Book Jillian Haslam as the keynote speaker for your group/organization or at your event

“The Cambridge University International Development Society (CUiD) was delighted to host Jillian Haslam as a speaker on Indian poverty (her speech title: Why poverty holds us down)? Jillian gave us an incredibly moving and personal account of her experiences of poverty and how she herself broke out of the cycle. She detailed her fascinating story of how she was able to rise within the ranks of the Bank of America and RBS, to how today she is devoted to helping young people in schools, universities and as a charity worker in raising awareness, as a motivational speaker, and – above all – as someone who understands that poverty is not black and white.

Her experiences fascinated the student members of CUiD, not merely because of the instinctive appeal of her rags-to-riches tale. It is no Cinderella story, but rather emphases hard work and sheer courage. The depth of her story was not lost upon us, with the inclusion of social factors that contribute to poverty.

Poverty, gender and race are at the forefront of our problems – and indeed, worldwide – Jillian’s work today, and her love – despite everything – for her country, is evident and crucial to bringing these problems to light while working ‘within the system’. We at CUiD wish her all the very best, and hope that she continues her excellent work.”

Shachi Amdekar President, Cambridge University International Development Society. UK

“I would like to thank you for your informative and inspiring presentation to our students, we were fortunate to have had someone of your professional expertise to take the time out from your busy schedule. You most certainly had a positive impact on the students and would like you to share some of the feedback. ‘How Public Speaking can transform a life was a true eye opener for me; Very inspiring and fascinating story of a journey that is so very rare; Jillian has gone from the bottom of society to the top’; Jillian has really opened my eyes towards my lifestyle choices and my behaviour. Attitude has been a big thing for me as I always had a bad attitude towards anyone in authority. I will go home today with a lot of thoughts about what must change and how I can use my voice positively to change my life rather than the other way round.”

Courtney Burgess, Psychology, Sociology & Politics Faculty, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

Having done a lot of debating and public speaking I’ve often been of the opinion that the only good speech is a rehearsed speech – that whilst improvisation is amazing, to be able to do so without rambling or tangenting and losing the audience is typically beyond the ability of most. I think what really amazed me about you Jill was the fact that I sat there (behind the stage since I was hosting the show), unable to see you, and was spellbound by the tale you told. The fact that you went up there and spoke from the heart, could sway me and portray the inspiration that you were giving, was just amazing.

Honestly it was just a pleasure and a surprise that someone could do that. But you did. And that blew me away. Not to mention just hearing about your life and words was an adventure in itself.

Our team were mesmerised and very grateful to you and the audience were moved beyond doubt!!

Hamish Inglis – Head of the Student Union – University of Durham

“I was very fortunate to hear you talk at my school recently and your presentation on achieving success through public speaking. Your example was truly inspirational. Since your visit, I have already made changes to my life in the hope of achieving new success. There was much within your presentation with which I could compare to my life, the fear and uncertainty of rising above millions of people with the same aims and goals in life, and would like to thank you for spreading your message of achieving personal success. You have already made a difference in my life and I hope your influence does not end after only one brief encounter.”

Chris van der Merwe, Colston’s School, UK

“Thank you for visiting our branch and for speaking to our staff. You stand for all those with highest level of survival instincts to attain the pinnacle of success. Jill, you have been an epitome of perseverance, grit, determination, courage, gr8 dreams, conviction and last but not the least compassion. You stand for all those with highest level of survival instincts to attain the pinnacle of success. Success is never inherited or deserved, but earned by sheer hard work & focused goals. Your innovative initiatives to empower the less-powered in our society is uncommon and emulating. I might have quoted your instance to many a persons. Please keep it up.”

Samarendra Dash, Manager, Bank of Travancore

“I didn’t attend Uni when I was 18 because I was afraid of public speaking. Anyway, when I saw your session advertised for today, I knew I had to attend, but I didn’t realise just how much I would gain from today. I always knew that I’d write my story and that it would be used to help someone, but I wasn’t prepared for how hard it would be to let it go once it was written (the fear is unbelievable).

I imagine you must be a very busy lady but I would very much like to do the public speaking course you talked about, but also to find out how you shared your story??”

Leeanna Kelly – 2nd Year Medical student (University of Hertfordshire)

“Coaching and speaking—like true leadership—only works if one is left inspired. And Jillian is quite the inspiration. An open, kind, intelligent person with depth and a rich experience in life, she provides confidence, balance and reasoning that make her fully qualified for such roles.

