ABOUT BEN:
Ben Akers is a writer, director, problem solver and male mental fitness campaigner. For 20 years he has worked at some of the world’s top advertising agencies both in the UK and Sydney. He then decided to use his evil powers for good, and joined the environmental and sustainable revolution. He now only works on projects that are good for the world. So when his childhood best friend took his own life in 2014, he needed to do something. He created a documentary called “Steve” and from that a male mental fitness movement, Talk Club.
Ben lives in Bristol with his wife and 3 children.
We’re really looking forward to having you at TEDxRoyalTunbridgeWells 2020, Ben! Can you tell us a little bit about your idea worth spreading?
My idea is: How do you stop men taking their own lives?
What was the main motivation for giving a TEDx talk?
Well quite simply it’s to stop the next Steve, to save the next Steve.
Steve Yates was my childhood best friend who took his own life 5 years ago and for the past 2 years I’ve touring the country discovering why men take their own lives and trying to stop the next ones.
What is the one thing you want the audience to take away from your TEDx talk?
That we all have power to save lives, and it might be as simple as asking, “How are You? Out of 10?”
What are some of your favourite TED or TEDx talks?
Well there are far too many to mention. There was one stage in my life when I’d listen to 2 or 3 a day on my commute, but the ones that have helped me the most are:
Joesph Ravenell - How he used where men are to help them help themselves.
William Ury - How he looked at conflict and by approaching it differently, we can all be the solution.
Jane Fonda - This was a personal favourite. It helped me help my mum. My mum is the biggest character/influence in my life, so when Jane Fonda talks about the ”Third Act” the power of knowledge and how we should all respect our elders, I keep reminding her of that.
We're really excited to be welcoming you to Tunbridge Wells! Is there anything other than giving a TEDx talk that you're looking forward to doing or seeing while you’re here?
Ive got some amazing memories of Tunbridge Wells with Steve when we were 19. We used to drive down here from Chislehurst/Sidcup 25 years ago. We’d stop off at as some “Old Man pubs” (I can’t remember their names) and have some amazing chats with gents in there - so I’m looking forward to a walk down memory lane or 2.
Learn more about Ben’s documentary and find him on Cargo Collective , LinkedIn, and his website.