Transformative Talks

and Dynamic Keynotes

Vie’s first public speaking outing was 25 years ago; she was told she would be speaking to 25 women in a community hall about the rare disability she lives with on behalf of the charity that supports people with the condition; when she arrived, she realised a 0 had been missed off and, instead, she was talking to 250 people in a large town hall!
 

Thankfully, it went really well, and all these years later, the charity still asks her to speak to audiences regularly, both at events and on the radio.

 

She has also talked at events for International Women’s Day, at a conference for wraparound care providers, at a conference for women in the building industry, for the Soroptimists, in local theatres, on panel discussions, at charity events, and many more.

Vie has several keynotes, and each one can be adapted to suit the needs of your audience.

 

Keynotes

  • From ugly duckling to swan. Vie’s journey from hating who she was to living life vibrantly.

  • Living with hidden disabilities and how to be more inclusive.

  • Running businesses as a disabled entrepreneur.

  • Raising confident children.

  • Thriving beyond trauma.

 

Vie Portland can share her unique life experience with your community, whether you're a secondary school or an organisation simply looking to better motivate and empower your staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

I cover a range of topics, including personal growth journeys, living with and beyond trauma, disability advocacy, building confidence, and creating inclusive environments. Each talk is adapted to fit the specific audience and event.

I aim to be warm and authentic, sharing stories from my own experience while keeping it relatable. I'm not about hype or performing - it's more about creating genuine connection and sharing practical insights that people can actually use.

I can adapt to your needs - anything from a 20-minute keynote to a 90-minute interactive session or half-day workshop. Just let me know what works best for your event.

Yes, I speak at all kinds of events - corporate conferences, school assemblies, community meetings, charity events. The core message of kindness and confidence works across different settings.

I speak from lived experience rather than just theory. My background in psychology and counselling adds depth, and I focus on gentle, inclusive approaches rather than pressure-based motivation. I also try to keep it real - no pretending everything is perfect.

Absolutely. I always work with organisers to understand the audience and what would be most helpful. The best talks are the ones that feel relevant to the people in the room.

 I'm quite flexible - I can work with whatever setup you have. I usually use simple PowerPoint slides to support my message, but I'm happy to adapt to whatever works best for your venue.

Yes, I'm experienced with online speaking through various platforms. I can adapt my style to work well in virtual environments while still creating engagement and connection.

Fees vary depending on the type and length of engagement. I'm happy to discuss your budget and find a way that works. I also sometimes offer reduced rates for causes that align with my mission.

Ideally, about 4-6 weeks, though I can sometimes accommodate shorter notice if my schedule allows. The earlier you book, the more time we have to customise the talk perfectly.

I've spoken at various events across the UK over the years, from school assemblies to corporate conferences, and been part of global panels. My background in confidence and empowerment work gives me plenty of experience to draw from.

Yes; if requested I can provide handouts or follow-up resources that support the key messages from the talk. This helps people remember and apply what they've learned after the event.