Testimonials
See what Sam’s clients say about her
Individual Feedback
Feedback from individual clients that have worked with me :
Can’t thank you enough for a fantastic session we had with you last week
fab session. thank you Sam! super insightful!
I thought this course was fantastic – the facilitator was extremely engaging and the examples that were used were really relatable. This session was so helpful, I’m now looking to share the content with the rest of the Training team! Thanks so much, really helpful session
Sam helped me at the beginning of the lockdown by getting me started on Zoom. She was knowledgeable, patient and supportive. I would have no hesitation in recommending her
Sam is an original thinker with a talent for helping people to communicate better. People and organisations turn to her when they are looking for help to get their message across. In our case, Sam provided valuable advice on a range of communication-related issues, from shaping our company logo and refining key messaging to practical tips around working with children and young people in school/community settings. Sam is lively, likeable, and fun. She ‘walks-the-talk’ when it comes to clarity in communication, embodying the practice of being with others in creative, constructive, caring, and compassionate ways. She is a pleasure to work with and I am happy to recommend her for a wide variety of communication-related initiatives
Someone else told me that I have to practise practise practise otherwise I’ll never be really good at speaking in front of others. But I prefer to speak with the flow speak from my mind and just have an idea about what I want to talk about before I start talking. Thank you for reassuring me that this is not wrong this is just a different style of preparation and it’s one that suits me. I was really worried I would have to do it a prescribed way and I wouldn’t have joined if that was the case. I feel much better now. I can be me and still learn a great deal, but I’ve got to be me
Sam was really passionate about how we can use our businesses through zoom and the way we project to our customers and interact with them. She is an amazing lady who is very kind
What you said really resonated with me about my grandson. I wonder if there is more I can do to help him as he does seems to struggle with day-to-day living. Are there any books you can recommend that we could read so we could help him, he’s my grandson but he is also an adult.
Feedback from book suggestions.
You know you’ve just described my wife. The things that you’re saying are totally making sense. The way that we argue is definitely more like a discussion of whether the facts are correct rather than whether she or I are correct. And I’ve noticed that sometimes she cannot handle more than one task at a time and can get quite snappy at very short notice. Now I know I need to give her the gift of some space and time to do things more her way. Thank you
I can’t believe I knew so little about this before, I guess, I just hadn’t thought about it that much, that (speech) was really interesting. Now you come to mention it we have someone in our club who is a real stickler for rules, and can be a bit too rigid, he gets very upset if people don’t do what they say they will do, and he can’t understand why or how people can be unreliable or casual about the things he really cares about. He can come across as aggressive too which can be upsetting for the other members. Perhaps I can help him to integrate a bit better now.
Thank you so much for the conversation we had a few months’ back. It was really empowering and helpful to talk to someone else who has had similar experiences to me. I wanted to update you on something … I had an assessment this week and I have now received a diagnosis! I recognise this is the only the beginning of things to come, but I would like to take the time to pass on my gratitude, particularly with self-acceptance and support throughout the waiting process. It was worth the wait.
Sam was a huge support in helping me overcome my fear of public speaking and video presentations. Her undeniable enthusiasm and energy make her a wonderful coach and presenter. I learn from Sam every time we meet or speak. She is passionate about her work and vision and has a phenomenal communication skills that help all people understand each other. I highly recommend speaking to Sam if you are looking to improve yourself or enhance your business
I had a superb session with Sam today. I needed to create a you tube channel and how to upload videos to it, and how to use it once it was created. What a fantastic session, interactive but I was talked through each stage and I did the actions so that I was able to learn how each piece worked. I’m a learner who learns by doing things. Sam was fantastic and I learned loads. Thanks Sam exactly how I like a session to run
Hi! I got the job! Thank you so much for your help, made SUCH a huge difference!!
Just wanted to thank you for your coaching and let you know that I got a first in my presentation, which meant I got a first overall! You played a huge part in that so I just wanted to thank you again for all the help you gave me!
Thank you so much Sam, since speaking with you about Asperger’s and applying the techniques you told me about, our family life is so much calmer. It’s helped us to be more patient with our daughter and to agree with her some ground rules, and we all abide by the rules and harmony has returned to the house. We were at the end of our tether and as she moved into her teenage years we thought it was just going to get worse. But now we can see that’s not the case, now we know how to communicate
You’ve helped me so much in such a small amount of time. I’m so grateful. I’m so pleased with the result! I’m not afraid to charge on with my videos now – I’m all fired up!
You’re always so confident; you just look like you love doing this. I would love to get to that place. I’d love to be that good. Can you help me
We worked with Sam for the launch party of our new business. She was invaluable when it came to planning and running the event, she gave brilliant coaching and tips for our speeches and was friendly, professional, helpful and a huge asset to the event. It definitely wouldn’t have been the same without her. I wouldn’t hesitate to bring her back for any future events
Hi Sam, just a line to say thank-you for last Fridays mentoring session at SYST. Not only was it interesting but inspirational too. I shall be putting some of your ideas/suggestions into action in due course. Best regards
Nailed the best man speech! So chuffed. Loads of compliments. Thanks for all your support over the years. Couldn’t have done it without you and Shropshire Speakers. Now going to ‘celebrate
That’s epic! I think we need more shared learning as a team. Thank you for very much – lots of stuff to takeaway
Absolutely tremendous for me and thank you Sam. I have got so many takeaways and if anything re-motivated me in trying new things in my future delivery
That’s epic! I think we need more shared learning as a team. Thank you for very much – lots of stuff to takeaway
I was lucky enough to be the recipient of some Zoom training with the lovely Sam Warner, thanks to Jill Bagnall ( Fusing Ideas Glass), I really enjoyed the session and got such a lot from it, I am now using Zoom and with confidence too! Sam has such a wonderful approach, a great mix of professional, personal and humour combined with knowledge and straight talk – working at a pace that suits you, she leaves you keen to get going and with the skills to do so, a hands on approach, encouraging you to ‘have a go’ and to ask the questions you need to , that ensures your get the most out of the training. 10 out of 10 Sam – thank you!
