
One of the Most Inspiring Motivational Speakers for Schools UK
Jillian is a published author, mentor and motivational speaker for schools. Her experience working with students in the UK and other countries stretches for more than a decade.
Youth empowerment is something she feels strongly about. This is evident in the various initiatives she’s actively involved in both in her capacity as a public speaker and humanitarian who runs charities supporting the youth in Britain, all the way to India.
Today, Jillian is one of the most sought-after motivational speakers for schools because – well- she gets it.
She spends a lot of her time with the youth, so she understands issues young people at different age groups are grappling with. This is why institutions looking for a motivational speaker for students, from high schools to universities, will love working with Jillian: she has a way of getting through to young people to inspire or pass a key message.
By drawing on her own personal journey and understanding of young people’s experiences, she empowers students to overcome adversity and motivates them to chase their goals.
If you’re looking for a speaker for schools that will leave a lasting mark on your students, Jillian will get the message across through inspiring stories and dynamic presentations that will motivate students to hit new heights.
“Role Model of The Year”: Nationally recognised as one of the top motivational speakers for schools UK

Jillian’s work with young people is extensive, both as a speaker for schools and individual projects that seek to empower students across all levels.
Her UK Youth E3 programme adopts a holistic approach to prepare students in Britain for the outside world by equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in the modern economy. These include essential but often-overlooked life skills like mental wellness and financial literacy.
Her incredible work with the youth did not go unnoticed. In 2017, she was awarded the prestigious “Role Model of The Year” by the Advertiser Newspaper for gracing the highest number of schools in the country as a motivational speaker for students.
But for Jillian, being a great speaker for schools and youth empowerment champion is less about the numbers and more about the impact that she makes on every learner.By partnering with her, together you can empower more younger minds and create a brighter future for them and society as a whole.

“It was such a privilege to hear Jillian’s remarkable story. She is a woman gifted with many qualities, but what shines through above all is her authenticity. She does not sentimentalise or sensationalise the events of her life; she does need to do so. Instead she speaks the truth with a simple clarity and honesty that captivates and touches. She has witnessed and experienced many extreme things, but she distils all of her various life experiences into some simple urgent truths; as such, she is a living embodiment of the power and resilience of the human spirit.
For young people today, who may well have anxieties about their future and who are besieged by consumerist messages from the media, it is hard to imagine a better voice to offer welcome reassurance and an enlightened perspective. Students were inspired to ‘do something’ following her talk and quickly organised a magnificent concert that raised over £1000.”
Nick Russell, Head Teacher, Epsom College, UK
Motivational speaker for high school students
One of the key groups Jillian works with as a speaker for schools is high school students.
Teens go through a lot during this challenging phase. The importance of finding someone outside of parents or teachers to give them self-belief, inspire them and empower them to tackle challenges affecting them cannot be understated.
Jillian has delivered hundreds of talks as a motivational speaker for high school students in Britain. Examples of schools she’s worked with include:
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Woldingham
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Westminster
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Kings Bruton
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Lord Wandsworth
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Hymers
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Windermere School
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Canford
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Colston
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Giggleswick
In addition to motivational talks, Jillian also partners with learning institutions to set up student speaking competitions and group workshops. She can also be booked during awards ceremonies, pre-exams motivation and end of year celebrations.
Testimonials

"Jillian Haslam didn't get to where is today by chance or coincidence, but as the result of her intelligence, hard work and most importantly because of her determination. This characteristic was apparent from the moment she began her talk, yet it is not the defining memory of her lecture for that surely must be her sincerity and humility. Not many motivational speakers begin by thanking the audience and go on to thank the teachers present for the work they do. However, as she explained, without her teachers she could not have achieved all she has, nor would she have been inspired to now work towards changing lives.
The term inspiring is often over-used, yet she truly deserves the epithet as her talk was by turns stirring, moving and encouraging. Her focus was not on telling a rags to riches story that glorified her own achievements, but on outlining how each person can apply similar strategies to their own life and decision making processes to enable them to move towards their goals; in doing so she held her audience totally captivated.”
Paul Adams, Giggleswick School, UK

“Dear Jillian, Thank you very much for taking the time to come and share the celebration of the success of our young people with us this week. In what must be an extremely busy schedule, we are grateful for your captivating talk in which you shared your words of wisdom, inspiration and guidance. A number of parents, students and staff commented on how much they enjoyed your speech. It was very evident from where I was sitting that you had all the girls' full attention. ”It was lovely to see the genuine care you gave each girl as she received her prize. A moment I know parents will treasure.”
Tom Gibson - Headteacher (Celebration of success evening), Holy Cross School, UK
Motivational speaker for college students
College students are another group of young people Jillian works with as a speaker for schools. She connects with students at a more candid level to empower them to deal with challenges they are struggling with while equipping them with the tools they need to take advantage of the opportunities out there.
One of the most inspirational educational speakers in the UK, Jillian provides valuable perspectives to students about the world beyond school. Her speeches are relatable and impactful, with insights that are germane to the real world.
As a motivational speaker for college students, she has empowered thousands of students in colleges and universities across the UK to overcome challenges and chase after their goals, working with some notable institutions such as:
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Cambridge
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Kings College
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Heriot-Watt
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Durham
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St. Xavier’s College
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Epsom
Jillian is a resilience expert who draws on personal anecdotes and her professional journey to demonstrate to young adults in college that it is indeed possible to maximise their potential and realise their biggest ambitions no matter the setbacks they face.
If you’re looking for motivational speakers for schools that can make a lasting mark on your students, Jillian – a 6-time TEDx speaker – has an amazing ability to connect and engage with youth to help them unlock their true potential.
Testimonials

