Owner of LiquidThinker, Co-Host of The High Performance Podcast & Former HR Director of Unilever
Damian Hughes’ Biography:
Damian Hughes is a captivating and insightful speaker whose style combines warmth, humour, and deep expertise in psychology and leadership. He is renowned for delivering talks that are both engaging and practical, weaving together storytelling, academic research, and real-world experience. Audiences are drawn to Damian’s natural ability to connect complex ideas to everyday challenges, leaving them inspired and motivated to take action. Whether addressing corporate leaders, educators, or sports professionals, Damian consistently delivers talks that are memorable, energetic, and transformative.
In his early career, Damian built a foundation in sport, psychology, and leadership, which later shaped his distinctive approach to understanding performance and change. His early writing, including ‘Peerless‘ — which earned a nomination for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year in 2007 — demonstrated his talent for exploring the mindset behind success. Around this time, he founded Liquid Thinking, a leadership consultancy designed to help individuals and teams unlock their potential through behavioural insight and practical frameworks for growth.
Damian was formerly a Visiting Professor of Organisational Psychology and Change at The Manchester Metropolitan University and is a trusted voice in leadership development. His academic expertise complements his work as a co-host of The High Performance Podcast, one of the UK’s leading shows exploring the habits and mindsets of world-class performers. Beyond academia and media, he works within elite sport, contributing to the coaching teams of the Scottish Rugby Union and the Canberra Raiders, where he applies psychological principles to enhance culture, teamwork, and resilience.
Damian’s achievements as an author further cement his reputation as a thought leader. His books, including ‘The Winning Mindset’, ‘How to Think Like Sir Alex Ferguson’, and ‘How to Change Absolutely Anything‘, have inspired readers worldwide to lead with purpose and adaptability. Across his work as a speaker, writer, and educator, Damian’s mission remains consistent — to help people and organisations create lasting, positive change through the power of mindset, clarity, and performance psychology.
Why Hire Damian Hughes?
Damian is an exceptional choice for organisations and events seeking a speaker who can inspire, educate, and motivate diverse audiences. Known for his engaging and down-to-earth style, he translates complex psychological concepts into clear, practical lessons that resonate with professionals at every level. His ability to blend humour, research, and real-life examples ensures his sessions are both insightful and enjoyable, leaving audiences with lasting takeaways they can immediately apply to their work and personal lives. As the headline speaker at Infosecurity Europe in 2024, Damian demonstrated his skill in captivating large audiences and delivering content that bridges the gap between leadership theory and actionable change.
Organisations book Damian because he creates genuine transformation through mindset and behaviour. His talks are not just motivational—they are grounded in evidence and focused on sustainable improvement. Drawing on his experience across business, sport, and education, Damian brings authenticity and credibility to every presentation. Whether addressing leadership, culture, or resilience, his sessions empower people to perform at their best, foster stronger collaboration, and build environments where excellence and adaptability can truly thrive.
Damian Hughes’ Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Damian Hughes’s career:
- 2025 – Delivered a keynote titled “High Performance Thinking for Business Leaders” to over 75 businesses at the Entrepreneurs Network event hosted by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, where he shared five-step strategies for culture and performance improvement.
- 2024 – Headline Speaker at Infosecurity Europe, delivering a keynote on leadership, mindset, and performance.
- 2019 – Began co-hosting The High Performance Podcast, exploring success with global leaders and achievers.
- 2018 – Published The Winning Mindset: What Sport Can Teach Us About Great Leadership, connecting sporting principles with business success.
- 2015 – Authored How to Think Like Sir Alex Ferguson: The Business of Winning & Managing Success, examining leadership and management strategies.
- 2012 – Released How to Change Absolutely Anything, providing practical tools for personal and professional transformation.
- 2010 – Published The Liquid Thinking Survival Guide to Change, offering strategies for adapting to change.
- 2010 – Appointed Professor of Organisational Psychology & Change at The Manchester Metropolitan University.
- 2009 – Authored Liquid Leadership and Liquid Thinking, exploring lessons from world-class leaders and achievers.
- 2009 – Co-authored Hitman: The Thomas Hearns Story, highlighting the journey of the legendary boxer.
- 2007 – Nominated for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year for Peerless, recognising his excellence in sports writing.
- 2006 – Founded Liquid Thinking, a consultancy dedicated to improving leadership, performance, and change in organisations.
Videos
Prof. Damian Hughes Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“As someone who has achieved many of my own personal goals and experienced the satisfaction from doing so, I would recommend that you adopt the lessons and techniques, which are captured in this excellent book, to greatly assist you in achieving your own ambitions. Go ahead. Take the plunge and become a fellow liquid thinker.” – Sir Richard Branson
“Seven years ago Damian inspired, provoked and challenged me when I attended one of his Liquid Thinking sessions and I have incorporated my learnings from this session into every part of my life personal and professional. Seven years on and Damian has done it again. Using thought-provoking and inspiring stories he has challenged and inspired us and more importantly given us a common language with which we all can use. Thank you Damian!” – Mars
“Damian came to speak to a variety of our colleagues. All of the 100 delegates who came along to Damian’s session chose to come along, because they felt they could develop more in the area of being a real Change Catalyst.” – Boots
“He was received very well! Everyone said they took at least 2 or 3 points that they could relate to their own lives – professional or personal. Also, there was a lot of comments on how he clearly knew what he was talking about having multiple relevant examples when challenged or asked a question.” – Duracell UK
Damian was great last night and delivered a fabulous pre-dinner slot. The group really enjoyed listening to him. Thanks again for your help on this. – Intradiem
“As a double Olympic decathlon Champion, I am fully aware of the demands that are required to be the best and achieve your dreams. I am very familiar with the tips, skills and techniques demonstrated and I recommend that you take some time and sit and read this book. The skills taught can be invaluable and if applied could change your life!” – Daley Thompson
“An evening with Damian was enlightening and energising. I came away buzzing with ideas and plans to improve my service to be the absolute best in our field. Reading the book was good but hearing him live was amazing.” – NHS
“Damian was asked to help our team think about engaging an organisation after a period of significant change. He inspired the room with his down-to-earth approach, fabulous stories and really challenged our thinking on what effective communication really is. I would recommend Damian as a speaker for any group looking for new thinking and inspirational leadership ideas; delivered in a way that really makes you challenge yourself and consider why you didn’t think of that because it’s explained in such a simple common sense way.” – McDonald’s
Topics
Damian Hughes’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Unlocking the DNA of a High-Performing Culture
- The Winning Mindset
- The Business of Winning and Sustaining Success
- How to Change Absolutely Anything
- High Performance Lessons
How Much Does Prof. Damian Hughes Cost To Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Damian Hughes?
The cost of hiring Damian Hughes depends on factors such as your event requirements, whether it’s in-person or virtual, and any travel or accommodation needs. To recieve an accurate quote, contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.