About Stef Reid - International motivational keynote speaker
When the plan falls apart, the teams that adapt are the ones that win
About Stef Reid - International motivational keynote speaker
When the plan falls apart, the teams that adapt are the ones that win
Stef Reid helps leaders and teams with the mindset needed to adapt and perform under pressure, rise to challenges and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.
The moment everything changed
Stef’s talent and passion for sport were spotted early, and at 12 she was already dreaming of playing rugby on the world stage.
But at 15, Stef was involved in a boating accident and suffered severe propeller lacerations. Her life was saved but her right foot was damaged beyond repair and amputated.
Her focus shifted from sports to her studies, earning a full scholarship to Queen’s University in Canada to study biochemistry.
While she was there, Stef joined the university athletics team just to see how fast she could still run. Upon graduation, she put her plans of medical school on hold and decided to give her childhood dream of being a professional athlete one last chance!
Defying expectations
Stef defied all expectations to become a four‑time Paralympian, triple Paralympic medallist, and a five‑time world record holder.
She won her first Paralympic medal in 2008 at the Beijing Games where she won bronze in the T44 200m for Canada.
By the time London 2012 came around she’d switched allegiance to Team GB having been born in New Zealand to a Scottish father and English mother and grew up in Toronto.
After a glittering 18 year Paralympic career, Stef announced her retirement from elite sport in June 2022.
A Paralympic long jumper and former world record holder her athletic achievements include:
2021 Tokyo Paralympic 4th Long Jump
2018 European T64 Bronze Long Jump
2017 World Champion T44 Long Jump
2016 Paralympic Silver Medallist T44 Long jump
2014 T44 European Long Jump Champion
2012 Paralympic Silver Medallist T44 Long Jump
2011 World Bronze Medallist T44/46 Long Jump
2011 World Bronze Medallist T44 200m
2008 Paralympic Bronze Medallist T44 200m
2006 World Championship 6th Long Jump
International motivational keynote speaker
Would you like to bring Stef’s insights, expertise and experience to your organisation?
Lessons from elite performance
Stef has spent two decades studying the science and psychology of sustained success — from how elite performers recover from setbacks to the habits that keep teams thriving under pressure. Her work now focuses on translating those lessons for leaders and businesses navigating constant change.
Her approach combines lived experience, scientific insight, and a contagious optimism that challenges audiences to rethink what “impossible” really means.
Whether she’s speaking to executives or athletes, Stef’s message is simple: success in any field begins with mastering the mindset of adaptation.
See Stef in action
Stef Reid makes her screen acting debut in the short film “The Energy Within”. Director Samuel De Ceccatty describes the film as “an inspirational film about why disability isn’t inspirational.”
Madonna meets the Headbanger... Watch Stef Reid and Andy Buchanan's stylish and stunt-filled skate now!
Having spent half her life as an able-bodied person and half her life with a disability, Stef has a unique perspective when it comes to imagining a world that’s truly inclusive. It’s both practical and aspirational and will ultimately lead to a better world for everyone.
Stef Reid’s Gold Medal winning jump at the London 2017 ParaAthletics World Championships
International motivational keynote speaker
Are you ready to help your team master the mindset of adaptation?
Away from the track
Stef is a biochemistry graduate, TV presenter, and advocate for purposeful performance and inclusion.
Recent adventures include guest lecturing at the Vatican, starring on Dancing on Ice, and appearing on BBC2’s Pilgrimage: The Road Through the Alps in 2025.
When she’s not on stage, Stef serves as Vice President for The Leprosy Mission UK and British Athletics, and as an ambassador for the London Air Ambulance and British Ice Skating.
International motivational keynote speaker
Help your team perform under pressure and adapt to change
Join organisations such as McLaren, Bloomberg, Visa, BP, and Sky who have all benefited from Stef’s lived experience, science and psychology insights to help their teams adapt and thrive during times of change.
Rapid Fire With Stef