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Europe’s first trans TV newscaster, Sophie has hosted her own TV and radio chat shows and is an experienced broadcaster.
Dr Sophie Cook became the first transgender woman to work in football’s Premier League as club photographer for AFC Bournemouth following her transition from Steve to Sophie in the summer of 2015.
In the 2017 General Election she contested the East Worthing & Shoreham seat, increasing the Labour vote by 114% and narrowly missing out on becoming the UK’s first trans MP.
Despite all of this she lived her life in fear, of loss, of failure, of success, of being sad, of being happy, of myself, of being outed, of being loved.
Because of these fears, no matter how hard Sophie pushed herself to succeed subconsciously she would self sabotage and stop herself from reaching her full potential. Now Sophie talk’s about these fears and how she overcame them to be true to and, finally, start loving herself.
From her childhood memories of being transgender to post traumatic stress after an incident when serving in the Royal Air Force and a lifetime of pain and fear before finally coming out as transgender in the masculine world of Premier League football.
She discusses the fear of change and how we can reframe our experience of fear to enable us to reach our potential, lessons she learnt on the painful road through loss to her ultimate redemption.
Sophie is a standup comedian, actor and an in-demand public speaker, delivering keynote talks internationally including a TEDx Talk on change, fear, vulnerability, diversity, mental health and LGBT issues.
With extensive experience of helping organisations create the psychological safety and open culture needed for every member of their team to thrive Sophie Cook acts as both mentor and critical friend. Providing Mental Health and Diversity & Inclusion advice that helps businesses to work more effectively and with greater cohesion through the power of shared experience and recognising the things that we have in common rather than those which divide us.
In 2019 as recognition of her work around mental health Sophie was awarded the title of Doctor of Letters honoris causa by Bournemouth University.
Sophie was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to LGBT+ Life Award at the 2020 British LGBT Awards and in 2019 was named as the 13th Most Influential Person in Brighton according to the Brighton Power 100.
Working with organisations of all sizes, Sophie is honoured to hold the position of Speak Out Champion at the Crown Prosecution Service where she is responsible for improving confidence amongst employees in being able to speak openly about their experiences as part of the CPS’ continued cultural drive to embed EDI within every tier of management across the organisation.
Sophie’s published books include her autobiography ‘Not Today: How I Chose Life’ which charts her personal journey from despair to redemption and acts as a self help book for anyone struggling with their mental health and identity, and a series of illustrated volumes that address various forms of bigotry.
Thanks a million Sophie. Your bravery shines a light on the path forward. Here’s to the power of love, light and kindness — we’ll change the world one kind act at a time.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Sophie Cook is an inspiration. As a speaker she has the ability of telling her story openly, honestly and with a balance of grace and humour.
Daniel Cheesman, CEO - Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
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Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
Sporting Champions introduces world class Inspired Athletes for the Schools and the education sector.
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