Adam Pearson doesn’t just talk about difference – he embodies what it means to transform it into strength.
Diagnosed with neurofibromatosis at the age of five, Adam has lived with a rare genetic condition that shaped his appearance but never limited his ambition.
Where others saw obstacles, Adam saw opportunity: to break stereotypes, challenge prejudice, and carve a path as one of the most fearless voices in media today.
His journey began behind the camera as a researcher for the BBC and Channel 4, but it wasn’t long before his authenticity and charisma brought him into the spotlight. From starring opposite Scarlett Johansson in the BAFTA-nominated Under the Skin, to captivating audiences in indie films like Chained for Life and international festivals with A Different Man, Adam has redefined what it means to be a leading man.
He is soon set to make history as the first disabled actor to play Joseph Merrick in a major film adaptation of The Elephant Man—a milestone in representation.
Beyond acting, Adam has fronted thought-provoking documentaries on disability, prejudice, and bioethics.
His work, from The Ugly Face of Disability Hate Crime to Eugenics: Science’s Greatest Scandal, isn’t just storytelling – it has a social impact, sparking conversations that most people avoid but that society urgently needs.
As a DEI speaker, Adam Pearson is unforgettable. His TEDx talk, “Removing the Stigma of Disability”, showcases the humour, honesty, and humanity that define his approach. Whether addressing business leaders, educators, or advocacy groups, Adam challenges audiences to rethink inclusion – not as a checkbox, but as a cultural revolution.
Adam Pearson Speaker Themes include:
- The Adam Pearson Story – Decide Who You Want To Be and Be It.
- Navigating Unseen Obstacles: Building Resilient Teams.
- The Power of Difference: How Diverse Perspectives Fuel Problem-Solving and Creativity.
- The ROI of Inclusion: How Disability Diversity Drives Innovation and Profitability.
Named on the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list and an ambassador for organisations including The Prince’s Trust and Changing Faces, Adam continues to prove that representation matters. But ask him, and he’ll tell you: his disability is the least interesting thing about him.
Adam Pearson is not just a speaker. He is a storyteller, a trailblazer, and a reminder that courage and compassion can change how we see the world – and ourselves.