I just wanted to let you know we are getting very positive feedback from our ASYSTED Businesses regarding your workshops. They have said they have taken a lot from them and have found them very helpful
Sam has extraordinary energy and ability to tune into the needs of a project /event/issue, and effect outcomes to the desired deadline. Her ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and team members (or equivalent) is matched with her insights into the wider issues and implications that bring added benefits, both for individuals and companies alike. I would recommend Sam to any individual or group wishing to make changes and improvements
Sam, you know so much! …and I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you so much for helping me get my thoughts into order so that I can prepare my show-reels! These are so important to me to get right, you’ve me given me the confidence to know I’m being thorough and professional
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sam on different projects, including presenting a Toastmasters program in leadership and public speaking at a local school, and most recently when Sam organised a TEDx event at which I was a speaker. If I say that Sam arranged the event in less than a month, this should give you an idea of her enormous drive and commitment. The success of the event is testimony to her passion for public speaking, her attention to detail, and her ability to motivate, organise and deliver. On a personal level, Sam is friendly, enthusiastic, intelligent and an absolute pleasure to work with. If you’re looking for someone who can break communication down to the natural skill that it should be, Sam is your go-to person
You really touched my heart, I loved how vulnerable you were, thank you
I know Katie is thanking you separately, but I also wanted to pass on my thanks for you taking part in Tuesday’s event. It was a super session and having your ‘neuro-spicy’ and IT perspective really enhanced it! Thank you too for staying on a bit after – I know Katie really appreciated your comments and feedback.
I don’t know if I’ve ever listened to an hour’s worth of content that intently before
Thanks for a wonderful presentation tonight. The engagement with the audience, your patience and your ability to make EasySpeak attractive is commendable
Sam is really amazing at helping Individuals and Organisations understand how to use the incredible talents of those with autism, particularly in the IT sector. She is a very relevant and enthusiastic speaker who will engage your audiences and provide huge value to your organisation
Thank you so much, it’s been an excellent session
Sam’s chat was very interesting. It was a great privilege to have a one to one meeting. I expected to find out more about online marketing but I learned so much more. Sam is a very talented lady and an inspiration
Sam is a very experienced communicator who supports people who need to get their message across in a variety of ways; whether it be via video or live presentations. Sam’s knowledge and skills have helped me to improve my presentation skills. Sam is warm and friendly and puts you at ease. Sam is highly regarded in her field and I would not hesitate to recommend her
Sam is a very skilled communicator, I’ve attended several of her training sessions and by giving you the structure, support and tricks to feel confident, she certainly helps you Get Your Message Across! Sam recently interviewed me on video as part of her series ‘600 seconds with Sam’, she was very professional and put me at my ease – in fact I quite enjoyed the experience which was unexpected. Thank you Sam!
Sam is one of those rare individuals that who is both decisive and strategic. She never lets a good wait get in the way of positive action but at the same time doesn’t let the urgency of action get in the way of strategic and critical thought. She has clearly invested a great deal of time and effort in the development of her soft skills and she rightly deserves to be the poster-child for “working on yourself”. Not only does it make her more effective, it breeds inspiration within a community and encourages others to aspire too. I have no hesitation in recommending her for any endeavour
I have worked with Sam within the Strategic Architecture Team and Architecture Group at Capgemini. She has an ability to assimilate knowledge and readily apply it to produce solutions to the requirements we have. Sam is an exceptional presenter and is very comfortable presenting to the team. She has a very creative mind and applies that attribute when creating solutions. Sam is readily sought out on the estate because of her knowledge in specific technical areas, such as Microsoft SharePoint and considered the Subject Matter Expert. Sam is always enthusiastic and she is well liked by the Teams she works with
Keynotes
Feedback from speaking gigs:
I saw Sam Warner give her ‘Autistic Toastmaster’ presentation at the Area (39) training day. Due to the number of speakers that day, Sam had only around half hour to give her presentation, the content and the value within the content did deserve more time, but in the time she had Sam packed in lots of great thought provoking ideas, which throw light onto an important subject. For me the outcome of hearing this presentation was, I am now better informed about the subject, which to me I believe is something of value both inside Toastmasters and the wider world. I would love to see Sam give a full workshop at a Toastmasters conference and believe it would offer something of great value
I love your energy and exuberance. It’s never dull watching you present. It would be so easy to be just completely factual like you were doing some sort of science lecture but you make it fun for everyone; made it interactive, and I really love that
Sam is an excellent communicator. I recently attended a project management short course and as always Sam gets the message across in a clear, unambiguous and memorable way. I came away with knowledge and advice to put immediately into practice; most timely. I have also heard Sam on Presentation Skills and on Video and Digital, subjects at the core of getting your message across and Sam not only gives you the knowledge, she presents in an inspiring, confidence boosting manner. I would not hesitate to recommend Sam
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the outstandingly helpful workshop tonight. As ASD Area Director, I learnt a lot on how to help build a team with preference questions.
Very authentic, vulnerable and powerful speaker! Amongst an ocean of speakers there is this gem, Sam with her incredible depth and strength! It’s a pleasure to listen to Sam and to learn from her in the most effortless way! She was amazing at our event recently and I highly recommend her!
I loved the message in your presentation which you delivered awesomely!!
You are such a phenomenal skilled speaker. Thank you for being part of this club as you add a special dimension to it!
I can’t believe how well you handled all that heckling; so many useful tips in that speech, thank you so much. I know that I’ll give at least one or two of the points a try straight away
I was on your talk this evening and it was brilliant and by far the best talk I have heard on this subject. I intend to follow you as I feel I can learn a lot from you. Well done.
