Rory Sutherland
Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK and one of the world’s most influential thinkers on behavioural science, marketing and consumer psychology.
For decades, he has helped global brands understand what really drives human behaviour, why customers buy and how businesses create perceived value in ways logic alone cannot explain.
Bestselling author of Alchemy: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business and Life, Rory is known for challenging conventional business thinking with sharp insight, humour and commercially powerful ideas.
At FORGE, Rory will change the way you think about marketing, sales, customer behaviour and business growth.
Sarah Willingham
Entrepreneur, investor and former Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, best known for building and scaling some of the UK’s most recognised hospitality and consumer brands.
From growing restaurant groups to investing in ambitious startups, Sarah has built a reputation for understanding what makes businesses grow, customers buy and teams perform at a high level.
Known for her straight-talking approach and commercial mindset, she brings real-world insight into leadership, scaling and sustainable business growth.
At FORGE, Sarah will share the lessons, challenges and decisions behind building successful businesses, giving founders practical insight into what growth really looks like behind the scenes.
Al Barratt
Founder and CEO of Grenade, one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most recognisable nutrition brands.
What started as a challenger startup became a global business sold in a deal worth up to £200 million, with Grenade products now stocked in over 80 countries worldwide.
Known for disrupting established markets through bold branding, smart marketing and relentless execution, Al has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most respected entrepreneurs and brand builders.
At FORGE, Al will share the real story behind building Grenade, from startup struggles and scaling challenges to creating a category-defining brand in an incredibly competitive market.
Alex Depledge MBE
Tech entrepreneur, investor and business leader best known for founding and scaling innovative businesses that challenge traditional industries.
From launching Hassle.com and then selling for over £25 million to helpling to advising some of the UK’s fastest-growing startups, Alex has built a reputation for combining technology, speed and commercial thinking to create businesses that scale quickly and disrupt established markets.
At FORGE, Alex will share the realities of building and scaling high-growth businesses, giving founders practical insight into leadership, innovation and what it really takes to grow in a fast-changing world.
Dr Julia Shaw
Criminal psychologist, bestselling author and internationally recognised expert on memory, identity and human behaviour.
Known for her groundbreaking work on false memory, the psychology of persuasion and the intersection between social science and artificial intelligence, Julia has become one of the leading voices exploring how technology is reshaping human decision-making and trust.
Alongside her research and media work, she is a regular presenter across television, podcasts and global conferences, helping audiences better understand the criminal mind, behavioural psychology and the future impact of AI on society and business.
At FORGE, Dr Julia Shaw will challenge the way you think about memory, influence, behaviour and human decision-making in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Jamie Peacock MBE
One of the most decorated and respected figures in Rugby League history, known for his leadership, resilience and relentless pursuit of high performance.
During an extraordinary playing career, Jamie won multiple Super League Grand Finals, Challenge Cups and World Club Challenges with Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls, captaining both club and country at the very highest level. His impact on the sport earned him an MBE for services to Rugby League.
Widely regarded as one of the toughest competitors the game has ever seen, Jamie built his reputation through discipline, standards and an unwavering commitment to team success.
At FORGE, Jamie will share the lessons behind sustained success at the elite level, giving founders practical insight into leadership, resilience and what it takes to build teams that perform under pressure.
Johnny Nelson MBE
Johnny Nelson is a former professional boxer, broadcaster and the longest-reigning Cruiserweight World Champion in boxing history.
After overcoming early setbacks and self-doubt at the start of his career, Johnny went on to defend his world title an incredible 13 times, building a legacy defined by resilience, discipline and mental strength.
Known for his honesty, humour and powerful storytelling, Johnny speaks openly about fear, confidence and the mindset required to perform under pressure, both in sport and in business.
Since retiring from boxing, he has become one of the UK’s most respected sports broadcasters and motivational speakers, inspiring audiences with his journey from adversity to world champion.
At FORGE, Johnny will share the lessons behind overcoming fear, pushing through self-doubt and developing the mindset needed to succeed when the pressure is at its highest.