Wellbeing Champions Lunch 2025: Leading with Care, Thriving Together

Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Alliance Manchester Business School, Cary is a world leading expert on workers’ health and well-being. He is President of the Chartered Institute of Personal Development in the UK and Co-founder of Robertson Cooper. He co-founded The National Forum for Health and Wellbeing at Work in 2015, which is focussed on improving workplace wellbeing in the UK and globally.

Andrew, a finalist on the BBC reality sensation “The Traitors” and a living embodiment of resilience! At just 21, he faced a life-altering car accident that left him in a coma for four weeks, with doctors declaring he may never walk, talk, or recognize his loved ones again. But Andrew refused to be defined by his circumstances. He defied the odds, not only regaining his ability to walk but also reigniting his passion for life after losing his dream of playing rugby for Wales.

For nearly 24 years, Andrew battled his mental health in silence, but he eventually found the courage to share his struggles with family. Through deep reflection and self-discovery, he emerged stronger than ever. In a powerful reunion with the doctor who saved his life in 2022, Andrew was dubbed a “miracle patient,” inspiring him to turn his story into a beacon of hope for others.

Now, as the founder of “Strength In You Ltd,” Andrew is on a mission to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health. He delivers electrifying motivational talks and dynamic workshops, empowering individuals to rise above their challenges. With ambitious plans for 2024, Andrew is determined to leave an indelible mark on the world, proving that with heart, grit, and determination, anyone can overcome adversity and find their strength!

Clarke Carlisle is a retired English footballer, born on October 14, 1979, in Preston, England, who became as renowned for his mental health advocacy as for his achievements on the pitch. A central defender, he played for clubs like Blackpool, QPR, Burnley, and Leeds United, captaining Burnley to Premier League promotion in 2009. Off the field, Carlisle has been a powerful voice for mental health awareness, sharing his own struggles with depression and suicide attempts to break the stigma surrounding these issues. Working with organizations like the PFA and Mind, he has dedicated his post-football career to supporting mental health causes.

With over 20 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Paul Wingfield is the founder and CEO of William James Recruitment, a leading legal recruitment business providing bespoke solutions to law firms and legal professionals across the UK and internationally.

Passionate about mental health and well-being, Paul has dedicated significant time and effort to raising awareness and supporting initiatives that foster a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Drawing from personal experiences in high-pressure environments, both as a former professional rugby player and a business leader, Paul understands the importance of mental resilience and the impact it has on overall well-being.

At William James Recruitment, Paul leads a team of nationwide recruitment experts who share a vision of excellence and dedication to providing the highest quality of service and value to clients and candidates. This commitment is reflected in their range of specialist services, including law firm acquisitions, team moves, lateral hires, and search and selection.

Join Paul at this event to explore strategies for maintaining mental health and achieving a fulfilling life, leveraging insights from a career that spans both the sports and corporate worlds.

Since losing her daughter Laura to the aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma last year, Nicola has become a passionate fundraiser, speaker and campaigner, raising awareness of the cancer and working with charities such as The Brain Tumour Charity and Brain Tumour Research to call for better, kinder treatments for those diagnosed with brain tumours.

She is a trustee of the Our Brain Bank charity and runs the Be More Laura Foundation www.bemorelaura.com which provides information on and funds research into glioblastoma. Nicola can be found on X (Twitter) Bluesky and Instagram as @shitscaredmum – the account she set up as an outlet for the rollercoaster of emotions experienced while caring for her daughter.

Nicola Nuttall studied Philosophy at Durham University, has written for The i Paper and The Sunday Times and holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon dressed as a witch. She lives in Barrowford, Lancashire where she runs an indoor play centre, Giddy Kippers, with her husband, Mark and daughter Gracie.

Her book ‘The Stars Will Still be There’ was published by Harper Collins in May.