I have known Sam over many years through the public speaking and leadership club she founded, Shropshire Speakers. Over this time, I have seen Sam deliver a wide range of themed speeches, and help many other club members improve their communication skills. As well as a kind, sympathetic and warm nature, Sam has a wealth of experience, and can encourage others through simple, practical tips as well as in-depth one-to-one guidance. Sam is an outstanding teacher and mentor, and I am sure that Sam will be able to help others improve their speaking, communication and leadership skills
Passionate. Enthusiastic. Caring. Compassionate. All words that describe Sam when she is speaking to her audiences. She is also truly engaging, keep the attention of her audience through her entire talk – not an easy achievement when speaking online. And yet Sam does it, with a smile on her face the entire time.
I was fortunate to hear Sam speak about her experience of organising TEDX events. Sam is an engaging and vibrant speaker who captured our attention through her lively sense of humour. Many thanks Sam for an inspiring talk
I love watching you speak. You have so much energy and enthusiasm. You keep the audience’s attention so well. Your speeches are interactive, fun and enlightening. You look like a pro. You’re not afraid to be vulnerable or make fun or yourself. You seem to be able to present on any subject. I hope I can become as confident as you one day
It was just perfect! I loved how engaging you made session and all of the insightful advice you shared.
I received lots of positive comments from attendees following the meeting saying how much they enjoyed it and loved how you presented.
I have just spent a most fun, insightful and thought provoking hour with Sam Warner – The Autistic Interpreter. I first came across Sam at an EMCC UK webinar and immediately thought “here is someone I can work with”. Sam generously gave me the benefit of her experience and knowledge as I explored key questions such as:
· What is neurodiversity?
· What are the typical assumptions and stereotypes?
· How can I co-create a safe and creative thinking space for neurodiverse clients?
· How can I build closer relationships with neurodiverse friends and those with neurodiverse family members?
· Where can I continue to learn with people who are different to me?
She made it easy to understand, was extremely knowledgeable, generously shared her own experiences, busted some classic myths, and gave me a wealth of useful resources to continue my learning. If you are asking yourself similar questions, then I can thoroughly recommend Sam
I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say a huge thank you for joining us on Wednesday, and for delivering such a powerful and inspiring talk. I especially liked the reference to the direct methods of communication in other countries – as a Polish person, I have had to learn the British communication dance you talked about – and I felt so validated in that moment!
Your message was clear and powerful and I could tell that it resonated with a lot of delegates present in the room.
Thank you again, and I look forward to working with you again in the future
I connected with Sam through a toastmasters event, She is an incredible speaker and as the co-chair of KBR’s diversity and inclusion board ‘ASPIRE’ I was keen to invite her to deliver a couple of lunch and learns.
When contacting Sam initially she listened to our requirements of the subjects we wanted to cover. We booked Sam for two lunchtime events one week apart, the first about her experience being an autistic person in a corporate environment and the second about leveraging talents of autistic people within the workplace. Sam gave clear rules of engagement around workplace environments, and ensuring all employees are comfortable within their office space. There was discussion around language and ensuring that instructions and questions are clear, and also some tips of how to ensure colleagues can show appreciation of their peers and how this is crucial in building good relationships within diverse teams.
Sam creates a natural conversational environment to discuss her content and feedback from both sessions was fantastic, we had comments around the value of hearing about autism from an adults point of view, as well as appreciation of the advice for engaging with neurodivergent peers to ensure they thrive in the workplace
I had the pleasure of working with Sam for one of our staff training and development days in July 2019 (The RNN Group).Sam was tasked with planning and delivering ‘confident speaking’ training/workshops to our teaching and staff (120 on the day). She did a fabulous job! A knowledgeable and very practised public speaker; her sessions were very well received (excellent feedback from staff through event evaluation). I would recommend Sam not only for her professionalism on the day when faced with a rather large cohort of education professionals; her adaptability when things don’t quite go to plan and her overall approach and delivery of the session material. I look forward to working with her again
Autistic Adults
Feedback from individual Autistic Adults:
It is so very helpful to hear and discuss these issues and details both as viewed through a ND lens and in community with other ND folks; whether the material is familiar or new, it lands differently. And Sam is a great facilitator; looking forward to future sessions!
the talk was very useful and helpful. It was all good
Sam is always very informative and helpful.
Sam was wonderful. She had an answer or strategy for all of my questions. It was very clear that she’d learned how to manage a LOT of the issues we have in the corporate world and job interviews. Her scripts and viewpoints have been super insightful and I already feel more prepared for when I start looking at the job market again.
hearing about another couple with Asperger’s was really helpful. Thank you for coming out and talk to us
Sam is always very helpful, very clear, very patient with questions. It is always a pleasure to attend Sam Warner’s workshops.
I enjoyed the open space for dialogue and questions!
Very relevant and useful information, great handout, and the facilitator gave ample opportunities for conversation and questions – and she was an excellent listener, empathetic and thoughtful in her answers
I found the talk helpful
The social aspect and involvement was the bit I liked best. I would like to hear more I found the talk really useful
I learned a lot and now want to attend Sam’s facilitated support group for a chance for more conversation about work-related topics.
Everyone had a chance to share & ask questions. Suggestions/solutions helpful but personally prefer a bit more question-based time
Sam is always very informative and helpful.
Sam was incredibly friendly, positive, and informative. In response to some concerns I had, she offered several subtle and easily actionable tactics for navigating workplace gray areas and working with employers to achieve a comfortable work environment.
Sam was incredibly friendly, positive, and informative. In response to some concerns I had, she offered several subtle and easily actionable tactics for navigating workplace gray areas and working with employers to achieve a comfortable work environment.
the discussion on relationships was most helpful
I found all of the talk helpful especially about relationships and friendships
It is so very helpful to hear and discuss these issues and details both as viewed through a ND lens and in community with other ND folks; whether the material is familiar or new, it lands differently. And Sam is a great facilitator; looking forward to future sessions!
Sam is very relatable and it was nice to meet someone who has experienced the emotional dysregulation I feel at work in corporate and also for the same situations, very validating. I look forward to reading the hand out
She provided insights and perspectives that I found very useful.
