Shappi Khorsandi.
Shappi Khorsandi is a comedian, author, and social commentator.
Known for her razor-sharp wit, eloquent presenting style, and insightful storytelling, Shappi is a familiar face on television and radio. She rose to fame with her sell-out Edinburgh show Asylum Speaker, inspired by her experiences as a child refugee from Iran. Shappi has also appeared on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, QI, Have I Got News For You, and I'm a Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here. An experienced awards host, she brings her warmth, wit, and natural ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
An acclaimed author, Shappi’s books include Scatter Brain: How I Finally Got Off the ADHD Rollercoaster and Became the Owner of a Very Tidy Sock Drawer (2023) and A Beginner’s Guide to Acting English (2009). Alongside her comedy and writing, Shappi is training to be a Gestalt therapist, deepening her lifelong interest in understanding human connection and wellbeing.
keynote speeches.
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Shappi explains how, despite what some may think, comedy is not just about telling jokes. It is about taking a risk and displaying a confidence which can help you in every area of your life, and build trust with those around you. Humour is a powerful way to show other people the world as you see it and build rapport with those who, on paper, you may not seem to have anything in common.
Of course, It can also massively misfire and do the opposite, so Shappi will outline the pitfalls and how to avoid them, too!.
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Speaking no English when she first arrived in the UK as a child (and later gaining refugee status) Shappi knows what it feels like to be an outsider who wanted to be part of the gang. Often it’s the most well-meaning people who put her in a box, separate from the rest. She doesn’t think show business is unique in this so let’s talk about it!
Talking about race, gender, class, sexuality and age need not be an uncomfortable conversation. We want level playing fields but how can we be sure that’s what we have? Why is it crucial for business and our industries to actively seek diversity and widen our understanding of inclusivity? Most of us know these days that asking ‘where are you from originally?’ is not the way to be inclusive, but what CAN we do to be inclusive without ignoring differences? Well book Shappi and she shall tell you.
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Trauma doesn’t stay at home, it travels to the workplace. Unhealed wounds build invisible armour that limits expression, creativity, and connection. When talented employees seem stuck, inconsistent, or invisible, it’s often not about skill, it’s about safety.
In this keynote, Shappi looks at when workplaces create cultures that offer that safety, where leaders model vulnerability, where disagreement is safe and where being human is allowed, brilliance gets unlocked, and innovation, loyalty, connection come to the fore.
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Shappi was diagnosed with ADHD in her forties. She has learned how so many people, especially women, have gone undiagnosed, or been misdiagnosed and, like her, endured a lifetime of frustration, believing what is a neurological condition to be personal flaws and failings.
People with ADHD are often performers, CEOs and, erm, criminals. Following other people’s simple rules and methods is almost impossible for our brains so navigating the world of work and relationships can be bafflingly, maddeningly difficult when undiagnosed. Everything seems to be set up to accommodate neurotypicals only leaving us feeling inept and frustrated.
Since she began speaking publicly about ADHD, she has been inundated with people who relate. People from all walks of life have got in touch with her, desperate for information for themselves or a loved one.
We are only now starting to scratch the surface of ADHD and how many people it affects.
In her book, ‘Staying Sane With A Scattered Brain’ (Published by Penguin, out May 2023) she discusses how ADHD need not be an affliction. It is simply a different way the brain organises itself.
One size does not fit all and too much talent is being lost because so many with ADHD have been hopelessly trying to put square pegs in round holes. With a bit of understanding, we can accommodate those who might not be able to follow the thread of a social conversation and are constantly losing their keys, but who can hyperfocus and move an idea forward long after others have given up.
Let Shappi take you through her world of ADHD and the game changing diagnosis and treatment she receive.
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As one of just a handful of women in the 90s trying to break into a stand-up comedy industry dominated by bombastic men, Shappi knows all too well what it feels like to be a woman in a man’s world.
For every woman, in any sector, it can be a quiet, personal terrain to navigate. Sexism can be the hardest ‘ism’ to call out and challenge, because it can come from your closest quarters, and exist within your own family and friendship circle. In this honest and very personal talk, Shappi will examine the ways in which women and men can work together to remove the barriers constructed by past prejudice, and shine a hopeful light on changing the status quo.
videos.
Speaking Highlight
books.
in the news.
frequently asked questions.
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Shappi focuses on communication, humour, inclusion, identity, mental health, and how human experience shapes workplace culture. Alongside her keynote work, she is also highly regarded as a host for awards ceremonies and conferences, where tone, timing, and audience connection are central.
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She is frequently engaged as a host for awards dinners and conferences, as well as chairing hosted conversations, alongside delivering keynote-style sessions.
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Beyond keynote presentations, she contributes to facilitated discussions, panels, and awards hosting, and also leads immersive workshops focused on creativity, originality, and psychological safety. These sessions explore how individuals and teams build confidence, take creative risks, and bring more human, authentic thinking into everyday communication and working practices.
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Her work is particularly relevant to organisations exploring culture, inclusion, wellbeing, psychological safety, and communication, especially where teams are navigating change or seeking to build more authentic, creative, and human ways of working. It resonates strongly in contexts where organisations want to encourage openness, confidence, and originality in how people collaborate, communicate, and show up at work.
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She most commonly engages with audiences at awards ceremonies, gala dinners, and large conferences, as well as professional, leadership, and mixed audiences across corporate, public, and creative sectors.
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For awards ceremonies and gala dinners, her approach combines humour with professionalism, strong timing, and audience awareness to maintain momentum and flow throughout the event, while in keynote settings she brings the same warmth and insight, using storytelling to explore complex topics in an accessible and human way.
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She adapts her material to reflect the audience, cultural context, and organisational environment, drawing on her experience as a writer, author, trainee Gestalt therapist, and social commentator to bring depth, perspective, and thoughtful insight, while remaining authentic and accessible.
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Shappi regularly engages with international audiences and diverse cultural contexts.
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Pricing for Shappi is influenced by factors such as event location, format, and time commitment. Speaking Office ensures fee consistency across all enquiries, whether via speaker bureaus or direct clients, so that pricing remains aligned and non-competitive across channels. Accurate and up-to-date pricing can be provided once event details are shared, ensuring alignment with both the client’s requirements and Shappi’s long-term positioning.
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Speaking Office aims to respond promptly to all enquiries regarding Shappi Khorsandi typically within one business day. Response times may vary slightly depending on event complexity and time zone, but all enquiries are handled with care and attention.
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Shappi is available for virtual and hybrid events, as well as in-person engagements, depending on availability and event requirements. Speaking Office can advise on the most appropriate format based on audience, objectives, and technical considerations.
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Advance booking is recommended for Shappi, particularly for peak periods and international events. While shorter lead times can be accommodated, early enquiry allows for greater flexibility and planning.
Find out more about Shappi: instagram
How do I book Shappi for a speech?
To book Shappi for a speech, contact her speaking agent: