David Kariuki is an accomplished professional with over a decade of experience in both the corporate world and the creative industries. With a background spanning account management, technical recruitment and talent development, he has combined business expertise with a passion for helping people recognise their potential. As a motivational speaker, David inspires audiences with his relatability, empathy and ability to empower individuals to overcome challenges and embrace their self-worth.
David’s journey began in the creative sector, where he took on organisational and talent-sourcing responsibilities for 'Unsigned Stars' in 2010, a music showcase aimed at supporting young artists. He played a pivotal role in discovering and supporting emerging talent, including the first winner, rapper Stormzy. Alongside his creative work, David studied at university and secured an internship with Barclays as a Service Manager, a role that introduced him to the corporate world and honed his leadership skills.
He went on to excel in recruitment, becoming the highest-performing Delivery Consultant at Consol Partners in 2016. His talent for communication and building relationships enabled him to train others in productive dialogue, helping colleagues and candidates alike achieve success. At the same time, David committed to serving young people through workshops and mentoring, determined to offer an alternative path to those facing socio-economic challenges. His work with organisations such as Youth in Action and his involvement as a performing artist further broadened his impact, blending creativity with mentorship.
Today, David brings these experiences into his speaking career. He has delivered talks and workshops for events including The Found Brunch, Thinking Out Loud Podcast and Make it Common Podcast, sharing powerful lessons on resilience, overcoming pain, and breaking free from limiting beliefs. Whether speaking for 20 minutes or leading full-day workshops, he focuses on liberating audiences from negative self-talk, trauma and stigma. His ability to connect with both young people and professionals makes him an authentic, engaging and transformative motivational speaker.