A wonderful overview of temp-work (e.g. the benefits, how to go about it, some practicalities, etc) from a neurodivergent perspective (how it can match needs, how to handle accommodations, etc). I also appreciate the workshop format so that there’s conversation and the content can be made directly relevant to participants.
Sam is very relatable and it was nice to meet someone who has experienced the emotional dysregulation I feel at work in corporate and also for the same situations, very validating. I look forward to reading the hand out
this was an excellent talk by Sam
I found all of the talk helpful especially about relationships and friendships
Very relevant and useful information, great handout, and the facilitator gave ample opportunities for conversation and questions – and she was an excellent listener, empathetic and thoughtful in her answers
I personally enjoyed the space to come together with individuals who have a common interest as well from the perspective which we share.
Sam is very relatable and it was nice to meet someone who has experienced the emotional dysregulation I feel at work in corporate and also for the same situations, very validating. I look forward to reading the hand out
Sam is always very helpful, very clear, very patient with questions. It is always a pleasure to attend Sam Warner’s workshops.
Very interesting, felt at ease, Sam spoke very clearly, this was helpful as I have hearing difficulties
learning how to get a non-autistic person understand was really helpful
This has been the best 10-week course that I have ever been too. It really opened up my eyes to what the possibilities can be as an autisic woman.
Sam was amazing as always! A great listener and wizard in finding the appropriate resources. She was instrumental in helping me find resources for jobs, internships, services that my son needed when in distress and disappointment. And today she was very helpful again. Her voice is calm and reassuring too. I look forward to joining her next workshops as finding employment is a constant struggle for neurodiverse people .
A wonderful overview of temp-work (e.g. the benefits, how to go about it, some practicalities, etc) from a neurodivergent perspective (how it can match needs, how to handle accommodations, etc). I also appreciate the workshop format so that there’s conversation and the content can be made directly relevant to participants.
Thank you for the hand outs, so much good stuff in there and I’m sharing it with my director & our ERG (employee resource group) person who chairs the Neurodiversity group (its in its infancy).
On a personal note, I was admittedly lurking last evening but wholeheartedly paying attention to the presentation and discussion. I appreciate your willingness to allow whatever level of participation felt comfortable.
As a 56 year old late formerly diagnosed ASD1 person (5-7 years ago), this was my first encounter with AANE and also truly the first time I’ve been in a space with ASD identifying adults and the experience was a very welcome shift for me. I felt as though I was existing on a continuum somewhere between the young professional adult in the group and yourself. Cannot even express how much being in a space like this for the first time reassured me and lifted me up.
Thank you and I’ll be signing on for more. Have a wonderful day,
I really enjoyed your sessions. You are more astute than a great many people whatever their neurological abilities.
Thank you so much. I feel less alone. I may book a free 30 min session with you sometime just to chat if that’s alright.
I hope you have a very good day, week, year,…life!
Kind regards,
Feedback from Schools
Thank you for your contribution, as an interviewer, to our recent Year 12 Personal Development Day. It was an excellent day and the feedback from the students has been very positive. It would not have been so successful if you had not been so generous with your time and experience. Many thanks once again and have a great summer.
Great to meet you on Friday and on behalf of the school can I say thank you so much for supporting our Interview Experience Day on Friday. Days like this are a vital part of the students Careers Curriculum and could not go ahead without your support.
What a transformation! I really enjoyed working with you to help our group of students realise they CAN speak up for themselves in a considered and respectful way and put their thoughts into words to ask for what they need. Their behaviour has improved in class, and several of them have said they want to continue with public speaking because they’ve really got a taste for it. Thanks again for all the travelling, time and dedication you put into the the course. We were lucky to have you.
Sam gave excellent, really detailed feedback and was responsive over email which included communicating a slightly delay in comments due to a family situation (this was over the holidays so didn’t impact the students etc.) I was really impressed with her comments overall, they felt so individual, supportive and positive but also giving them next steps.
Her expert video was great, and I could see the effort students had put into their videos to incorporate their tips and feedback. I learnt a few tricks myself!
We’ve learned so much from you Sam, reaching 160 13 years olds and inspiring them to think differently about Neurodiversity, careers for different thinkers being kind to each other and how to share their successes more is no mean feat. I think you’ve also positively affected the teachers that were in there with us, they are all still talking about it.
Sam Warner from ‘get your message across,’ came into school and delivered an inspiring and thoughtful talk to the children about the importance of kindness and celebrating the differences in others. Her message encouraged us all to reflect on how we can be even more inclusive and understanding and to also be kind to ourselves. Something we often forget to do! Sam’s engaging speaking style captivated both children and staff. We appreciate the time Sam gave to come into our school and speak to us all.
We’ve learned so much from you Sam, reaching 160 13 years olds and inspiring them to think differently about Neurodiversity, careers for different thinkers being kind to each other and how to share their successes more is no mean feat. I think you’ve also positively affected the teachers that were in there with us, they are all still talking about it.
I just wanted to follow up from last Tuesday and say THANK YOU very much for all of help and support you provided the students over the last 10 weeks. Having seen the course from start to finish I can see how immensely important and beneficial it is for them. I thought you might like to know that Lady Satchwell called all of the students in on Thursday and provided each student with a Gold Ambassador badge and one of her coveted Purple Pigs. I have also arranged for a showreel to be shown on the weekly broadcast so that the rest of the school can see what a marvellous job the students’ did.
Following our conversation, I have spoken with Jeanette Furlong and she has agreed that the 6.1 students would really benefit from your fantastic course, in particular those who are applying for courses at university next year which will require an interview/presentation. I wondered if this is something you would be happy to do? She suggested either a Wednesday or Friday afternoon during lesson time if this is achievable for you? We feel we would get maximum attendance during this time as we are very heavy on extra curricular for sixth form and after school may not be achievable.
