Arguably one of the best-known rugby players in the world, Jonny Wilkinson CBE famously kicked the drop goal that won England the 2003 World Cup with just seconds left in the final. He then went on to be rated as one of the best players in the world in both internationals and at club level, with Newcastle and Toulon. In a stellar career Jonny also accumulated four Six Nations titles and when he retired in 2011, he was the highest international points scorer of all time.
Much of Jonny’s success on the field, however, took its psychological toll. He has dealt with depression, anxiety and panic attacks. In his honest, unguarded speech, entitled ‘Success on the field and mental health: a personal account of understanding what matters’, Jonny will recount how his focus and dedication to the sport he loves meant overlooking important parts of his life. He will consider what that experience has taught him about mental health and will talk about his personal journey to acceptance.
For over a decade Steph McGovern has reported on business and finance from around the world; from international summits to small business success stories. She is an established part of the BBC Breakfast team, covering business developments daily, and also regularly taking to the sofa as main co-host. Steph’s Breakfast duties include meeting first-hand those on Britain’s business frontline. Speaking to factory workers and FTSE 100 CEOs, Steph’s mission is to uncover and explain what’s going on in the real economy.
Off-screen Steph is also involved in BBC community projects such as BBC Outreach and BBC School Report. She is a mentor for young people in her native Teesside and regularly runs workshops for schoolchildren around the North East, as well as being active in areas around education and apprenticeships.
Michael Edwards, famously known as ‘Eddie the Eagle’, is an English skier who in 1988 made the world headlines by representing Great Britain in the 70m and 90m ski jumping at the Calgary Olympics. He was also the British ski jumping record holder and, after retiring from ski jumping, Eddie went on to become ninth in the world amateur speed skiing, and a stunt jumping world record holder for jumping over six buses.
Eddie is famous for personifying the Olympic spirit and for his determination to represent his country without any form of funding. Eddie will be joined on stage by Larry Wilson, CEO and author of Safestart UK. He will talk about his career, his most serious injury and his perspective on risk. The session will bring new insights into courage and risk with engagement, humour and a touch of seriousness.