Throughout my professional dealings with her over a number of years, I have found her willingness to help other people and her calm wisdom and insight on both detail and the broader themes of life to be generous, constructive and high valued”

Simon Wragg, Trade Finance, RBS, UK

“Jillian has all the attributes of an outstanding trainer. She’s an extremely good listener and emanates genuine positivity. Over the years I have known Jillian she has always been helpful in guiding me and finding successful solutions to my life issues. You cannot help but warm to her!”

Bimal Prinja, Cash Management, Bank of America, UK

“When I think of Jillian, I see a guardian angel who takes your worries away and is always there to rely on – even before you know you need her. I cannot find enough words to express the fine human being that Jillian is. But what stands out for me is the integrity of her character… the warmth of her heart… her un-intrusive nature… her selfless actions… her genuine concern for people and desire to see others happy… her humility… her responsiveness… her loyalty… her respectfulness… her resilience… her passion… and her courage.

When I think of Jillian, I see the cup half full and not half empty. I often think of her with deep respect, love and appreciation for all she has done for my family. She will always remain a true friend to us.”

Alice Gregoriadi, Managing Director, J.P. Morgan, UK

“A superb trainer and life coach, who brings the techniques she teaches to life through the use of theory and practical examples. This training has really helped me shape my mind-set and look positively towards the future. It’s difficult to inspire others to accomplish something that you haven’t tried. But Jill has accomplished everything she has ever put her mind to.

If you are going to learn what it takes to be successful despite all odds, there’s no one better to learn from!”

Tahira Ansari, Manager Communications, Santander, UK

“Jillian is a very special individual with a unique gift of helping people. She listens and identifies with people and often senses what others are feeling. Her humility is astonishing and it makes all the difference. She builds trust and inspires you to reflect and come to your own conclusions on the path you need to take…

If you want to succeed in life, you’ve got to have Jillian as a life coach or a trainer. She’s just brilliant when it comes to people.”

Pramilla Patel, Transaction Sales Origination, RBS, UK

It was an absolute pleasure to have you as a speaker at the TEDx event held at The HeriotWattUniversity. The attendees were inspired at the end of your talk and we are excited to share it with the rest of the world. If you visit Edinburgh again in the future, the team would definitely like to go for a meal with you! Motivational talks such as going from Campus to Corporate to Succeed are much needed these days and I will positively be in contact very soon in order to arrange this. Thank you again.

Aman Gosrani – HeriotWattUniversity

Jillian Haslam gave a talk to Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association on Wednesday 26th October 2016. She is a remarkable and compassionate person who having started life in the slums of Calcutta and risen above this poverty to become a successful, professional business woman.  Her harrowing tales of her up-bringing post-colonial India (her family choosing to stay on in India after partition, when so many left) living in the squalid parts of Calcutta, facing racial abuse, dealing with sickness and death at an early age, first her siblings and then her mother and becoming an adult well before her time. At times, as she recalled her story and spoke form her heart, her voice showed signs of distress as memories came flooding in and the audience were left visibly crying. She told us of the abject poverty surrounded by the billionaire life styles of the very rich. The contrast being so vast and so un-necessary.  She started the foundation Remedia Trust and now devotes her time to raising awareness of the problems in India and motivating hundreds to work hard and achieve their dreams. She definitely inspires everyone she meets. She is certainly a “motivational speaker”. A film is to be made in Hollywood of her life and this will certainly make film-goers re-evaluate their own lives and just how materialistic the consumer age has made us all.

Vicky Cumberland – Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association

“Jillian’s talk deeply moved and inspired every single person in the audience. Jillian does not ‘just motivate’, she inspires. She does not ‘just talk’, she lives and breathes her vision of changing the world for the better. Hire Jillian to talk at your event. Seek opportunity to hear her keynote speech. Read her book. Do it now! She will change your life forever.”

Lenka Lutonska – Advantage Woman Founder, UK

“We at The Arabs Group run global awards and exhibitions in London for most of the Arab world. We recently invited Jillian Haslam to one of our Achievement Awards for young artists. Her speech was fantastic. She gave a lot of support and inspiration to our new Arab generation of achievers for which we are more than grateful.”