If you are happy to do it, can you let me know what dates you run the course, how many you would like to attend and the costings? Thank you again for you ongoing support of the students. Its very much appreciated.
Thank you so much for coming to speak at our Ercall Sparkle celebration event. Your words provided students and guests with an important reminder of why we remain so committed to the work of character development. Your own story and the insight given about the employability and personality characteristics skills you discuss with businesses, really helped to connect our key messages.
Our young people were full of praise about the energy and warmth you gave to the event. It’s great for students to see someone demonstrate excellent presentation skills and the art of bonding our audience to what we wanted the event to represent. Thank you for showcasing these vital skills and for doing so with such enthusiasm and empathy. Your inclusive and optimistic speech really aligned with our own school values. We were all very thankful.
These events cannot take place without the kindness and dedication of people like you.
We hope that Ercall Wood Academy continues work with you, in partnership.
I just wanted to say the feedback you have given is wonderful, so detailed and a great level for their ages – picked up a few tips myself!
Thank you for the fantastic feedback, it’s such a brilliant exchange for the students!
National Diversity Awards
These next 25 are the voting testimonials as the nominee for the National Diversity Awards – Role Model in the Disability category for 2025:
Sam is the very definition of purpose-led work. She doesn’t just support neurodivergent individuals — she changes the systems around them. Her deep understanding, lived experience, and tireless advocacy make her a rare kind of leader: one who uplifts, empowers and educates, all in equal measure. What sets Sam apart is her integrity. Whether she’s delivering high-impact training to global organisations or offering her time freely to those who can’t afford support, she shows up with the same commitment, the same warmth, and the same fierce belief that everyone deserves to be heard. She’s not in it for recognition — which is precisely why she deserves this award. Sam builds platforms for others, often staying behind the scenes while she makes sure others get to shine. It’s time she got the spotlight she’s worked so hard to create for everyone else.
Sam is a true giver and helps hundreds of people a year in many ways. She is hopeful, fun and professional too. A pleasure to work with.
Sam has always been an inspiring colleague who overcomes every bump and blip in the road with a smile and humour. Her generosity, spirit and belief that everyone can achieve anything is infectious and she absolutely deserves this award.
Sam is simply wonderful – she is helpful without telling the world about it. She’s humble and shares her strengths and traits without looking for recognition. She shares her knowledge, her insight into the world with humour, humility and she’s a super human being. She’s the epitome of a role model. I’m glad that she is in my world to help me understand the world of disability more. I get to see the world through her lens and she makes the world brighter.
Sam is very active on social media and easy to talk to in teal.life too. She is passionate and caring
Sam’s knowledge on diversity is not only based on research, she lives and breaths it and is brilliant at sharing her own stories about how this has affected her live.
I have heard Sam speaking at a conference about neurodiversity and disabliity. I have learned a lot from how about how to be more inclusive in my training sessions.
Sam is a trailblazer in the field of neurodiversity and a powerful advocate for inclusion. Through her work across the public sector, corporate environments, and education, she exemplifies what it means to create truly inclusive spaces. As an educator and changemaker, Sam is a shining example of how to lead with empathy, insight, and impact in the disability space.”
Sam does a lot of awareness for autism and helps not only autistic people to cope with day to day issues but how people without autism can be more inclusive and create a better environment, communicate with people better. Sam’s advice has personally helped me loads of the years to feel more positive about my autism diagnosis and she pours her heart and soul into helping people
Sam is amazing, so thoughtful and understanding. So easy to get along with and speak to.
Sam is worthy of this because she’s talented, supports all through her speaking training and understands her audience. She’s truly talented and deserves recognition for her skills.
Sam is a great advocate for many people with neuro-diverse traits and is great at educating those in the workplace.
Excellence in being a positive role and teaching me loads about diversity
Sam does so much free of charge to raise awareness of reasonable adjustments in the work place for people who are neuro divergent. Sam educates others in a way that is easy to understand. Sam speaks in schools, workplaces and other organisations. Sam speaks at conferences to raise awareness of the needs of people who are neuro divergent including the need for a quiet space away from excessive noise. Sam has also explained why attendees maybe on their phones during workshops. They are not ignoring the speaker they are finding ways to get the most out of the event and maybe making notes. Sam also educates event organisers to understand the need for attendees to have quiet rooms away from the event to recharge and enjoy conferences by being able to cope with constant masking. Sam wants everyone to be accepted for who they are and encourages, universities, schools, workplaces and organisations to be more inclusive. Sam has recently been a panelist at the Professional Speaking Association Spring conference IMPACT in Birmingham and explained how the use of language is important. Phrases like letting your hair down was hard to comprehend. Sam let her long hair down and said “what next”. By using this example it really showed how important language is for people who are neuro divergent. Sam deserves this award for everything she does.
I’m voting for Sam, because people like her don’t come around often. Sam doesn’t just talk about inclusion and advocacy — she lives it. Every keynote she gives, teen she mentors, and client she has, she pours into people who otherwise wouldn’t have a voice — it’s all done with relentless passion and care. I’ve worked alongside Sam for nearly two years, and in that time I’ve seen her give her time, energy and wisdom freely to lift others up — not for accolades, not for praise, but because it’s who she is. She’s the kind of person who lights a fire in others while never dimming her own. Sam creates space where people are heard, seen and valued — especially those who have too often been overlooked. She’s turning communication into connection, and that into genuine change. Sam is the reason someone else believes in themselves.
Sam is not only knowledgeable in her field she is incredibly generous. Generous with her time, energy and spirit. Her approach in everything she does is to invite people in making her an excellent role model for us all.
Having known Sam Warner for many years as speaker, consultant, coach and friend she is a true expert who walks the talk and is a thought leader in her field. She comes highly recommended and would 100% deserve the award.
