Shappi Khorsandi

Shappi Khorsandi is a distinguished satirist, comedian, and author who has carved a niche for herself as a keynote speaker on diversity and inclusion, neurodiversity, and race and ethnicity. A veteran of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Shappi has been captivating audiences with her sharp wit and incisive social commentary for over two decades. Her critically acclaimed 2006 show, “Asylum Speaker,” explored her experiences as a child refugee from Iran, blending humour with honesty to address complex themes. This success led to her bestselling memoir, “A Beginner’s Guide to Acting English,” further establishing her as a powerful voice on cultural diversity and inclusion.

Shappi is also known for her work in raising awareness about neurodiversity, particularly through her book “Scatter Brain: How I Finally Got Off the ADHD Rollercoaster and Became the Owner of a Very Tidy Sock Drawer.” This candid account of her own journey with ADHD has resonated with many, offering both humour and insight into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the condition. Her comedic approach to discussing serious issues ensures that her talks are both engaging and thought-provoking. As a regular on UK comedy programmes such as Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week, and 8 Out of 10 Cats, Shappi brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her speaking engagements.

A graduate in Drama, Theatre, and Television from the University of Winchester, Shappi has combined her educational background with her sharp social observations to become a highly sought-after speaker. She has received multiple accolades for her work, including an honorary degree from her alma mater and the James Joyce Award for outstanding achievement from Dublin University. Her radio show, “Shappi Talk,” on BBC Radio 4 further showcased her ability to tackle sensitive issues with humour and insight, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in British comedy and social commentary. As a keynote speaker, Shappi draws on her extensive personal and professional experiences to offer fresh, authentic, and compelling discussions on topics like sexism, mental health, and the importance of cultural diversity.

In her talks, Shappi challenges tokenistic approaches to diversity, urging organisations to move beyond superficial representation and engage in meaningful dialogue at all levels. Her sessions on mental health and wellbeing offer a deeply personal look into her struggles with bulimia and anxiety, providing audiences with practical tools and a compassionate perspective on managing mental health. Shappi also addresses everyday sexism, drawing from her experiences as one of the few women in a male-dominated comedy industry. Through humour and honesty, she explores how both women and men can collaborate to dismantle systemic prejudices and work towards a more equitable future. Shappi’s authenticity and engaging style make her an impactful advocate for change and a highly respected keynote speaker.