“When Jillian stepped into the room we first saw a successful businesswoman dressed nicely with a friendly smile. However, after having given her talk, our impression of her changed completely. This was the starting point of an inspiring speech given by a fascinating personality. How do you get from the slums of Calcutta to jobs in companies such as the Bank of America? How did she get to where she currently was? The goal of her speech was to depict her reality, not to make people cry but to show that despite everything, she came out such a strong woman. All the tragedies Jillian and her family had to go through were more than we can even think about, but these are what made her who she is today – a truly inspiring and unique woman.”
Alice R. Blanc. Kings College London, UK

“It was an absolute pleasure to have you as a speaker at the TEDx event held at The HeriotWatt University. The attendees were inspired at the end of your talk and we are excited to share it with the rest of the world. If you visit Edinburgh again in the future, the team would definitely like to go for a meal with you!
Motivational talks such as going from Campus to Corporate to Succeed are much needed these days and I will positively be in contact very soon in order to arrange this.
Thank you again.”
Aman Gosrani, HeriotWatt University, UK
Speech Themes
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Resilience
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Confidence building and Overcoming anxiety
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Mental health
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Goal setting
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Finding your purpose
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Motivation
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Self-empowerment
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Dealing with setbacks
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Bullying
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Healthy coping skills
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Social media/procrastination
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Developing soft skills
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Developing healthy habits
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Value of hard work
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Career planning & Job readiness
Inspire your students with one of the top motivational speakers for schools
Jillian’s personal journey of adversity and resilience serves as the perfect template to inspire young minds to unlock their full potential.
This – coupled with her supportive programmes and passion to prepare the youth for a brighter future – makes her the ideal person to have over for when learning institutions need to call on impactful motivational speakers for schools.
Jillian mostly delivers her presentations in person, whether in classrooms, school assemblies, auditoriums or lecture halls. But she is open to doing virtual talks as well.
Testimonials

Jillian spoke at Canford School’s annual Festival of Ideas on the theme Borders and Boundaries. She spoke inspiringly to our Year 9 and 10 pupils. She created a palpable connection with all the members ofa large audience in the Layard Theatre. Her warmth, strength, humanity and humility were felt by one and all andshe held the attention of a young audience simply by telling her extraordinary story and encouraging the students to make the absolute best of all the opportunities and privileges that come their way. She spoke movingly about her childhood in the India and, most importantly, was truthful but not in any way indulgent: her story of taking initiatives and crossing borders and boundaries was relevant to all members of the
audience, regardless of their background.
She also spoke to the entrepreneurial instinct that is latent in many of our pupils, showing that doing well in business and caring for humanity need not be in opposition. Most importantly she used her experience to show our pupils that success involves a willingness to take on all kinds of tasks and not to find anything beneath their dignity. In a week that was designed to open minds to the complex world beyond the school she brought a message that was inspiring and hopeful.
John James, Borders and Boundaries Festival Director, Canford School, UK

“Jillian was a terrific speaker, who really engaged the pupils with her extraordinary story and energy-filled delivery. The lessons Jillian has drawn from her life, her extraordinary achievements and her dedication to philanthropy are things every pupil should hear. Several pupils sought me out afterwards to tell me that they had been inspired and changed by the experience of listening to Jillian’s talk. With every best wish.”
Nick Page, Deputy Head (Co-Curriculum), Westminster School, UK
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the best motivational speaker for students?
The best motivational speakers for students are speakers that can connect effectively with students and leave a lasting impression on the students. Jillian Haslam’s work with the youth in high schools and colleges aims to shape students to be the best version of themselves as they prepare for life outside school. Awarded the “Role Model of The Year” by the Advertiser Newspaper in 2017, she definitely has a strong case when it comes to evaluating the best motivational speakers for schools in the UK.
Why are motivational speakers important in schools?
Motivational speakers provide a spark of inspiration for students to aim higher and chase their goals. Through personal stories of adversity and triumph, they paint a good picture for the young minds that with belief and persistence, it is possible to realise their ambitions.
What are the benefits of guest speakers for schools?
Guest speakers for schools provide an outsider’s perspective to learning which, while it may sound basic, is one of the most effective ways to make an indelible mark on students. In other words, if you want to get through to students or pass a key message, a guest speaker for schools might be more effective than parents, teachers or lecturers.