I’m voting for Sam Warner because of the impact I’ve personally witnessed through her work in the PSA community. Sam brings both passion and presence to every space she steps into. Her talk on Neurodiversity at the IMPACT PSA Spring Conference, which included the Emerging Speaker Of the Year competition, was not only informative, but deeply engaging — delivered with clarity, authenticity, and heart. She has an incredible ability to make complex topics accessible while also challenging the audience to reflect and grow. What truly stood out to me was how much she gave behind the scenes. Sam kept time for both the ESY and Impact Conference, supported fellow speakers (myself included) by filming our talks and promptly sharing them with us, and did it all with such generosity and humility. She wasn’t looking for recognition — she simply showed up in service to others. Sam is a role model not just for the neurodivergent community but for anyone seeking to lead with empathy, inclusivity, and integrity. She doesn’t just speak about creating space for marginalised voices — she creates that space and invites others in. That, to me, is the mark of a true positive role model. Thank you, Sam!
I have worked with Sam for years and she has such a good understanding of diversity and always implements support for people with needs but without making them feeling bad. She has also been very fundamental I feel in spreading knowledge to diversity to 1000s of people
Sam is simply amazing! Couldn’t have chosen a better candidate
Sam Warner was a huge part of my career development in helping me navigate my own autism. She taught a 10-week seminar on autism and employment through AANE. She truly opened up my eyes and gave me and the group hope that we can be productive employees or even entrepreneurs in our own businesses. She is truly an inspiration to the autism community!
I saw Sam on a recent diversity and inclusion event speak and she was so enthusiastic and inspirational.
Leading by example, super supportive, generosity and all round amazing human
Sam is an inspiration to the neurodivergent community.
Sam has a way of sharing herself openly and honestly. With a big smile and warm personality, she is a safe space for all, yet so knowledgeable and inspiring to work with. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Sam Warner works so incredibly hard, sometimes it seems 24/7, to be the best educator she can be on neurodiversity. She is such a gem, and the UK is lucky to have her.
These next 13 are the voting testimonials as the nominee for the National Diversity Awards – Role Model in the Disability category for 2021:
Sam has an energising and positive personality. She works to a very high standard and shows great compassion to those around her. Her work with TEDx is exemplary and she shines as a role model
Learning Support of the Year 2017 – The Dyslexia Awards
Sam has been delivering 10 week presentation skills courses (she’s delivering her 7th course currently at Madeley Academy) to groups of up to 15 students at various schools from 12-18 in Telford over the last five years. Including Ercall Wood, Thomas Telford School, and Abraham Derby.
She asks for the kids with Tourette’s, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and these are often described off the record as the naughty, silent or disruptive kids.
Sam uses her training program and her special brand of magic to bring the best out of the kids. She doesn’t just churn out the syllabus, she adapts it to each new group of kids so it works for their differing needs.
She’s so good at empowering them, building trust and mutual respect. The transformation is astonishing in just 10 weeks and parents and Teachers always come up to thank her at the end.
Sam is consistent, reliable, knowledgeable and just seems to know how to enable these kids to find their voice and confidence. Some have gone on to Youth Parliament, succeed in interviews or take up drama, or just speak in assembly.
Sam deserves to win because I think she deserves the recognition for all the unpaid effort she puts into preparing and delivering these courses. Never mind what she does in her job as a speaker, coach and trainer for Neurodiversity at Work sessions in organisations.
I have known and worked with Sam over a number of years and she has been a tireless supporter and campaigner for increasing awareness of neurodiversity in education and employment. In 2020 I commissioned Sam to run an online session on Neurodiversity in the Workplace for my local branch of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development). The session was very well received and succeeded in raising awareness of the challenges faced by employees with neuro-differences in the workplace. Sam is a great advocate and positive role model for those with Aspergers and has used her public speaking, communication and training skills to help inform and educate others in engaging ways. She is a very strong candidate for this award
Sam is a great communicator despite having numerous invisible disabilities including autism. I first met Sam at Toastmasters in Telford where she encouraged everyone to speak on various ad hoc random topics with no preparation. Sam is now involved with TedX and encourages others to do a TedX talk on topics that the audience haven\’t heard before. Communication is vital to get organisations and business to change so they become more inclusive. Sam is brilliant at organising these events. The videos of speakers who have been lucky enough to get through the application process and deliver a TedX talk are great testimonials of Sam\’s hard work. Sam is constantly posting in social media inspirational messages to employers about being more inclusive and understanding specific language terms that employees with invisible disabilities will understand. Sam encourages possible employees to apply for jobs too encouraging to overcome the barriers they face to gain employment. By posting positive messages in several social media platforms Sam is educating others about inclusion and acceptance of everyone whether they are disabled or not. Sam is a positive role model and through her hard work and dedication to help others I feel she should be recognised for this
Sam makes being autistic her superpower. I worked with her on an interview/article about Autism and Games, and she really showed in what she said and how she said it that it\’s the world and how society is set up that \’disables\’, not the individual. She told her story and she showed how being autistic for her has its challenges and its benefits, and how it\’s a part of her. And this comes through in everything she does. She\’s not worthy of this award because she\’s triumphed over adversity (although she has), but because she shows with everything she does that she is herself and would never want to be anything different. She gives an incredibly positive role model for anyone struggling with their identity as an auistic person or as a person with anything that society might view as a disability. She makes me want to introduce my autistic nephews and nieces to her so that they can see what they can do and be, and that they don\’t need to feel bad about who they are. And all of this is not even to go into the amazing work she does helping Autistic people get and keep jobs that they love, and helping companies create workplaces that are friendly to Autistic people and people with disabilities
She is a huge inspiration and role model to me and my children
Sam has an energising and positive personality. She works to a very high standard and shows great compassion to those around her. Her work with TEDx is exemplary and she shines as a role model
