020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
"David gave a presentation entitled ‘Make every call count’ at our Alumni Careers Day. He proved to be an excellent motivational speaker, very quickly engaging with alumni at various different stages of their careers, giving them very specific advice and encouragement. Our alumni feedback to his session was extremely positive."
Vivien, Cranfield School of Management
David Festenstein – Invited to speak for the University of Oxford at their Patient’s Perspective
David Festenstein is a stroke survivor, executive coach and motivational speaker whose extraordinary story of recovery has inspired audiences across the world. In 2008, David suffered a severe stroke that left his right arm and leg paralysed. Refusing to accept defeat, he applied his background in communication and coaching to fuel an incredible rehabilitation journey. Now fully recovered, David shares his experience to help others overcome trauma, build resilience and unlock their potential through mindset, focus and self-belief.
Credentials and Impact
Before his stroke, David had built a successful career in communication training and executive coaching, skills that later became instrumental in his recovery. Following the stroke, he began keeping a detailed diary of his rehabilitation, identifying seven key steps that guided his journey from paralysis to full mobility. His remarkable progress attracted attention from the medical community, and he was invited to share his insights at major healthcare and corporate events. David has since spoken for organisations including the Cardiac and Stroke Network, the University of Oxford and leading pharmaceutical companies, offering both medical professionals and the public a unique perspective on recovery and communication.
In recognition of his expertise, he was invited to join the Warwick Business School Executive Coaching Panel, where he continues to guide leaders through personal and professional transformation. His work bridges the worlds of medicine, psychology and leadership, making him a respected authority on resilience, mindset and human potential.
Publications and Media
David’s acclaimed “7 Steps to Recovery” framework has been adapted into a digital app in partnership with Oxford Brookes University. The app supports individuals recovering from trauma, enabling them to apply his proven methods for mental and physical rehabilitation. His insights have also been featured at medical conferences and in health publications, where he continues to influence approaches to recovery, communication and wellbeing.
Why Book David?
Audiences book David for his powerful and authentic story of recovery, resilience and hope. His talks explore how mindset, communication and self-discipline can turn adversity into opportunity. Drawing from his seven-step recovery framework, David inspires individuals and teams to confront challenges with courage and focus, empowering them to achieve growth in the face of hardship.
Whether addressing healthcare professionals, corporate leaders or educational audiences, his speaking style is deeply engaging, practical and uplifting. Combining science, storytelling and lived experience, David leaves audiences with actionable tools to improve communication, resilience and motivation in their own lives.
To book David to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.
