Jo Emmerson

Jo Co-Ceo and Co-Founder of Speakers Collective in September 2017 whilst working for Jonny Benjamin MBE, it was during this time that she learnt that speaking on social issues and in particular mental health can be isolating and challenging.

Her career in charities and education had already seen her witness public speakers who claimed expertise and failed to signpost for support.  From an initial meeting of 17, Jo is proud to have built a growing supportive communinity of over 60, who meet, train, mentor and assess each other.

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Her drive to challenge stigma and encourage others to have brave conversations, comes from her personal story of coping with her children’s poor mental health as teenagers and her education background. 

Despite a successful career, Jo has always suffered from imposter syndrome and is a big fan of the role that therapy can have in supporting her. 

In April 2018, during a time of personal stress and consequent poor mental health Jo was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease, which caused her to reassess the important things in life. 

Jo counts herself lucky to spend her time and keep learning from truly inspiring colleagues.