Leading Performance Coach, Co-Author of ‘Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?’, Head of Performance at Will It Make The Boat Go Faster & TEDX Speaker
Harriet Beveridge’s Biography:
Harriet Beveridge is an accomplished stand-up comic, performance coach and leadership development specialist, best known for blending neuroscience, psychology and humour to drive high performance. As the architect behind Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?, Harriet has spent over 15 years helping individuals and organisations translate insight into sustained behavioural change. Her ability to make complex science engaging and memorable has seen her deliver TEDx talks, appear on BBC Radio 4 and perform acclaimed solo comedy shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, positioning her as a compelling and highly effective keynote speaker.
Harriet began her career in management consulting at EY, before working across major organisations including Barclays and Royal Mail. Alongside this corporate experience, she trained as a coach and performance specialist, becoming a Performance Coach at SI Group and later Principal of RogenSi. Her early exposure to leadership challenges at every organisational level, from shop floor to boardroom, shaped her practical, human-centred approach to performance, resilience and behaviour change.
Currently, Harriet is Head of Performance Programmes at Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?, where she designs and delivers leadership and performance initiatives grounded in neuroscience and psychology. She also continues her work as an executive coach, drawing on qualifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mental Health First Aid and an MSc in Neuroscience and Psychology of Mental Health, awarded with distinction. Alongside her corporate work, Harriet remains an active and respected voice on the comedy circuit.
Harriet’s creative output includes co-writing the bestselling book Will It Make The Boat Go Faster? and authoring the spoof nanny advice book Turnip-Led Weaning. Her work as a performer has seen her write and deliver multiple critically praised solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, alongside regular appearances on the comedy circuit and as MC of WOMAD festival’s World of Words tent. This combination of authorship, live performance and behavioural expertise reinforces her reputation as a speaker who informs, challenges and entertains in equal measure.
Why Hire Harriet Beveridge?
Harriet is hired as a speaker for her exceptional ability to translate neuroscience and psychology into ideas that audiences genuinely remember and use. Drawing on her TEDx talk “Make ’Em Laugh” and her extensive experience designing leadership and performance programmes, she delivers sessions that are intellectually robust, highly engaging and immediately practical. Harriet combines warmth, humour and authority to create an environment where learning feels accessible rather than academic. Her talks resonate because they are grounded in real organisational challenges, human behaviour and lived experience, helping audiences shift mindset, build resilience and turn insight into sustained action rather than short-term inspiration.
Harriet Beveridge’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Harriet Beveridge’s inspirational career:
- 2025 – Completed an MSc in Neuroscience and Psychology of Mental Health with distinction, strengthening her evidence-based approach to performance and wellbeing.
- 2022 – Performed her fourth Edinburgh Fringe show Neuroscience with lashings of laughs, blending scientific insight with sharp comedy.
- 2021 – Won Inspirational Person of the Year at the Bath Creative Awards for her impact across leadership development and wellbeing.
- 2020 – Published the second edition of Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?, updating its performance framework for modern organisations.
- 2019 – Delivered a TEDx talk titled Make ’Em Laugh, exploring the role of humour in learning and connection.
- 2019 – Featured on BBC Radio 4 Pick of the Week for Taking Humour Seriously, recognising her engaging approach to complex ideas.
- 2015 – Appointed Executive Director at Talking Talent, leading leadership development and coaching programmes.
- 2015 – Published Turnip-Led Weaning, a spoof nanny advice book showcasing her distinctive comedic voice.
- 2011 – Co-wrote and published Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?, helping establish a recognised performance philosophy.
- 2003 – Performed her first stand-up gig at the King’s Head Theatre, launching her career as a live performer.
Videos
Harriet Beveridge’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Harriet has an incredible way of blending together humour, inspiration and knowledge-sharing in her speech. When you can remember the key points that a speaker has made well after the event, this shows how much her words can make a positive impact. I can’t recommend Harriet highly enough.” – UK Research organisation
Harriet’s presentation was excellent and very much enjoyed by everybody. The real value of the presentation is that people keep using phrases (like ‘will it make the boot go faster?’ ) – It is having real take away value. – Werner Knoblich, Chier Revenue Officer. Global Sales Kick-Off for 850 staff
“Harriet is engaging, inspiring and funny – her talks are always thought-provoking as well as providing useful and practical advice which you can start to use immediately to help to improve yourself personally and also your business.” – Financial Sector Client (NDA signed), all company event.
“A very inspiring and entertaining keynote that inspired action. We enjoyed the evening with Harriet very much.” – Janina Geiger, Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Switzerland, client event.
“Thank you for your session yesterday. The energy in the room was fantastic, and the content really complemented the themes of the day. And most importantly, we’ve also had so much positive feedback from the group. Hurrah!” – Janine, Head of Marketing, BBC Online
“Full of praise for the energy and inspiration that you injected” – Mars
“Her sense of humour shone through, she is a wonderful personality and applied her content to fit our audience so it was highly relatable” – Castleton
Speaking Topics
Harriet Beveridge’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Will It Make The Boat Go Faster? Olympic-winning strategies for everyday success
- Laughable: achieving absurdly great results in ridiculously challenging times
- Stand Up and Thrive: how to build the resilience for sustainable performance under pressure
How Much Does Harriet Beveridge Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Harriet Beveridge?
The cost of hiring Harriet Beveridge varies depending on your event format, location, audience size and session length. For an accurate, tailored quote, please contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.