Ben Smith

From Darkness to Endurance: My Journey of 401 Marathons

Ben’s journey from struggling with his identity and mental health to completing one of the most extraordinary endurance feats ever attempted is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. In this talk, Ben takes audiences through his transformation, how he went from hitting rock bottom to running 401 marathons in 401 days across the UK. He shares the highs and lows of his 10,000 mile journey, revealing how embracing vulnerability and stepping outside his comfort zone was the key to unlocking his true potential. This session is a masterclass in overcoming adversity, showing teams that no challenge is insurmountable when you believe in yourself. Attendees leave with a renewed sense of what’s possible, inspired to reimagine their own limits and take bold steps forward.

• Resilience
• Endurance
• Mental Health
• Marathon
• Perseverance
• Overcoming obstacles
• Physical fitness
• Mental Strength
• Motivation
• Community

Breaking Barriers: The Courage To Be Authentic

Finding the courage to live authentically was the hardest and most rewarding journey of Ben’s life. In this talk, he dives deep into his experiences of hiding his true self and the inner battles that nearly cost him his life. Ben discusses how letting go of societal expectations and embracing his real identity transformed not just his own life, but also the lives of those around him. Through personal anecdotes and honest reflections, he challenges audiences to question where they might be holding back and encourages them to break free from the fear of judgment. This talk is perfect for teams and leaders wanting to foster an environment of inclusion and authenticity. By the end, participants feel empowered to step into their true selves and create a culture where others feel safe to do the same.

The Power of Choice: Redefining Possibility

Every life changing transformation begins with a single decision. In this inspiring talk, Ben shares how pivotal choices have shaped his journey, from overcoming personal struggles to achieving the seemingly impossible. He explores how choosing to take control of his life and run The 401 Challenge not only changed his own path but inspired thousands along the way. Ben highlights the power of everyday decisions, showing how even small choices can redefine what’s possible. This talk encourages teams to take ownership of their actions, recognise their potential, and realise that their choices today can create extraordinary opportunities for the future.

Unapologetically Me: Embracing Diversity & Inclusion

In a world that’s becoming more connected yet more divided, understanding the value of diversity and inclusion is more important than ever. Ben’s story of growing up in a society that marginalised his identity as a gay man offers powerful insights into the importance of acceptance, both self acceptance and that of others. This talk focuses on the challenges he faced in coming to terms with his sexuality, the barriers he overcame, and the importance of fostering environments where everyone feels they belong. Ben illustrates how embracing diversity isn’t just about compliance, it’s about empowering individuals to bring their authentic selves to the table, which leads to stronger teams and more innovative thinking. Teams leave with a deeper understanding of how inclusion creates a powerful culture of trust and creativity, and how embracing each other’s differences can drive success.