands alone. Many clients choose one; some ask for two across a conference day. Jonathan is happy to advise on what fits the audience, format, and brief.
The keynote of feeling
Mr Fudge was Jonathan's dog. A cockapoo with no interest in performing, impressing, or being anything other than exactly himself — and the family member who, during one of the hardest periods of Jonathan's professional life, quietly refused to let him disappear.
This talk is where the research finding lives in its most human form. It's the story of a burnt-out marketing leader, a dog who knew what good looked like before any of the data did, and what happened when Jonathan finally listened.
Audiences leave with something they can't shake: the realisation that they already know what brilliant looks like. They see it every day. They've just stopped naming it.
Enquire about this talk →The keynote of perception
Humans are wired for negativity. The platforms we live inside are built to exploit that wiring. Outrage, fear, and conflict produce more engagement than kindness, gratitude, and quiet decency — so that is what the feed serves. Not because the world is hostile. Because hostility keeps you scrolling.
But 105 people told us something different. 89% say most people they know are generally good and kind. 81% had a small, ordinary act of kindness make their day better in the past week. 83% of those acts cost the giver nothing at all.
The world is kinder than your feed suggests. This talk is the case for noticing what you've been trained to look past — and what that means for how you lead.
Enquire about this talk →The keynote of utility
What happens to a team when fear replaces trust? When the culture that was supposed to support people starts quietly destroying them instead? Jonathan has been in that room — not as a consultant, but as someone who lived through it.
This talk is built on that experience and on the HABITS framework: a six-part model for leaders who want to build high-trust, psychologically safe teams — or rescue one that's already in trouble.
Not a theory of ideal conditions. A practical toolkit for the reality most leaders and teams are actually in.
Enquire about this talk →Stages & events
From global sporting events to boardroom leadership summits — Jonathan has spoken in front of audiences of all sizes and sectors. Engagements span conference main stages, leadership offsites, internal all-hands events, and school award ceremonies.
Pax8 Beyond EMEA
Technology & MSP conference
MSP Global
Global industry summit
The Narcissistic Abuse Conference
Mental health & recovery sector
Rugby World Cup 2019
Japan — global sporting event
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Japan — global sporting event
Sales Kickoffs & All-hands
Marketing & technology sector
Leadership Summits
HR, IC, and internal comms
Panels & Roundtables
Marketing, tech, and sports focus
School Award Ceremonies
Education sector
Jonathan on stage
The showreel is currently in production. In the meantime, clips from recent engagements — including excerpts from the PSA national competition performance — are available on LinkedIn.
If you're a bureau agent or event organiser and need video references ahead of a pitch, get in touch directly and Jonathan will point you to the most relevant material for your audience.
Showreel in production — clips available on LinkedIn and on request
"Jonathan Griffiths is not just an expert in his field, but also an exceptional storyteller who connects deeply with his audience. He inspired our students to think critically, embrace challenges, and pursue their dreams with positivity."
Lizzi Matthews Headteacher, Broadwater School
For event organisers & bureau agents
Each talk stands alone. Many clients choose one; some ask for two across a conference day. Jonathan is happy to advise on what fits the audience, format, and brief — reach out and he'll give you a direct answer, not a brochure.
All talks are available as keynotes, workshop sessions, or shorter inspiration slots and can be tailored to the room — whether that's a conference main stage, leadership offsite, internal all-hands, or school event.
Downloads: short bio, long bio, headshots, media kit →Get Jonathan on your stage
If you're planning a leadership summit, culture conference, SKO, all-hands or school event and you want a speaker who'll make the room feel something and then do something — get in touch. Jonathan personally replies to every enquiry within 2 working days.
Book Jonathan →Or email hello@jonathangriffiths.co.uk for bureau enquiries