Steve Gilbert OBE

With over a decade of experience leading work to tackle racism, and improve outcomes for people living with mental illnesses, Steve Gilbert OBE is the go-to speaker, consultant and coach for organisations serious about delivering meaningful change. Widely recognised for his deep understanding of the issues, powerful presentations, clarity of communication, warmth and relatability, meticulous planning, and striking candour, Steve has been trusted to both deliver and chair keynote speeches at industry leading events.

Having battled with mental illness since his late teens, experiencing the painful depths of Depression, destructive highs of Bipolar Disorder, and heart-breaking episodes of Suicidal Ideation and attempts, Steve has repeatedly had to fight for his life.

Against the backdrop of psychological abuse from his parents and siblings Steve has continued to display grit and determination as he overcomes the obstacles and pitfalls that accompany life with a serious mental illness. As a Dual-Ethnicity child, with a Black father and a white mother, growing up in a largely white neighbourhood, Steve grew up not ‘fitting in’.

As he grew older Steve became aware of the role racial discrimination had in the high rates of serious mental illness on his father’s side of the family. It is his personal and familial experiences which drive Steve’s work.

Steve has made it his life’s work to tackle racism and support organisations and leaders to become Anti Racism organisations. Steve has also set up an Anti Racism Leader Coaching business.

Like so many others, Steve started out as a Time to Change Champion, volunteering with others to engage in conversations about mental health with members of the public. Steve was awarded an OBE in 2019 Queens’ Birthday Honours List for services to Mental Health.

As a speaker and facilitator Steve works to explore the needs of the audience, what they need to experience and the intended benefits for them, crucial to delivery of a powerfully, persuasive professional speech which will captivate the attention of your audience, compelling them to take action.