Ife Thomas

Ife Thomas is an inspiring keynote speaker known for her powerful insights on neurodiversity, leadership and confidence. As a bestselling author, business leader, performer and proud autistic woman, Ife brings warmth, honesty and lived experience to every event she speaks at. She rose to public attention as a professional dancer on The X Factor, performing with household names like Elton John, Leona Lewis and Paul McCartney. Her vibrant performing career, which included appearances on the BBC and in major brand campaigns, came to a halt due to a serious knee injury. But what could have been the end of her journey in the spotlight instead became the beginning of a new one. In 2010, Ife appeared on Big Brother, where her confidence, charisma and authenticity captured national attention and helped her take her next step—this time in business, media and mindset development.

In the years that followed, Ife built a remarkable career focused on personal development, inclusive leadership and mental wellbeing. She served as Executive Director of The Ladder Agency before stepping into the role of Managing Director at The National Accountancy Network, where she led the organisation through a successful growth period. She later launched her own initiatives, founding the National Network of Chartered Accountants and the award-nominated wellbeing company MindWorkOut. A qualified FocalPoint coach and Director of MindWorkOut Global, Ife also developed The Confidence Star – a wellbeing and mindset tool used across schools, workplaces and the NHS. Her entrepreneurial energy and uplifting style also led her to co-host the successful podcast Everything You Need to Succeed, which has racked up over 50,000 downloads.

Ife is the author of ‘PowerLift Your Career: Everything You Need to Succeed’, a practical guide to confidence and personal growth. Her talks—delivered both in person and virtually—are used by organisations like Sony, eBay, BP, Starbucks, Specsavers, ITV Embrace, Snapchat, ClearScore, NatWest and the NHS. She’s created tools and frameworks such as The FABULOUS Framework, which encourages leaders and teams to embrace flexible thinking, authenticity, boldness and sustainable success. Her signature sessions include The Power of Connection, The Three R’s, Building Unshakable, Unstoppable Self-Confidence, and We Are All on the Spectrum… No, We’re Not – a viral LinkedIn post that attracted over 250,000 views. Ife’s ability to connect deeply with virtual audiences has made her a standout in online keynotes and webinars, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when she launched digital communities and wellbeing initiatives to support mental health.

A passionate advocate for neurodivergent and Black communities, Ife regularly speaks on inclusion, mindset and parenting autistic children. Her TEDx talk Own Your Shine explores identity, connection and the power of being seen. She’s also the Director of Revolution Radio, Managing Director of Unleash Training Limited, and currently completing her MBA at Cranfield University. As a speaker, Ife blends storytelling with science, humour with hard truths, and energy with empathy. Her sessions aren’t just motivational – they’re memorable, practical and deeply rooted in experience.