Georgie Tapley, Early Careers Officer, Specsavers

A standout session with lasting impact

Penny HaslamTestimonials

A clear shift in thinking around visibility

Testimonial by Georgie Tapley, Early Careers Officer, Specsavers

Penny Haslam delivered a practical Workplace Confidence keynote for Specsavers Careers Week, helping colleagues reframe self-doubt and approach career development with confidence

Penny Haslam delivered a great session during our Careers Week that truly resonated with our colleagues. Her energy and authenticity set her apart, many noted how refreshing it was to hear from a speaker who didn’t rely on a script but instead brought lived experience and genuine enthusiasm to the conversation.

Her confidence-building model was simple, practical, and easy to apply, with relatable advice for when things don’t go to plan. Penny’s concept of being a “YETI” sparked real reflection and offered a positive way to reframe self-doubt.

Colleagues appreciated her use of clear visuals and her ability to speak directly to the challenges many of us face, making the session feel personal and empowering.

Above all, Penny’s openness and relatability gave attendees the confidence to try out her strategies and shift their mindset. It was a standout session that left a lasting impact.

Helping colleagues build confidence in their next career step

Specsavers asked Penny to speak at its internal Careers Week, bringing together around 100 colleagues online from across the business. The audience ranged from entry-level employees to senior leaders, working in home-based, office-based and hybrid roles across functions including HR, finance, technology, marketing and manufacturing.

The 50-minute Workplace Confidence keynote explored self-knowledge, curiosity about future opportunities and the imposter phenomenon. Penny’s lively, practical session gave colleagues simple ways to understand self-doubt, build confidence and approach the next stage of their career with greater positivity.

What delegates said:

  • “Loved Penny. A lot of the presenters so far this week have just read from a script, but Penny’s session was super engaging and energetic.”
  • “It really spoke to me, like someone understood what was going on in my brain.”
  • “Penny was very engaging and a wonderful speaker. She had a great and easily usable model to help build confidence.”
  • “Being a YETI… great ideas to help change negative mindset.”
  • “Penny broke down her steps, but also gave advice for when the steps are not working. She kept it simple and had lots of clear visuals.”
  • “Penny was ‘real’. I could relate to her own life experiences, which gave me the confidence to try some of her strategies.”
  • “Really great context and examples which could relate to my own role.”

Read more testimonials for Penny Haslam

Featured image for “Overwhelmingly positive feedback from the team”

Overwhelmingly positive feedback from the team

Andrew Clark, Medical Manager, AbbVie

Jul / 2026

Penny was the keynote speaker at our annual offsite meeting and delivered a fantastic talk focusing on making yourself a little bit famous, highlighting the importance of developing a personal brand to maximise opportunities. Penny really brought this to life, combining stories from her own experiences in broadcasting with practical…
Featured image for “A clear shift in thinking around visibility”

A clear shift in thinking around visibility

Nadine Dyer, Senior Manager, Deloitte

Jun / 2026

I wanted to extend a sincere thank you for your fantastic keynote at yesterday’s SRTA Mentoring Summit. Your session truly set the tone for the day and resonated strongly with everyone in the room. The feedback from participants and seniors has been overwhelmingly positive. Your focus on the PIE framework,…
Featured image for “Pivotal in setting the tone and maintaining energy across the entire event”

Pivotal in setting the tone and maintaining energy across the entire event

Debbie Walker, General Secretary, HARPA

Jan / 2026

Penny made an outstanding contribution to our two-day HARPA Conference in London. With over 600 members, associates and suppliers in attendance, her role was pivotal in setting the tone and maintaining energy across the entire event. As host across both days, Penny brought warmth, humour and professionalism in equal measure.…
Featured image for “Inspiration with practical, immediately usable tools”

Inspiration with practical, immediately usable tools

Rosie Forrester, Head of People Experience and Development, MONY Group

Nov / 2025

Penny Haslam delivered a session that helped our Female Leadership Forum build strategic confidence and communicate with impact in senior spaces. She combined inspiration with practical, immediately usable tools. These led to great discussions in the room and participants using them immediately. The discussion was open and energising and the…
Featured image for “A standout session with lasting impact”

A standout session with lasting impact

Georgie Tapley, Early Careers Officer, Specsavers

Sep / 2025

Penny Haslam delivered a great session during our Careers Week that truly resonated with our colleagues. Her energy and authenticity set her apart, many noted how refreshing it was to hear from a speaker who didn’t rely on a script but instead brought lived experience and genuine enthusiasm to the…
Featured image for “Her message was tailored, her delivery was powerful”

Her message was tailored, her delivery was powerful

Morgan Huber, Director of CEO Office, Pax8, EMEA

Sep / 2025

An absolutely brilliant speaker—personable, engaging and deeply attuned to our team. From the moment she began, she had the room. Her message was tailored, her delivery was powerful, and her presence was magnetic. She brought our values and dynamics to life with positivity and motivation that truly resonated. It was…
Featured image for “An engaging, insightful, and genuinely supportive speaker”

An engaging, insightful, and genuinely supportive speaker

Shelley Perry, Learning & Development, FCIPD, Beazley

Jun / 2025

Penny Haslam delivered an exceptional session on building confidence and managing nerves associated with public speaking. She shared practical, immediately applicable advice and brilliant tips that resonated with everyone in the room, from seasoned presenters to those who dread stepping up to the microphone. Specifically, her structured approach to preparation…
Featured image for “The booking process was simple”

The booking process was simple

Lizi Platts, Head of Communications & Engagement, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner

Apr / 2025

I couldn’t recommend Penny more highly. She was a pleasure to work with and a fantastic addition to our away day. Right from the start, the booking process was simple. Penny took the time to talk through what we wanted to achieve and worked with us to shape her presentation…
Featured image for “Easy to work with and delivered on her promises.”

Easy to work with and delivered on her promises.

Rebecca Riley,Senior Leaders Hub Manager, College of Policing

Sep / 2024

Penny delivered a keynote speech at the Senior Police Staff Network event hosted by the College of Policing. She was a pleasure to work with both before and during the event. Penny took the time to research and discuss the delegates and the day’s purpose, allowing her to deliver an…
Featured image for “Feedback has been amazing!”

Feedback has been amazing!

Tara Rule, Senior Director of Commercial Strategy & Operations, Adobe

Feb / 2019

Penny Haslam absolutely lived up to her reputation! She delivered a ‘Make Yourself a Little Bit Famous’ 90-minute session for Adobe Women – and the feedback has been amazing. She’s fun and engaging, she makes you think and people left with tangible actions. I highly recommend. Tara Rule, Senior Director…
Awards Wreath

PSAE

Professional Speaking Association

Speaker of Excellence

2025

Awards Wreath

Finalist 

Personnel Today 

Learning and Development Supplier of the Year

2025

Awards Wreath

Finalist 

Personnel Today 

Learning and Development Supplier of the Year

2024

Awards Wreath

Finalist 

Business Book Awards

Short Business Book

 of the Year

2023

Awards Wreath

Finalist 

Lloyds Bank Business Excellence Awards

Business Enabler

 of the Year

2022