Alison’s Story:
A Story Your Audience Can Relate To
Discover the pivotal moments, personal insights, and invaluable lessons learned along Alison's journey. From navigating the complexities of the business world to advocating for neurodiversity and gender equality, Alison's story serves as a beacon of inspiration for individuals striving to overcome barriers and achieve their fullest potential.
From a high-rise council flat in Clydebank, Scotland, Dr Alison Edgar MBE fought her way through life, defying her struggles with poverty and dyslexia, with the belief that she was anything but intelligent. Landing a job in a local hotel, she used her exceptional communication skills to soar beyond educational setbacks.
Cashing in her life insurance policy aged 20 for a one-way flight to Cape Town, she was catapulted into a global adventure in hospitality. Along the way, she met Neil, her now-husband of 30-years, and weathered a harrowing birth experience, emerging as a fierce advocate for women battling post-natal depression.
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Author • Speaker • Motivator •
Her journey into corporate sales began, representing a top directory advertising brand. When the company clung to outdated beliefs, dismissing the impending Google takeover, she severed ties, using this narrative in her talks and interviews to emphasise the perils of resisting change.
During this work with entrepreneurs, one key insight stood out to Alison: entrepreneurs possess the flexibility, knowledge, and environment to innovate, fail quickly, and make decisions that truly benefit their businesses. As these businesses scaled, Alison guided them in instilling this mindset across their teams, helping them become some of the most successful companies in the UK and beyond.
Launching her own training company, she discovered her true passion: empowering and educating entrepreneurs. As 'The Entrepreneur's Godmother,' she championed small businesses, advising government, mentoring Dragon's Den and Apprentice Winners, and penning her bestselling book, "Secrets of Successful Sales®."
International #1 Best Selling Author:
Alison suffered with undiagnosed dyslexia throughout her life, telling herself she “couldn’t write”.
However, in January of 2017, she had a revelation: her teachings were needed on a global scale, yet many who could benefit lacked access. Determined to bridge this gap, Alison challenged herself to overcome self-doubt by penning her first bestseller, "Secrets of Successful Sales.", Secrets of Successful Sales.
In 2020, she authored ‘SMASH IT! The Art of Getting What YOU Want, which went on to become a three time Amazon international bestseller.
In 2020, Alison achieved a rare honour—being named one of the few women awarded an MBE from The Queen for her outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and business.This recognition has become a key that she uses to unlock doors for the benefit of others. Alison passionately advocates that no one should be held back by the chains of self-doubt, a lack of confidence, or a fear of change.
In recent years, a diagnosis of arthritis at age 50 brought new challenges. Despite never being a fan of exercise, she turned her life around, transforming from someone who had never run a minute into someone regularly completing 5km runs—an inspiring testament to the idea that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
In 2024, Alison Edgar MBE received an Honorary Doctorate in Education from Bournemouth University, a testament to her lifelong dedication to empowering others through education. This distinguished recognition highlights her commitment to transformative learning and her pioneering methodologies, which have consistently elevated individuals and teams to reach their fullest potential.
Accidentally stumbling into a speaking career, Alison's neurodiverse mind spawned innovative methodologies like 'Alison Edgar's Big Balls®' revolutionising time management and communication for corporate teams. Her main focus is on elevating performance inside organisations through her ‘intrapreneurship’ methodology, drawing on her years of experience as ‘The Entrepreneur’s Godmother®’ to inspire employees to think with the agility and motivation of a business owner.
Global motivational speaker, including Fortune 500 companies
Awarded an MBE on The Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours List
Received an Honorary Doctorate for Education
Business advisor to trailblazing entrepreneurs
Passionate advocate for neurodiversity and post-natal depression
Business and personal development thought leader with over 27,000 followers on LinkedIn
On-screen business mentor for Amazon Prime’s ‘Ready Set StartUP’