Shaun Flores

Shaun Flores is a 4x TEDx speaker, mental health advocate, and social commentator recognized for his powerful and transformative talks on neurodiversity, masculinity, and mental health. His journey, shaped by overcoming OCD and ADHD, has fueled his mission to challenge misconceptions and foster greater understanding. As he frequently states, “OCD was the worst thing to happen to me, and I am determined to be the worst thing to happen to OCD.”

Contact Great British Speakers today to book Diversity & OCD Campaigner Shaun Flores for your next event.

Type Of Presenter

After Dinner Black History Month Disability Diversity Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Health & Wellbeing Hidden Disabilities Influencer Keynote Mental Health Motivational Resilience Speaker Virtual Speakers

More About Shaun Flores

Before fully dedicating himself to mental health advocacy, Flores had a successful career as a commercial model, collaborating with prominent brands such as Uber, Peloton, John Lewis, and Walkers. During this time, he struggled with disordered eating and the pressures of maintaining an unrealistic body image, challenges that are often overlooked in discussions surrounding men’s mental health. His experiences in the modelling industry have strongly influenced his work on redefining masculinity and promoting healthier body image ideals for men, a central theme in many of his talks.

He is also working on an upcoming book, a deeply personal narrative that delves into the misconceptions surrounding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and broader mental health challenges, particularly within the Black community. The book explores his diagnosis of OCD at 27, which became a pivotal moment in his advocacy journey. It also addresses his struggles with ADHD, disordered eating, and the pressures of maintaining unrealistic body standards during his modelling career, offering a candid look at the intersections of race, masculinity, and mental health.

His work includes collaborations with clients such as First Rate Exchange Services, Panasonic, NHS trusts, Bromford Housing Trust, JAAQ, Men’s Health UK, and educational institutions. He has also worked with charities like MIND and CALM, delivering keynote speeches, workshops, and consultations that promote mental health awareness, diversity, and inclusion.

SHAUN FLORES TEDx SPEAKER

He is also a very popular TED speaker, first talking about the education system in 2018 in a piece titled ‘The Failures of Multiculturalism’ followed by ‘The Straitjacket of Masculinity’ in 2022 about masculinity and male mental health – you can watch both talks below. He is due to complete a third TED talk about psychedelics and a possible mental health revolution.

SHAUN FLORES KEYNOTE TALKS

1. “Reframing Privilege: Challenging the Narratives That Divide Us”

This talk breaks out of the echo chamber that often surrounds discussions of privilege. It challenges conventional wisdom by examining privilege through social justice and conservative lenses and incorporating insights from The Unfair Advantage and Malcolm Gladwell’s David and Goliath. It encourages audiences to rethink their views on power and opportunity.2. “Beneath the Surface: Unmasking the Hidden Realities of Anxiety and Depression”

In a world that never stops, anxiety and depression often thrive unseen. This talk goes beyond clichés, offering a raw, authentic exploration of what it means to live with these conditions. I share my experiences, discuss modern life’s paradoxes, and offer unconventional strategies for managing mental health.3. “A Hunter in a Farmer’s World: The ADHD Story by Shaun Flores”

This talk delves into the evolutionary theory behind ADHD, exploring how traits once essential for survival are now seen as disadvantages in a structured world. I challenge common misconceptions, discuss the impact of modern technology on ADHD, and highlight how ADHD can be harnessed as a superpower.4. “Redemption Culture, Not Cancel Culture: Calling People In, Not Calling Them Out”

In an era of deep divisions, this talk advocates for a shift from cancel culture to a culture of redemption. By exploring the dangers of thought policing and the power of open dialogue, I encourage audiences to move beyond calling people out and towards calling them in, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.These talks have been designed to engage, challenge, and inspire audiences. They address some of the most pressing issues of our time with depth and nuance. They will resonate across various settings, from corporate events and educational institutions to social justice forums.

SHAUN FLORES IN THE MEDIA

Outside of his work on mental health, Shaun is a successful model who has worked with ASOS, John Lewis, Papa John, Peloton and UBER, has walked at London Fashion Week, and has been featured in magazines including Candid and Vogue Italia. He is a freelance journalist who has written for South West London, The Common Sense Network, The Metro, Inews, Disability Expo, and The Book of Man; he has appeared on several vlogs and podcasts – including The OCD Stories Podcast, The Panic Podcast, Happiful Magazine Podcast, and All Things Hard Podcast, being interviewed on things like fatherlessness, societal topics, and his OCD.

He is also the host of the Flower Hour podcast, where he aims to bridge societal gaps and produce a more inclusive society by discussing topics such as race, politics, music, social media, sexuality, religion, self-confidence, masculinity, inclusion, diversity, mental health, and rehabilitation. Guests include life coach Africa Brooke, founder of the Black Curriculum Lavinya Stenett, and Free Black University member Melz Owusu.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book OCD and Male Mental Health Speaker Shaun Flores for your corporate event.

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Testimonials

To say that Shaun impacted our students is an understatement. I was blessed to sit in an assembly room full of our male students speaking publicly about their perceptions of their body image and masculinity due to Shaun’s openness to discussing his mental health journey. Shaun went above and beyond on his day with us, and I am so excited that this is only the beginning of the work we will do together—he really does impact those lucky enough to hear him speak. – Oli McVeigh, Assistant Headteacher at Ferndown Upper School

As the lead organiser for TEDx University of Sheffield, I contacted Shaun to be a speaker curator for our event given his previous broad experience in public speaking. He did an outstanding job coaching our speakers drawing upon his experiences and own strategies, providing them with excitement and motivation. Shaun is a fantastic public speaker with experience in TEDx events and always willing to help, approachable and involved. It was a pleasure working with him. – Maria, TEDx University of Sheffield Lead Organiser

Shaun is one of those rare speakers capable of provoking thought and stirring emotion. Having invited him onto my BMTstories platform – and had the offer returned with an interview for his podcast series – I have witnessed first-hand his unique ability to probe complex issues and plumb the depths of his own lived experience to share invaluable gems.- Alain, Founder of BMTstories

Shaun provided a heart-warming, honest and informative understanding of living with OCD. The group were really engaged, and Shaun took the time to answer every question. He received lots of positive feedback and I would recommend him to any organisation. –Oxleas NHS

Shaun is an electrifying public speaker. His passion for the subject matter is infectious. Almost instantly, people can gain a fresh perspective on important issues affecting our everyday lives and transform perception through his effortless skill. Shaun has deep professional expertise, and it shows. He draws on his own lived experience to illustrate the change that is needed in society today – which he and his work is spearheading. His sessions are packed with illuminating anecdotes, surprising paradoxes, and a refreshing dose of authenticity. Shaun is a lively and provocative speaker on such sensitive and important topics. He is well-connected and a trusted resource on public speaking, presentations and sessions and opens such important dialogue through his work. It is my pleasure to give Shaun my highest recommendation as a keynote and public speaker. He continues to deliver valuable information and insight in an inspiring manner.- Annabelle, Emerging Talent Diversity Advisor, HSBC

CoachBright is a social mobility charity working with disadvantaged young people across England. Shaun spoke at two of our City University graduations – trips designed to celebrate our students’ hard work and inspire excitement for their futures – to both GCSE and A Level students. Shaun’s thoughtful, honest and encouraging speeches on mental health and perseverance held the room throughout, and led to many insightful questions. Thank you so much Shaun! – CoachBright