PUBLIC SPEAKING
I am available for public speaking engagements and have been invited to speak to schools and clubs, charity groups, for companies and also at functions such as awards ceremonies. I usually speak about my kickboxing achievements and Asperger's Syndrome together but am happy to just speak about one topic.
COMPANIES/FUNCTIONS
Another speaking engagement I have had is to speak to employees including management staff about the challenges an employee/colleague with Asperger's Syndrome might face in the workplace. I have also worked with the audience to help them understand how small changes in their approach can be incredibly helpful to a colleague with Asperger's Syndrome.
I have also been called in as a keynote speaker for award ceremonies, talking about my achievements in kickboxing and how I reached the top level of my sport.
CHARITY GROUPS
I have been booked as a speaker for several charity groups, particularly to talk about Asperger's Syndrome. I prefer to be positive about Asperger's Syndrome, so while I do discuss the facts in that having Asperger's Syndrome or another autistic spectrum disorder will present a person with a great many challenges I also like to educate my audience in that with better understanding and awareness of these conditions success is more than possible.
SCHOOLS & CLUBS
I have visited several schools in my local area and also a cubs group. During these visits I talk about my kickboxing experiences and what I have achieved. These visits have gone down incredibly well with both children on the autism spectrum and those not on the autism spectrum.
I put a lot of emphasis on working hard to achieve your goals, never giving up and following your dream. I am happy to discuss my Asperger's diagnosis and how it affects my life
Janet Pinnock, Rushden & Higham Arthritis Care
Rushden Town Mayor 2011-12
"My first encounter with Jo was when she was presented with a donation to help fund her trip to Canada to defend her World Kickboxing Champion title. As Mayor at the time, and having a grandson with Asperger’s Syndrome, I was aware of the ordeal this was for Jo, who I may say coped admirably with the situation and gave no indication as to her nerves. Also being the Chairman of an elderly group within the town in which we live, I felt it important that the older generation be given an insight into an Asperger’s world and invited Jo along to talk to them. How many times have we witnessed naughty children in the street or the supermarket and thought that parents should chastise them? But sometimes this is not always the case as my members soon found out. Jo delivered a superb presentation (for once they were very attentive) and afterwards said how much they had enjoyed her talk, to be told about something they had heard of but didn’t really know what it was. Since then I have been in close contact with Jo who keeps me informed on everything she is doing, and for someone with this condition she has become a very positive and determined young woman who I know eventually will achieve her goals and ambitions in life. Her skills and particular attention to detail make her presentations very enjoyable and I commend her for her positivity in raising awareness of this ever growing condition."
Testimonials
“Thank you so much - the children loved meeting you and many have said that it was the best part of our Olympic Week as they got to meet a 'famous person'!! A lad in Year 4 with ASD didn't believe me when I told him that you had Asperger's Syndrome - he finds it difficult to control his temper and gets very frustrated and it was brilliant to see that you are 'normal' as he fears for his own future and what he might do when he grows up. It was inspirational for him!”
Claire Matthews, Head Teacher
Great Staughton Primary School