Alison Edgar MBE is Managing Director of SMASH IT! Training, an award-winning entrepreneur, business advisor, and international keynote speaker. She is widely recognised for her expertise in change management and performance improvement, helping organisations and individuals to unlock their potential. Known for her engaging, practical, and relatable delivery, she inspires audiences to think differently, overcome barriers, and achieve measurable results.
Alison began her professional career in hospitality, working in senior roles including Front Office Manager at Radisson and Executive Manager at Welcome Hotels & Restaurants. She later transitioned into entrepreneurship and became a passionate advocate for small businesses, serving as a voice for Small Business Saturday, a regional champion for Enterprise Nation, and a volunteer mentor for initiatives such as StartUp Britain, Young Enterprise UK, and the Aspire Foundation. Alongside these roles, she has judged the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and contributed as a BBC business expert, underlining her influence in the UK business landscape.
A dyslexic author, Alison has broken barriers with her writing and published the international bestseller 'SMASH IT! The Art of Getting What YOU Want' in 2020. The book became a three-time Amazon bestseller and is stocked in major retailers including WHSmith, Waterstones, and Blackwells. In recognition of her contribution to entrepreneurship and business, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2020 and awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education in 2024. Her work continues to inspire individuals to embrace resilience and innovation in the face of change.
Alongside her writing and advisory work, Alison is a sought-after speaker who has delivered high-impact sessions for leading organisations including SkyBet, EasyJet, The Discovery Channel, and the NHS. In 2023, she starred in Ready Set StartUP, a business TV competition show aired on Amazon Prime in the UK and the US. Covering topics such as change management, imposter syndrome, innovative team building, and performance improvement, her sessions are praised for their humour, energy, and actionable insights. Audiences consistently leave her keynotes motivated to take bold steps forward, making her a trusted voice for organisations navigating change and pursuing growth.
