Naomi Riches MBE DL…
British Paralympic Rower | Paralympic Gold & Bronze medallist | 5”6x World champion | Guinness World Record setter/holder | Inspirational Keynote Speaker & creator of
S T R E T C H resilience
Naomi is an international keynote speaker with 16+ years experience.
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4 customer reviews
Marianne Whitlock
Naomi Richards MBE is an exceptional keynote speaker and a true force in the room. We’ve had the privilege of working with Naomi multiple times at Strategic PA Network events, and each time she captivates the audience completely. ..you can hear a pin drop when she speaks. Her presence is powerful, her storytelling is masterful, and she brings energy, inspiration and depth to every talk. We absolutely adore working with her and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Naomi as a keynote or motivational speaker. Phenomenal in every way. More...
Zach Emberson
It was a pleasure meeting and hosting Naomi on the ‘Psychological Insights into Coaching Practice’ Conference, Newcastle University’s 5th Annual Sport Psychology Conference.
Not only was she professional in the build-up to the conference regarding communications, but her Keynote talk was outstanding.
Naomi spoke incredibly well, showcasing her Determination, Persistence, Humour and Success in a beautifully told story of her life so far.
Naomi gave honest and clear insights to the events which shaped her today, and what it took to become a Gold-Medalist Champion and Guinness World Record Holder, a story which should inspire all.
Not only did she offer her own advice on dealing with the pressures of competing at the highest level or the importance of team-dynamics with her teammates, but also how key coaches and psychologists helped support her on the journey to winning Gold at London 2012.
I couldn’t recommend Naomi enough and wish her all the best in her future endeavours, she was an incredible Keynote talk at PIICP25!
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Phil Packer
Naomi has been an incredibly engaging Ambassador of the British Inspiration Trust for many years. She has gifted her time to support student mental health, fitness, and wellbeing, by visiting universities and delivering talks and spending time with students and staff, sharing her extraordinary story and accomplishments. Naomi delivers every single time and has a natural ability to engage and interact with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The positive outcomes are clear from the overwhelming feedback we receive as a charity and from the audiences that she inspires. More...
Dave Scarola
Naomi gave an outstanding talk to our global community. She shared an inspiring story that left a strong impression on the attendees. I would highly recommend Naomi as a speaker to audiences of all types. More...
What do you love most about your job?
I love the lasting impact of a speech or workshop I have delivered... yes it make me feel good of course, but that is not the reason I do it... it is knowing that something I have said has made a difference to individual/s or the team I working with. That inspires me to do more!!
What inspired you to start your own business?
I had a good story to tell when I first told it in a tiny provate primary school in 2008… then winning at London 2012 made it even better :)
For 12 years, I did ‘speaking gigs’ along side my Rowing career and alongside my 6 years in the corporate world.
When I left that world in 2020, I just felt it was the right time to stretch my own resilience and my own boundaries and set out alone.
I have learnt so much and there have been plenty of challenges, as well as wins along the way... I wouldn't go back though!!
Speakng, facilitating and coaching are a privilage for me.
Why should our clients choose you?
I find this one hard as I don't want to sound to big headed... but I am authentic, I am easy to work with and I deliver a real positive and thought provoking punch with my speeches and workshops.
For me, it is not about winning the Gold at London 2012... it is about the challenges, realisations and life lessons that go me there.
But it doesnt end there… 2012 wasnt quite enough which is why I decided to set a new Guinness World Record in 2016.
I dont just give my audience a ‘good story’… I leave them thinking, I leave them with tangible takeaways, I leave them reflecting; they will go away empowered to explore their abilities and challenges in order to achieve their goals.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
I have delivered many talks online for conferences and team meetings, during covid of course but more recently to multinational businesses.
It is an interesting way to deliver a soeech/presentation but seems to always go down well. People are often in their own office or at home and can react without fear of judgement for anyone else in the audience.
I often suggest to the organisers, if and where possible to put me at the end of the day before the closing remarks. I do this because often at that time of day rest of the family and the children are at home. I always say give them a 10 minute break to get a beer, or a cup of tea, bring in the family and let me speak to all of them.
I had several lovely bits of feedback during Covid especially, that my talk had inspired children and partners of company employees.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
That isn't really applicable to me as the clients have their event arrangements and their own covid guidelines which I follow to the letter.
Other than that, I can deliver online as is mentioned in the previous question.
International Keynote Speaker
Naomi is an accomplished speaker with 16+ years experience, who delivers impactful and relatable talks on a wide range of topics.
With a story that captivates and empowers, Naomi connects deeply with audiences seeking motivation, honesty, humour and real world inspiration.
Naomi always asks…
“How do you want the audience to feel when they are travelling home? What do you want them to be talking about in the weeks after the event?”
Regarding fees, Naomi doesn't believe in a one size fits all fee structure and would rather discuss this with the client on a zoom or over the phone. She likes to make it work for everyone!
TOPICS:
Resilience
Motivation and Inspiration
Disability Awareness
Empowerment
Achieving against the odds
Facilitation/Group Coaching
I work collaboratively with businesses and teams to create meaningful, informative and inspiring sessions, whether it is a stand-alone or series of workshops, group or individual coaching.
With an unbiased perspective, I guide the group through identifying underlying challenge and possible solutions, ultimately helping them define and commit to the next steps. I believe it is not up to me to find the best solution, my clients have the knowledge, understanding and drive to do that for themselves. It is my job to manage that conversation, making the collaboration process easy and effective.
It is important that the sessions are inclusive, frictionless and fun. Also that everyone is heard and they leave with the clarity needed to move forward both individually and as a team.
TOPICS:
-STRETCHresilience - my own resilience training framework that I feel is relatable everyone. I have used my experiences and what I have learned to create something we can all work with.
-Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
-Trust in Teams
-Behaviour and/or Emotional Intelligence
-Motivation
