Who is
Harriet Beveridge?
STAND UP COMIC, KEYNOTE SPEAKER & CO-AUTHOR OF WILL IT MAKE THE BOAT GO FASTER?
Harriet is the Head of Performance Programmes at Will It Make The Boat Go Faster? and draws on her experience from working at EY, Barclays and Royal Mail before jumping ship and spending the last 15 years in leadership development and executive coaching.
Harriet has coached for nearly twenty years. She’s worked from the shop floor to the board in organisations as diverse as Royal Mail, Kellogg’s, Lloyds Banking Group and Astellas. She has a huge wealth of experience in helping individuals, teams and organisations unlock their potential and reach their goals.
Harriet is an accomplished stand-up comic. She was Funny Women Awards UK semi-finalist. She’s written and performed two different shows for solo runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to rave reviews: ‘Fresh and relaxed…hilarious’ Fringe Review. She’s written the laugh out loud spoof nanny advice book ‘Turnip Led Weaning’. Harriet is a regular on the comedy circuit and MC of WOMAD festival’s ‘world of words’ tent.
What’s the speech all about?
HARRIET TELLS THE WILL IT MAKE THE BOAT GO FASTER? STORY FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A SCEPTIC WHO HAS BEEN WON OVER THROUGH HARD EVIDENCE
In a world where people are weary of being exhorted to do more with less and achieve unwavering peak performance, Harriet’s messages are a breath of fresh air and her words inspire us to reach a higher level of performance no matter what our role or environment.
In this highly practical, entertaining speech, Harriet shares approaches which the audience can use immediately to up their game. The speech is always tailored to match the context and goals of the client – Harriet is adept at weaving in real life examples which will resonate – but at the core of the talk are simple, everyday strategies that work.
Harriet focuses on how to cut through the everyday busyness to focus on what’s truly important. She gives practical tools for building belief – in self, in team and in the organisation. She talks about marginal gains, continuous learning and tactics for working effectively with others. Wrapped around all of this is the inspiring story of Ben and the crew.
Harriet’s self-deprecating manner and stand-up comedy skills means she can warm up even the most cynical of audiences. The speech is very, very funny and this allows her to both energise the audience and to pack a punch – to challenge individuals to make their own ‘boats go faster’.
Harriet captures the audience with her stories and life lessons and how the Will It Make The Boat Go Faster? performance principles can apply to everyone.


Harriet’s speech will take 45 – 60 minutes and is tailored to fit with your key messages. It can be delivered both virtually and face to face. Click below for more information on the speech process and optional workshops to ensure your delegates can immediately begin to apply the ideas.
Harriet delivered a fantastic speech which really engaged our audience and challenged their thinking on teamwork, performance and reaching your goals. Harriet is highly personable and her delivery style, humour and energy created a great buzz across the room.
Julian ButlerSite General Manager, Ryvita