Hello
Guy Harwood is an engaging speaker and relationship builder, sharing powerful personal stories of resilience from finance and disability advocacy to inspire, connect, and drive meaningful change.
Guy Harwood delivers impactful keynotes that leave a lasting impression. His ability to connect with audiences and drive meaningful change is unparalleled. Through his engaging storytelling, Guy Harwood inspires and empowers individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
My Story
Being a 6'10", red-head, with glasses and a walking stick I'm used to being the 'odd one out'. I run on caffine and pain relief to get through the day. I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) starting in 2011 and Thrombosis (blood clotting) starting in 2016. In 2014 I had severe brain damage in thethe area of the brain which causes dopamine production (happy hormone) and nearly committed suicide as a result whilst my wife was pregnant with our daughter. The past 15 years have been traumatic but I have found that my personal stories help people. I have found a purpose in life through my family, faith, work and inspiring others.
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I decided to become a public speaker in 2024 and do it for free. I want to help others with disabilities or who have experienced traumas in life who have not had the career, family or emotional support that I have.
Disability
MS is different for everyone - it is likely that you know someone with it and you know their symptoms. MS for me was waking up 12 years ago unable to walk, the change was overnight. During an illness two years earlier I lost 20% of my vision - turns out it was the start of my MS journey. It took additional months of painful tests to finally get a diagnosis and, for me, it was a relief...to get the answers to a medical puzzle.
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I had highly active relapses (brain damage) and have tried most treatments with awful side effects. I'm currently having 6 monthly chemo - just before Christmas (see picture) and in June. It is currently successful in preventing relapses. My consultants say I will become wheelchair bound, my house is adapted for that purpose. Every day is a battle to manage this condition, for men with MS 25% commit suicide - the rates are lower in women.
My Personal Life
I married Samantha in 2008 and we had our daughter in 2015. We live in Sussex which is convenient for my, once weekly, London commute. I work 4 days a week to manage my fatigue levels and focus on my physical and mental health. My parents and in-laws are huge supports in our family life. Our dog, Dash, helps with my mental health.
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I'm a trustee of my local Church as the Treasurer with a team of amazing volunteers. My faith has been a huge part of my personal journey and the church community supported at difficult times. ​I'm a HUGE coffee and whiskey fan! I once ran an antique luxury watch company so love watches and watch art. Online gaming is my fav hobby as it got me through my 6 months post diagnosis. For 5 minutes I was the top 5 in the world at Call of Duty.
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Work
I'm a Director at Lloyds Banking Group (at this point I'd like to point out that anything on this site is my opionions and not those of my company). I have worked for them since 2008 and they were an integral part of my diagnosis as they supported me when I didnt think I could return to work. They gave me a large part of my personal value and career. They trust me dispite the challenges and the managers have been exceptionally supportive.
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In 2023 I was invited to join the worshipful Company of International Bankers then given The Freedom of the City of London. I have a fond connection with the city and have been honoured to attend events near my office.
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I have a degree in International Finance and Capital Market studies from Brighton University. I'm an expert in financial regulations, banking systems, relationship management and credit risk/decision science.
