Speaking
I was thrilled to be invited to give a TEDx talk in Ghent, Belgium describing my extraordinary journey of sight loss and rebirth. I walk the audience through my collaborations with Cambridge neuroscientists and the extraordinary science-art exhibition that translated the public’s mindful brainwaves into music and art. I’ve delivered keynote talks in the US and have been a guest speaker and panellist at a number of festivals. I have also given talks and run workshops for both primary and secondary school children. My delivery style is down-to-earth and engaging and I am comfortable talking to adults, teens or children. My presentations cover a number of topics, including resilience, the art of reinvention, the science of seeing and wellness and mental health interventions. Get in touch to see how I can adapt one of my talks or workshops to suit your needs.
I have been a guest on countless podcasts including The Good Life Project, RNIB and Women’s Radio Station along with several local BBC radio stations. My story has been featured on Radio Four’s Shortcuts and I was a guest on In Touch.
Featured in
Testimonials
‘I really am so incredibly humbled by Vanessa’s powerful return to sight. It is an amazing achievement to embrace an illness with such raw passion and dedication to heal, let alone document this in such an articulate way. I think Vanessa’s strength is something we could all use in bucket loads on a daily basis. I feel honoured that she came to talk to us and shared her story. Thank you.’
Rachel D’Cruze, Managing Director, Sydenham Arts
‘From the moment Vanessa took the stage, she captured the attention of the audience. She was engaging from the beginning of her story until the end. She was able to weave a bit of humour to keep those in attendance wanting more.
Vanessa was able to encourage our patient community and inspire them to continue fighting for themselves. We were honoured to have her as a guest speaker and would recommend her to fulfil any speaking needs.
Jacinta M. Behne, Executive Director, The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation
I have had the pleasure of being present at three talks by Vanessa Potter, including one she gave to the science group I convene. On each occasion she has engaged the audience with talks that were both insightful and enjoyable. She is particularly good at conveying science and, in particular, the scientific method to the non-specialist with infectious enthusiasm. I can’t wait for her to speak to my group again.’
Dr Grahame Danby CPhys MInstP Associate Lecturer, Open University
I have had the pleasure of being present at three talks by Vanessa Potter, including one she gave to the science group I convene. On each occasion she has engaged the audience with talks that were both insightful and enjoyable. She is particularly good at conveying science and, in particular, the scientific method to the non-specialist with infectious enthusiasm. I can’t wait for her to speak to my group again.’
Dr Grahame Danby CPhys MInstP Associate Lecturer, Open University
Featured on BBC Radio 4….
Vanessa at NMO Patient Day
A road map to meditation
Meditation is not one-size-fits-all and styles can vary enormously. From mindfulness to hypnosis to psychedelics, my consciousness road trip, covering 12 different mind-training techniques, provides a tried-and-tested roadmap of which practice might be right for you.
Second Sight
Imagine waking up one morning to find yourself blind and paralysed. In 2012 a catastrophic illness wiped out two of my senses. As I recovered I set out on a voyage of discovery to uncover the extraordinary science behind my visual rebirth.
ParkBathe Project
A citizen science green health podcast project with Dr Kirsten McEwan providing FREE 1hr mindful walks for ‘nature sceptics’ to experience the benefits of urban forest bathing in Crystal Palace Park, London. To book a free walk and find out more click below.
