Kofi Josephs · Speaking
Real experiences. Conversations that move people to act.
Kofi brings lived experience, elite sport and mental health advocacy into rooms where honest conversations matter. His talks invite people to see possibility in themselves and consider the step they can take next.
What Kofi brings to a room
Presence, honesty and a reason to act.
Kofi speaks openly about mental health and the pressures that can sit behind outward success — the version of a person an audience sees, and the one they rarely hear about.
He is still competing as a professional basketball player, and that continuing experience gives weight to conversations about identity, setbacks and performing when expectation is high.
He connects with people before, during and after a session, reading the room and adapting to the audience and the setting rather than delivering a fixed script.
His purpose is simple: for people to leave feeling seen, inspired by what is possible, and willing to consider a practical next step of their own.
Global corporate health conferenceSpeaking themes
Three starting points.
These are flexible themes rather than fixed keynotes. Most sessions draw on more than one, shaped in conversation with the organiser.
Mental health and the conversations that matter
Kofi speaks from lived experience about the gap between how someone appears and what they may actually be carrying. The session looks at vulnerability, asking for support and how a room, a team or a workplace can make space for honest conversation rather than waiting for a crisis.
Identity, resilience and performance under pressure
What a professional career in sport has taught Kofi about setbacks, injury, selection, and finding identity beyond performance. He translates the human side of high expectation into something recognisable for anyone judged on results — in a classroom, a hospital, a business or a changing room.
Inspiration, aspiration and the power to act
The Why Not I idea: recognising possibility, questioning the assumptions that quietly limit people, building belief and considering one practical first step. This carries particular weight with young people and communities, though the invitation to act belongs to every audience.
Who the work is for
Different rooms. The same honesty.
Schools, colleges and universities
Honest conversations with young people about mental health, aspiration and what they believe is available to them.
Professional sports teams and athletes
Identity, pressure, setbacks and the parts of a sporting career that are rarely spoken about openly.
Healthcare and public services
Sessions for staff and the people they support, drawing on Kofi’s work with NHS teams and public bodies.
Businesses, conferences and leadership events
Keynotes on performance, wellbeing and the culture that allows people to speak up before things become difficult.
Community organisations and youth programmes
Grounded, relatable sessions that meet people where they are and leave room for conversation.
Formats
Shaped around your event.
Enquiries are welcome for any of the following. Length, structure and focus are tailored in discussion with the organiser.
Keynotes and assemblies
A single, focused talk shaped around your audience and the moment.
Interactive talks and workshops
Smaller settings with space for questions, discussion and participation.
Panels and fireside conversations
Kofi as a contributor or panellist alongside other voices.
Athlete and team sessions
Closed sessions with squads, academies and staff.
Community events
Public-facing events, campaigns and local programmes.
Proof from people in the room
First-hand accounts.
Accounts from community leaders, public institutions, schools, healthcare and rehabilitation settings. Each reflects that person's own experience of working with Kofi.
“Kofi’s story is powerful to hear and his delivery and advocacy for mental health is unwavering.”
I. Stephanie Boyce CBE FKC
Former President of the Law Society of England and Wales; invited Kofi to a House of Commons panel
“This resonated deeply with many of the men, who saw parallels between Kofi’s background and their own.”
“We received outstanding feedback from both the men and the staff, who said that for those few hours, they felt as though they were not in prison but rather in their community, playing basketball with friends and family.”
Mike Mulligan
Operational Band 8, HMP Buckley Hall
“Kofi was the ideal speaker to engage with our young people. He took the time to spend the entire day with us, building connections and ensuring the students felt comfortable and at ease. By the time Kofi’s session began, everyone had already interacted with him, making the session feel natural and welcoming.”
Niall Grosvenor
Fireman and Crew Manager, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue
“Kofi was able to help the children see that there really is light at the end of the tunnel and that with the right support anything is possible!”
Tamika Steadman
NHS Senior Occupational Therapist Assistant
“The children were inspired and engrossed as Kofi shared his personal journey: from a humble Handsworth home to international stardom.”
Mrs Scarrott
Teacher, King Solomon International Business School
“We had incredible feedback from both staff and patients on how inspired they felt by Kofi’s talk.”
Abigail Sherrington
Lead Community Engagement Manager, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Selected speaking settings
Where Kofi has spoken.
These are some of the places Kofi has spoken — not a complete list, and there are many more.
- NHS
- Houses of Parliament
- Doncaster Rovers
- Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service
- Birmingham City Council
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Basketball England
- Schools and colleges
Enquiries
Let’s make this conversation matter.
Tell Kofi about your audience, your event and what you hope people take away from the session. He will come back to you directly.