Conference Speakers

Gavin Oattes

Gavin Oattes is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, award-winning comedian, best-selling author, and Managing Director of Tree of Knowledge, a prominent people development organisation in the UK. With a dynamic career that seamlessly blends education, comedy, and motivational speaking, Gavin has become one of the most sought after speakers worldwide.

Beginning his career as a primary school teacher, Gavin discovered the profound impact of inspiring young minds. This experience ignited his passion for motivational speaking, leading him to transition into the realm of personal and professional development.

As Managing Director of Tree of Knowledge, Gavin has been instrumental in delivering engaging and transformative experiences to a diverse range of audiences.

Renowned for his high-energy and humorous storytelling, Gavin excels in delivering keynote speeches that resonate deeply with audiences. His presentations explore themes such as leadership, change, mindset, and wellbeing, inspiring individuals and organisations to “do it better than they have to.”

A firm believer in the power of positivity, Gavin demonstrates how optimism, resilience, and a proactive mindset can transform workplace culture, boost performance, and create genuine happiness at work. He understands that motivation must be authentic, rooted in real experiences and meaningful actions rather than surface level enthusiasm.

Gavin has authored six best-selling books, including Life Will See You Now, SHINE, A Head Full of Everything, and Diary of a Brilliant Kid: Top Secret Guide to Awesomeness.

His writing blends evidence-based insight with warmth, humour, and real-world relevance, making complex ideas around mindset, resilience, and wellbeing practical and actionable in the workplace.

His latest book, Confidently Lost, launched in October 2025, explores how embracing uncertainty can build confidence, adaptability, and sustainable performance, themes that strongly resonate with leaders, learners, and organisations navigating ongoing change.

Conference speakers

David D’Souza

David D’Souza

Before joining the CIPD, David worked as an independent consultant, having held previous roles across a range of financial services and retail organisations....

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Thomas Glen

Thomas Glen

Thomas has been Chief Executive Officer of Perth and Kinross Council since November 2021. He is responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational...

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Stephen Miller

Stephen Miller

Stephen is accredited as a specialist in employment law and in discrimination law by The Law Society of Scotland. He advises on and represents clients in all...

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