Ben Hawes is an inspirational speaker whose life journey is rooted in the concept of boldness—living authentically and courageously in both work and life >>
Throughout his career in customer experience, then HR, then solo entrepreneurship & musical comedy, Ben has learned the importance of connecting personal values and mission to the work you do.
His unique approach stems from his own struggles to fit into conventional career molds, which led him to an important realization: the career path that offers "safety" is often not the one that brings fulfillment.
In his twenties, he pursued a career that was "secure" in the eyes of others—pleasing family and fulfilling external expectations—but over time, he realized that true success comes from aligning your work with your personal strengths and passions.
Ben now speaks to young professionals and students, empowering them to embrace their authentic selves, challenge the norms, and craft careers that reflect their true passions.
Ben’s talks are built on the power of bold self discovery—he shares personal stories of failure, setbacks, and “no’s” along with his breakthroughs, key moments of personal reflection, and the joy of finding his true calling.
He encourages people to embrace failure not as a roadblock, but as a critical step toward growth and self-awareness.
He is passionate about helping others avoid the trap of “fitting in” at the expense of personal fulfillment, and instead, he advocates for the powerful practice of “standing out” by embracing one's individuality and purpose.
Topics Covered:
Living Boldly in Work and Life
Understanding the importance of boldness in both personal and professional life. Ben discusses how embracing boldness can lead to remarkable transformations and the confidence to pursue big goals, even in the face of uncertainty and self-doubt.Aligning Career with Personal Values and Mission
Delving into how to connect your core values with your work. Ben shares his own journey of realizing that safety and external validation weren’t the answers, and how aligning your career with what truly drives you leads to more passion, energy, and success.Embracing Failure as a Catalyst for Growth
Learning how to reframe failure. Ben provides insights into the moments where he faced rejection, bad reviews, and setbacks. He uses these stories to illustrate how failure is a part of growth and how reframing failure can actually lead to your biggest breakthroughs.Setting Meaningful and Authentic Goals
How to set goals that are rooted in personal passions rather than societal expectations. Ben emphasizes the importance of aligning goals with your deeper sense of purpose rather than following a prescribed path.Being in Tune with Who You Are
Exploring the journey of self-discovery, Ben discusses how to tune into your authentic self, trust your instincts, and not be afraid to step outside the box. He shares his own experiences of returning to childhood passions and how embracing his true self led to a fulfilling career.The Dangers of Trying to Fit Into a Career Mould
Challenging the societal and family pressures to “fit in” and pursue careers based on others’ expectations. Ben shares how trying to force himself into careers that didn’t align with his true self ultimately led him to a path of creativity, freedom, and fulfillment.Living Your Best Life and Impressing Yourself First
Ben highlights the importance of living for yourself, especially when young professionals often feel the pressure to please others. He delves into the concept of self-impression and how your happiness is driven by staying true to your inner values.
Folks who will benefit most
Young Professionals & Startup Teams
This group is often navigating the early stages of their career path and is at a critical juncture where bold decisions can set them on a fulfilling trajectory. They are finding ways they can bring value to your team while also find personal fulfillment. When they can strike that balance it’s beneficial to all.
Volunteer Teams & Campaign Employees
Volunteer teams and campaign employees often work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where collaboration, morale, and clear communication are essential. Ben’s talks resonate with these teams by emphasizing the power of boldness, aligning personal values with collective goals, and overcoming the challenges of navigating setbacks and limited resources.
High School & College Students
Particularly those involved in LGBTQ+, Leadership, Mental Health, and Career Planning organizations. College students are often exploring their identities and beginning to make professional decisions. Ben provides a roadmap for personal development and offers tools to align their passions with potential career paths. His authenticity and understanding of the challenges students face make him an ideal speaker for groups navigating these themes.