Speaking Topics

Enterprise & Entrepreneurship

From a charitable group to a commercial company, anybody can work and live better by getting more creativity, passion, vision and risk-taking into their day. I’m also a tried and tested branding expert. I’ve worked with both small groups within companies helping people to see how they can develop an enterprising mindset and also addressed large conferences held by regional development agencies, local councils and national trade associations. Without exception people have left my talks with more energy, more drive and more self-belief. I get countless testimonials, like this one:

“Deirdre is a very amusing and energetic speaker. She has a great story to tell and is an inspiring and knowledgeable entrepreneur.”
Michelle Storer, Ernst & Young

Women in Business

The only thing holding us back is what’s in our heads. I’ve given workshops to small groups and addressed large crowds of would-be and current female business owners. Work-life balance, business start up, business growth, self-esteem and self-belief are often on the agenda. Simply put, I know what appeals to women, I know how we think, what we want and what’s holding us back, but more importantly, what will take us forward.

“A naturally inspiring speaker, Deirdre “tells it like it is” in language which strikes a real chord with her audience. Her enthusiasm for business and for life in general is highly infectious.”
Simon Hill, Yorkshire Forward

Deirdre: can you get a quote from a woman for this one? Having a bloke doesn’t make sense to me.

After Lunch/Dinner

What’s the best way to spend your time after a great meal? Bring on the entertainment. I don’t sing or do magic, but wait till you hear my story about the Russian’s coming to Leeds, how I morphed from stand-up comedienne to entrepreneur while stuck in traffic at Birmingham’s Spaghetti Junction, or learn how you too can increase productivity by appearing on Wife Swap. From Chamber of Commerce lunches to entertaining guests of law firms, I’ve done it all, and still love doing them.

“In my experience, it is very rare to find a speaker that captivates and maintains the attention of the whole room and Deidre did just this. Her animated and dynamic approach was refreshing and exciting. Her frank and honest account of her rise to success and the trails, tribulations and challenges on that journey was professional, and truly inspirational. The audience were poised for the next chapter and each account was punctuated with humour and passion.”
Jenny Snell, Event Manager for Trinity Mirror Group

Masterclasses

SME growth along and personal growth is what I know because I’ve done it. Business in the 21st century must be executed differently to succeed in this mad and fast world. Rapid innovation is key to competition in the global market place. Told through my own personal experiences starting a business from scratch ‘without a bloody clue’, I did it fast, differently and defied the skeptics and then sold it for millions while the rest of the rest of the travel industry was on its knees.

For businesses owners and senior managers, creating a vibrant enterprise is exhilarating and exhausting. But where there’s no pain, there’s no gain: both financially and personally. Spending a few hours with my no-nonsense approach will increase your bottom line, either through the canny cost savings tactics I’ve learned, or by implementing a more creative approach to marketing, recruitment and retention, sales, leadership, diversity and even your EXIT.

Choose from:

SME Growth: for the not so average business
Brand: – Is your bland?
Leadership: Why would anyone follow you?
Personal Development: Are you operating at your best?

Or a mixture of all four!

“The feedback from the group has been incredibly positive. They absolutely loved it! They have to evaluate all the sessions they have and you gained a 100% maximum in terms of enjoyment of the session (rare indeed!).”
LEAD North West

Awards and hosting

As a winner of my fair share of awards, I know that electric feeling in the room (and the need to tame the rabble!) as the event moves to its conclusion. Because I am a business owner I also empathize with the huge effort that goes into business on a day to day basis. Trust me, I’ll keep the event moving and ensure that everyone on the shortlist feels special… as they should.

“I must write to say how pleased we were with your recommendation of Deirdre Bounds as speaker and host at our Awards Ceremony. She very quickly established a positive rapport with our team and with the audience. Her informal approach and sense of humour allowed her to get across a serious message in a very appropriate and well-received way.”
George D, CEO, National Federation of Enterprise Agencies

Young people

I love speaking to young people. And because of that I decided to become the official Enterprise Ambassador for Young People in Yorkshire and Humber. I’ve addressed large and small events with the focus on raising aspirations. As you’ll know, it’s not always about making it rich or becoming famous. Sometimes a great story told in a way that resonates can change a young person’s life forever. That’s why I do it.

“Deirdre’s talk to our MBA students provided an inspirational insight into the mind of an entrepreneur. Her ideas and presentation of them were first rate. Our students gain great benefit from listening to creative thinkers like Deirdre. Such experiences are crucial to the education of the next generation of business leaders.”
Professor Peter Moizer, Dean, Leeds University Business School