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Gary Parsons is a respected voice in the mental health space, known for sparking honest conversations that challenge how we view leadership, resilience, and wellbeing at work. As the founder of Leaders in Disguise and the Selfish Leader Club, Gary draws on personal experience and professional insight to help audiences understand how mental health directly shapes leadership effectiveness and organisational success.
What sets Gary apart is his authenticity. For over two decades, he has lived with facial paralysis — a journey he bravely shared on Channel 4’s Love My Face. This experience, combined with his business background as the former founding CEO of Talk Staff, gives him a unique perspective on vulnerability, visibility, and self-leadership. He understands the pressure leaders face and how neglecting mental health can lead to burnout, poor decision-making, and team disconnection.
He’s also a recognised changemaker, having been honoured with the Commitment to People Development Award by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. Whether he’s hosting the Leaders in Disguise podcast or mentoring through the Selfish Leader Club, Gary is committed to helping others embrace their whole selves — imperfections included. His forthcoming book, Why Selfish Leaders Make the Best Leaders, will expand on these ideas, encouraging leaders to put their own wellbeing first so they can better serve others. It’s a message that’s timely, necessary, and often overlooked.
Gary’s talks are both moving and practical. He doesn’t just share his story — he equips leaders with tools to look inward, prioritise wellbeing, and lead with impact. His message resonates strongly in today’s climate, where more organisations are recognising that psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and personal accountability are essential for long-term success. Organisations book Gary Parsons because he opens minds. He helps leaders rethink what strength really looks like — not in hiding their struggles, but in owning them. For events that want substance, vulnerability, and action, Gary delivers.
“Having known Gary for over six years, I’ve been consistently impressed with his personal approach to business and his ability to engage with a cross-sector of audiences. He has a natural gift for public speaking that really shines, especially when he’s talking about topics that affect businesses and their journey to success. His honest, articulate and inquisitive style is genuinely engaging and always leads to productive conversations. I have spoken on panels alongside Gary, been in Boardroom discussions with him and we’ve had numerous informal chats and he always offers valuable insight. I know he is a keen advocate for breaking down barriers relating to mental health in the workplace and I have seen him speak with passion and integrity at events on this subject. Gary is always willing to share experience and mentor others and I would have no hesitation in recommending him.”
“I would recommend Gary as a top guy who knows his product, service and clients and I have not come across any other consultant with such passion to get it right for his clients. Always going that extra mile. They broke the mould when they made Gary. Wishing Gary and the team the very best.”
“Gary speaks with compassion and drive, drawing from his own lived experiences, he champions positive mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Encouraging conversations for leaders to show vulnerability and recognise their own mental ill-health, enabling them to seek support at the earliest opportunity. He is amazing to work with.”
The Mental Health Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for emotional wellbeing experts since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes athletes, psychologists, celebrities and more, to ensure that audiences of all demographics receive tailored, impactful mental health guidance.
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