Festival of Speech 2025

Louise Minchin

Since leaving the breakfast TV sofa Louise hosts Her Spirit Podcast to inspire women everywhere to live a healthier, happier life. She has also appeared as herself in Spooks and Torchwood, competed in Celebrity MasterChef, and represented Britain at the World Triathlon Championships.

Richard Ayoade

Coming to prominence in the hit Channel 4 comedy The IT Crowd, Richard has gone on to present Travel Man and Gadget Man. He also acts as the deadpan guide to contestants navigating The Crystal Maze, has directed two hit feature films, written two books and regularly pops up on panel shows.

Rahaf Harfoush

Exploring the intersection of innovation, culture and digital transformation, Rahaf has written bestselling books, lectured at Paris’ Sciences Po university, and worked for the World Economic Forum. She has explored how data has changed the relationship between organisations and employees, discovered new disruptive businesses, and considered the implications of digitisation in all aspects of society.

Jamie Laing

The co-founder of Candy Kittens, one of the fastest growing confectionary brands in Europe, Jamie has gone from Made In Chelsea to being a popular face and voice across the media, from Strictly Come Dancing to Radio 1 to his NewlyWeds and Great Company podcasts.

Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly

In a career spanning the military, business, and local and national politics, James is one of a handful of politicians in history to have served as both Foreign and Home Secretary. Serving through some of the most tumultuous times domestically and internationally, James has a unique insight into the workings of politics and diplomacy, strategy and decision-making. He explores what good and bad leadership looks like, the risks of success, and what the future holds for UK, European and global politics.

Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon

The longest serving, and first woman, First Minister of Scotland, Nicola is a leader and pioneer in politics. Working with five UK Prime Ministers through events including the independence referendum, Brexit and the pandemic, Nicola considers the profound lessons, both personal and professional, in leadership, decision-making and trust-building that her remarkable career has instilled.