Robert Ashton
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR AND ENTERPRISE ADVISOR
Robert Ashton is often described as the barefoot entrepreneur. He knows that understanding your vulnerabilities can make you stronger and more effective. He is a very human speaker, quick to connect with his audience, helping them see their opportunity.
Hes a successful social entrepreneur, founding Swarm Apprenticeships in 2013 to empower young people with attitude, using enterprise qualifications. He can speak from experience about the loneliness of being a pioneer, as well as his success at winning investment and recognition.
Robert has written 20 books, mostly on business and entrepreneurship, but some in the self-help genre. He sees entrepreneurship as a skill that can enable individuals, organisations and even whole communities to take control of their futures.
Driven by a strong sense of social justice, Robert works with charities, schools, housing associations and corporates. His project work can see him talking with rough sleepers one day, and Government ministers the next. He illustrates his talks with stark, real life stories about those hes met.
Robert takes his audience on a journey of exploration. He introduces uncomfortable truths with sensitivity and compassion. He enthuses, empowers and entertains, illustrating sometimes grim realities with humour and hope. In tough economic times he highlights opportunities audiences will realise they can achieve.
Mental health is another topic about which Robert speaks. Hes been Trustee of mental health charities, an NHS Mental HealthTrust Governor and is currently a Trustee of health and social care watchdog Healthwatch.
Robert is also very open about his own experience of living with depression and can speak with authority about the importance of managing mental health in the workplace.
Motivating, inspiring, hard hitting and often moving, Robert Ashton knows you don't need to cross oceans alone or climb mountains to change the world. You need to be braver and confront whats happening right now on your doorstep.
Robert is a Fellow of the RSA, member of Mensa and a charity Patron and Trustee.
You read more about Robert Ashton on his website:
www.robertashton.co.uk/