Sam Warner is most definitely an outstanding Positive Role Model for disability. I have had the pleasure and honour of knowing Sam in a professional capacity for several years, and am always blown away by the confidence she exudes. She gets things done and works well and hard to ensure that she represents those of us with hidden disabilities, the neuro-diverse in a positive and proactive way. Yes she runs a business and has helped countless people via that business, but she isn\’t just a business – what I am trying to say is that she is one of the most dedicated, passionate and determined to make a difference individuals I have met – she has made a business out of her passion, and the world is a better place for that, he positivity and \’can-do attitude is priceless, she IS a very Positive Role Model and that isn\’t business, that is personal and comes from within, it is something she just does because it is in her DNA (so-to-speak) to do so! As founder of The Dyslexia Awards, I had the privilege of reading the nominations submitted for Sam, for the Educator of the Year Award, it was clear to me and the award judges that Sam is an outstanding and dedicated educator, who leads by example and is undoubtedly a positive role model in all she does. As an individual, I have had training from sam for zoom, and I can concur that she is a most excellent trainer, this goes further than just training, it is the passion and belief she has in you as an individual, she sets the example and has a way of making you believe you can do it because she can do it – she sets the example for you to follow and aspire to meet. I support wholeheartedly Sam\’s nomination for Positive Role Model for disability, she is an outstanding individual who deserves this award, for all she has done, will no doubt do in the fuuture and is currently doing – she is a total asset to not just Shropshire, but to the world, which needs more Sam\’s in it! Good Luck Sam, I will be rooting for you x
Sam has great enthusiasm for her subject and works hard. As a result she has created real visibility for neurodiversity. She tirelessly helps those that are neurodiverse to get diagnosed and get things right. She\’s not afraid to put herself out there and be open about what it\’s like to be on the spectrum. Seeing someone like her thrive is exactly what others need to give them hope it\’s possible for them. In short, a great role model
If only people knew the hours of work that Sam puts in to creating videos, courses, and other types of content to help spread a positive message about how employable people in the neuro diverse community are. These include daily videos on LinkedIn, lunch and learn sessions to corporate’s, and numerous one-to-one sessions with adult individuals needing help and support. Sam has a very strong work ethic, and strives to balance out the information given by other neurodiverse allies. Whilst it’s very useful to understand the challenges that Neurodiverse individuals face day-to-day, it’s even more useful to understand the positive traits they bring to the table when they are seeking work. Sometimes it looks like she’s trying to move a mountain, but her resolve never waivers. Her ability to interpret between Neuro diverse and neuro typical people has put her in a unique position to advocate for both sides. This insight helps Sam to translate the two different languages of the different minds so that they can arrive at a common understanding. It’s great when an organisation is fully on board with providing accommodations for neurodiverse people But they often ask NeuroDiverse individuals to self advocate and ask for what they want. Unfortunately many neuro diverse individuals don’t know what they are allowed to ask for, and don’t want to be a burden or receive special treatment that makes them stand out from the rest of the team. This creates a no man’s land where the employer is willing to help, but only if the employee asks for it. Sam brings the two sides together so that the employer can define the accommodations that are available, and to help the individual find the language they need to ask for accommodations so that they can be the best version of themselves that they can be at work, without feeling like they’re receiving special treatment. We need more people like Sam who can provide this service. This is why I think she is a role model
Her enthusiasm and energy has just one aim – to help others by inspiring
Sam is a very positive enabling person. She energises those around her and is generous with her time helping others. Her TedX work is outstanding and she is truly a role model
Sam truly is a Positive Role Model in many ways and very deserving of this award. She positively encourages others (me included) and finds the best in everyone
Sam is so passionate about this and does lots of work in this area
Sam does a lot of awareness for autism and helps not only autistic people to cope with day to day issues but how people without autism can be more inclusive and create a better environment, communicate with people better. Sam’s advice has personally helped me loads of the years to feel more positive about my autism diagnosis and she pours her heart and soul into helping people
TEDx Telford Feedback
Sam, truly grateful to the entire TEDx team for offering advice, support and guidance on how to deliver my talk in such a way that it will effectively inspire others to make positive changes in their lives. The environment created by the team was warm, friendly and caring. Having the opportunity to practice the talk on multiple occasions, watch others practice and receive feedback from the other speakers and TEDx team members during the preparation had a phenomenally positive impact on the success of my talk on the day. Sam Warner’s knowledge of stage craft and her keen ear was extremely helpful in picking out key pieces of the content and being able to offer advice on how to present it in a more impactful way, whether through the use of; long pauses, physical movement or slight tweaks to the content. She was a true pleasure to work with and I thoroughly recommend that if you are looking to present on stage and have a lasting impact on those listening in, you allow Sam to guide, support and advise you in the no frills, direct and truly kind-hearted way that only she can. Thank you for everything! #youvegotthis xoxo
I recently had the great pleasure of speaking at the first TEDx Telford event which was organised by Sam. The whole event was flawlessly executed by not only Sam, but the team of people she had selected to support her in arranging the day. Despite working within very strict deadlines and to exacting standards, Sam still found time to offer support to me and all the speakers, communicating regularly and giving feedback. The day itself was excellent; a sell out crowd, 15 amazing speakers and memories that will last a lifetime. It was all made possible by Sam. Thank you Sam
I connected with Sam as a speaker on her event TEDx Telford. Prior to the event, I had a coaching session with Sam through her company helping individuals craft their message and deliver it with pazzaz! I knew I was on my first steps to joining the most powerful ‘ideas’ platform TEDx and I wanted to work with an expert to help me deliver a compelling and enlightening talk. Sam coached me brilliantly and gave good direction for the content so that it would appeal to a wide audience. On the actual day of the event, Sam had a solid team in place and everything was organised very well. I was one speaker in a group of 16 all of which Sam had helped to be the best version of themselves on the stage. Sam has definitely helped me achieve one of my career ambitions and enabled me to share my skills through a fantastic TEDx event. I wouldn’t hesitate booking her for her speaker and presentation coaching sessions
I had the privilege of working with Sam at TEDxTelford – well I say ‘with’ – I was lucky enough to be selected as a speaker and Sam, with her team, organised the most spectacular event. Sam was incredibly encouraging and supportive during the entire speaker ‘journey’, from organising and giving superb feedback in rehearsals, being available on email in between times and being incredible at the event too. Always friendly, always helpful, always supportive (even when she was clearly very busy!). And Sam’s own speaking manner was something else – a true education and hugely inspiring. I learnt a huge amount from Sam and can’t speak highly enough of her
“I have worked with Sam on several occasions over the past few years and whenever I know she will be at an event I will be attending I always look forward to seeing her. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking at her TEDx event and I must say, WOW! what a well organised, well run event from top to bottom. Sam is absolutely top notch in everything she does and this was no exception. She is super professional and very personable and made the entire experience so easy and enjoyable for everyone involved. Her willingness to go above and beyond, her attention to detail and her meticulous preparation really makes her stand head and shoulders above the rest! I can highly recommend Sam, she is BRILLIANT!
