Richard Etienne Speaker | Primary & Enterprise & Creative & Careers & New Speakers & Assemblies and Celebrations Events & Media & Mental Health & Conference

Richard Etienne

Former Downing Street Videographer helping students embrace quiet confidence and become leaders in their own way.

Richard Etienne is a communications strategist, author, and the founder of The Introvert Space™, an organisation dedicated to empowering quieter voices in leadership and life. Having grown up as a shy, working-class boy of Caribbean heritage in South London, Richard knows what it’s like to feel unseen, and what it takes to grow into your confidence without pretending to be someone you’re not.

Richard was once the official videographer to Prime Minister Theresa May and has worked behind the scenes with some of the UK’s most senior leaders. His career spans government, media and global corporate communications, most recently as Director of Internal Communications at Elsevier, where he led international employee engagement across multiple time zones.

Today, Richard speaks to students across the UK about the power of introversion, leadership from within, and how to build confidence in a noisy world. His talks are rooted in lived experience and packed with practical advice on navigating self-doubt, staying true to yourself, and communicating in a way that feels authentic.

For Black History Month his Behind the Lens of Power stories — drawn from his time as official videographer at 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace — offer a rare, principled view of power and relationship-building at the highest level. They tend to resonate with audiences seeking something both engaging and thought-provoking.

He can also deliver introvert masterclasses (featured by The Guardian and The Standard) and lead Black Introvert Week UK, which returns this October. These sessions are ideal for clients looking to foster deeper connection and inclusivity in their spaces, especially through a more human lens.

His delivery is honest, engaging, and relatable, whether speaking in assemblies, smaller group workshops, or teacher CPD sessions. Richard shows young people how to value their voice, even when it’s not the loudest in the room.

Richard is also the director of The iD Project, an award-winning documentary celebrating identity and belonging, and author of Self-Promotion for Introverts.

Testimonials from Teachers

"It was an honour to host Richard at the University of Oxford for a full day of workshops and seminars. His personal branding and confidence-building advice resonated deeply with our introverted staff and students. Richard’s approachability and authenticity made him a true ally for diversity and inclusion. We hope to welcome him back soon"

– Iris Hofmann, Head of Operations, University of Oxford

"Richard delivered an inspirational talk for our students about his career journey as an introverted individual and how to become more confident and self-assured in developing a strong personal brand. This received positive feedback from students and following the success of this event, we scheduled a workshop with Richard, tailored to introverted individuals in order to support them in considering the value of personality diversity, what their strengths are as introverts, and how to utilise these for professional growth. Students were provided with techniques for communicating confidently and being successful in the workplace, including within high-pressure situations. This was a lovely event which clearly provided something unique for more introverted students who felt comfortable during the session to speak up and share their ideas. Richard has a really engaging and also gentle approach in his delivery style, which puts people at ease. He does not pressure people in speaking up, and therefore naturally they do of their own accord. It has been a pleasure working with Richard so far, I really do think he is providing support where there is a need for this which is not being addressed by many other people. The fact that Richard's focus is about the positives of being introverted and how one can build on this and develop confidence without feeling the need to change who they are is incredibly important."

– Amy Laker, Development Officer (Student Success) , University of Kent

“I’ve worked with Richard at both the Guardian and the Standard, where he delivered exceptional masterclasses on introversion and personal branding. His sessions are insightful, engaging, and deeply impactful. Richard creates a safe space for attendees, ensuring they leave feeling stronger and more self-assured. A truly outstanding speaker and educator.”

– Nicola Barron, Co-founder and Director at MDMB Creative