Dr S. Spahi (The Arabs Group Director)

“Jillian, Your speech on the day was simply mind blowing. You kept the audience transfixed till your very last word. Your speech left us with so much hope and resilience that no matter what challenges life throws at us with a strong mindset, we can overcome anything. The audience feedback was that they felt every word and every moment was “ real” for them. The messages they took away were life-changing. I want to say that I will be happy to invite you over again as a speaker at our future conferences. Thank very much on behalf of every Well Woman who attended and who watched your speech later on DVD. “

Christy Amalu. MD, A Well Woman (London)

“When Jillian stepped into the room we first saw a successful businesswoman dressed nicely with friendly smile. However, after having given her talk, our impression of her changed completely. This was the starting point of an inspiring speech given by a fascinating personality. How do you get from the slums of Calcutta to jobs in companies such as the Bank of America? How did she get to where she currently was? The goal of her speech is to depict her reality, not to make people cry but to show that despite everything, she came out such a strong woman. All the tragedies Jillian and her family had to go through were more than we can even think about, but these are what made her who she is today – a truly inspiring and unique woman.”

Alice R. Blanc. – Kings College London

“Educational, entertaining and inspirational” was the verdict of members of Letchworth Howard Rotary Club after Jillian Haslam’s powerful presentation on life, struggle and achievement in post-Independence India. Poignant and moving, her story about how she overcame extreme poverty and hardship to make her own way and now campaigns for others to follow is very well worth hearing.

Arthur Jarman, Letchworth Howard Rotary Club. 

“Jillian Haslam is the epitome of faith, hope and charity. Her autobiography, Indian.English. displays a character of determination and strength that I know helped to shape her future. Her willingness to get down to grass roots in learning and hard work has enabled her to achieve outstanding business acumen and leadership skills beyond her youth.

Her most endearing personality trait is genuine gratitude, generosity and humility and yet she is strong enough not to be taken advantage of. She is a philanthropist and uses all her business acumen to empower and encourage volunteers to help the aged, children, unemployed and disabled.

As a motivational speaker she has an amazing ability to understand her audience and forges ahead with confidence, holding them spellbound no matter how she feels at the time. I was more than inspired seeing her deliver a speech on Mental Resilience.

She is a rounded personality and does not hesitate to walk the walk and talk the talk in any situation, always displaying a smile and making people feel comfortable. Her quality of mindfulness enables people around her feel assured and empowered.”

Edith Cassel, Harrow Writer’s Circle

“Jillian Haslam didn’t get to where is today by chance or coincidence, but as the result of her intelligence, hard work and most importantly because of her determination. This characteristic was apparent from the moment she began her talk, yet it is not the defining memory of her lecture for that surely must be her sincerity and humility. Not many motivational speakers begin by thanking the audience and go on to thank the teachers present for the work they do. However, as she explained, without her teachers she could not have achieved all she has, nor would she have been inspired to now work towards changing lives.

The term inspiring is often over-used, yet she truly deserves the epithet as her talk was by turns stirring, moving and encouraging. Her focus was not on telling a rags to riches story that glorified her own achievements, but on outlining how each person can apply similar strategies to their own life and decision making processes to enable them to move towards their goals; in doing so she held her audience totally captivated.”

Paul Adams, Giggleswick School

“It was such a privilege to hear Jillian’s remarkable story. She is a woman gifted with many qualities, but what shines through above all is her authenticity. She does not sentimentalise or sensationalise the events of her life; she does need to do so. Instead she speaks the truth with a simple clarity and honesty that captivates and touches. She has witnessed and experienced many extreme things, but she distils all of her various life experiences into some simple urgent truths; as such, she is a living embodiment of the power and resilience of the human spirit. For young people today, who may well have anxieties about their future and who are besieged by consumerist messages from the media, it is hard to imagine a better voice to offer welcome reassurance and an enlightened perspective. Students were inspired to ‘do something’ following her talk and quickly organised a magnificent concert that raised over £1000.”

Nick Russell, Head Teacher, Epsom College, UK

“I would just like to say how much I enjoyed listening to your story, told with such passion that one can tell it comes from the heart. I truly admire what you have done for other people and the different charities you have set up. It would be wonderful if I could help out in any way in one of your charities. “

Anna Morpeth, Epsom College, Inspire Me Dinner (UK)