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Sam when I was selected as a speaker for TEDx Telford – What Next? Sam was the Licensee and event organiser and she provided me with fantastic support and coaching in developing both my talk and stage presence. The feedback and guidance I received from Sam and the rest of her team was second to none and she encouraged both myself and the other speakers every step of the way. She helped build my confidence as a speaker and was always there with advice (and a hug) when I needed it. The TEDx event was incredibly well organised from start to finish, and what Sam and her team achieved was astounding. I can highly recommend Sam and would jump at the chance to work with her again in the future
Sam and I worked together on the delivery of TEDxTelford, which took place last weekend. Sam was the lead organizer, curator, and all-round drive for the entire project from start to finish. Before this event, I had never worked, met, or even heard of Sam. During our initial meeting, Sam was professional throughout. She understood the TED brand intimately, and had a clear vision of how to deliver what the brand demanded, however was able to put her own stamp on it. Throughout the project, I worked directly to Sam. She would request tasks to be completed, and she would leave me to it to deliver how I saw fit. It was good to feel trusted to just get on with the task. This also gave Sam some space to focus on other tasks that needed a little closer touch. The event was a resounding success, and in my eyes, this was all down to one person, Sam. Her leadership, guidance and vision throughout were spot on. She made everyone feel part of the team and valued everyone’s opinions throughout. I think it is key to point out that the whole event was delivered in a mere nine weeks. TED recommends three months are needed, and there were plenty of people who said that it couldn’t be done; all that seemed to do was fuel Sam even more. She executed the event flawlessly in such a short time frame, demonstrating just how capable she is Sam is an extraordinary person, and I can’t wait to work with her again to deliver the next TEDx event
“I recently worked with Sam for the TEDx Telford event, where I was a speaker. Sam’s professionalism, commitment and support ensured the event was a complete success and I, personally, felt fully confident in Sam’s ability to deliver excellence. I especially loved how she worked with her team and brought them together as a tight knit powerhouse to help deliver an exceptional event in a very short time frame. I was absolutely delighted to be a part of the event and wouldn’t hesitate to work with Sam again!
It was an honour and privileged to work with Sam when she organised the first ever TEDx Telford in September 2018. I was fortunate enough to be one of the speakers at the event. Quite simply, Sam is one phenomenal lady. She organised and delivered an immensely successful TEDx event in just 9 weeks from conception to completion. Not only was it quick the standard was world class. Every small detail was tended to and she went above and beyond expectations. The event was a massive success for both the speakers and the audience. A few key stand out points for me about Sam: > She is incredibly thorough and leaves nothing to change. > She invested time in ensuring everyone was well rehearsed and confident prior to the event. > She utilises technology effectively (for example, to quickly and efficiently share rehearsal videos) > Her communication was impeccable and many of my guests commented on how well informed they were about the event. > On top of all this Sam has a wonderful warm and friendly attitude that makes working with her a complete pleasure. Thank you Sam, immensely
I was honoured to have been selected by Sam and her panel to be a speaker at the first ever TEDxTelford event. Sam was incredibly professional and meticulous over every detail of the event. She cared enough to ensure all the speakers had plenty of rehearsal time even though there was a relatively short time to prepare. She was there throughout all rehearsals with excellent feedback and support. On the day, everything ran like clockwork and everyone who attended enjoyed it all. A job so incredibly well done! Her dedication to making the event a success was rewarded by her creating and hosting an amazing sell out event. I’d have no hesitation in working with Sam again
“I’ve recently had the absolute pleasure of working with Sam (and her TEDx Team) after being successfully selected to deliver a TEDx talk. Sam’s support, coaching and guidance enabled me to shape and enhance my talk – her feedback was invaluable. She is highly experienced, encouraging, warm and calm. Sam and the team worked seamlessly together to deliver a truly inspiring event. I would highly recommend Sam to others
I met Sam in her capacity as Lead Organiser for TEDx Telford. Sam was exceptional. She was very easy to work with, highly dedicated to producing an outstanding event, empathetic with all of us nervous speakers, patient with our egos and just a very nice person to work with. Highly recommended
Marches Growth Hub Feedback
The following feedback is from a Digital Marketing presentation for the Marches Growth Hub, attendees were asked what they liked and got out of the training workshop:
All of the content was very relevant and useful. Many of the points also apply to other forms of marketing as well
Learning about different platforms and vlogging
Video Tips: I have little to no experience in video presentations so it was good to get an intro
Show reels – didn’t know about them. Introduction into various platforms and tools that can be used to design and upload a video marketing campaign. Tips on how to start, etc
Great to go through the structure and how to go about developing a marketing strategy to incorporate video
Actually all of it – very relevant
Platforms; platform illiterate
Where to market videos, specify what you need to achieve. Also a variety of possibilities with video
All of it was excellent – how to get started, planning and different platforms
Presentations / video campaigns
Sam was great, really engaging and provided lots of tips
Thinking about using videos for social media marketing
The whole presentation
Elements required to video, Having a story and confidence, impart knowledge and building relationships