Michael Omoniyi

Michael Omoniyi is an award-winning social entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of The Common Sense Network, a millennial-led news platform committed to balanced journalism. He is also the Founder and Director of Our God Given Mission, a charity that promotes Christian values through outreach and education. Drawing from his lived experiences as a Black British man and a polymath who has navigated politics, academia, sport, and faith-based communities, Michael is a powerful racial equality advocate and speaker. His keynote topics range from start-ups, community and system change to faith, politics, social media, leadership, company culture, diversity, the future of work, high performance, teamwork, and mental health—all delivered with a deep understanding of identity, opportunity, and structural barriers.

Michael’s journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Manchester, followed by a master’s in Political Science, Democracy and Elections. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Philosophy. His early career saw him serve as a Facilities Assistant in the House of Commons, before working with the Athletics Delivery Team for the London 2012 Olympics, building on his background as a national-level athlete in table tennis, handball, and sprinting. Deeply invested in youth advocacy, Michael was Deputy Chair of Greenwich Young People’s Council, and served as the UK Ambassador to the EU for The British Youth Council, consulting thousands of young people and presenting findings at international forums.

His contributions have earned him several accolades and senior roles. In 2019, the Financial Times named him one of the 100 Most Influential Leaders in Tech in the UK. He is the youngest ever Non-Executive Director and Independent Council Member of the University of Salford. He also sits on the board of Chatham House – The Royal Institute of International Affairs, and is a trustee at GMAX Trackstars, supporting young athletes. Michael is also the founder of The Apex Group, a network of CEOs sharing best practice, and The BAM Project, a programme helping young men redefine masculinity.

Whether delivering TEDx talks like Redefining Common Sense or addressing the United Nations and global platforms like the Misk Global Forum, Michael’s ability to intertwine race, politics, and leadership into his topics makes him an impactful and highly sought-after speaker. His talks go beyond diversity tick-boxing; they challenge audiences to think critically about systems of inequality while inspiring them to build inclusive, high-performing cultures. For organisations seeking a speaker who brings depth, integrity, and intersectional insight into racial equality and broader societal change, Michael Omoniyi is a compelling and necessary voice.