Speaking & Thought Leadership

 

“My Power is Play”

About Cordie as a Speaker

Helping leaders, teams and communities rise above trauma, fear and overwhelm – through the science of our seven senses.

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Cordie Gwilym
Coach | Social Worker | Entrepreneur

Cordie Gwilym is a TEDx speaker, trauma-informed leadership coach and co-founder of Coco Operative CIC. Her signature talk, “My Power is Playing with My Seven Senses”, draws on a rich life story — growing up with Nigerian and German roots, navigating adoption, racism and neurodivergence — and her decades-long career in social work and behavioural change.
Today, Cordie works with organisations and communities to design psychologically safe and brave cultures where diversity thrives, and people can reconnect with what’s alive in them. She blends science, story and play — including polyvagal theory, non-violent communication and positive intelligence — to help audiences better understand nervous system regulation, emotional intelligence, and the power of co-regulation at work and in life.

Cordie’s talks are emotionally resonant, research-driven, and full of hope. Audiences leave not just inspired, but equipped — with practical tools to reframe conflict, reduce stress, and lead with playful presence and power.

Freedom. Responsibility. Community.

Taking on big, meaningful topics together.

“Make it Matter or Make it Go Away!”

🧠 1. My Power is Playing with My Seven Senses

How re-learning to playful connection with our senses can change the way we lead, live and connect
Cordie’s signature TEDx talk explores sensory intelligence, trauma-informed leadership, and the power of co-regulation in a world that often rewards fear-fueled business. A call to slow down, tune in and transform trauma and stress into self-leadership.

🎯 4. From Policies to Daily Micro Behavious (That Actually Lasts)

Helping people set goals that align with their nervous system, not against it
Drawing on Positive Intelligence, non-violent communication, and years of social care experience, Cordie shares what really helps people make sustainable change — even in complex or high-pressure environments.

🌍 2. Workplace as a Dancefloor: Creating Cultures Where People Can Move

Why emotionally intelligent workplaces aren’t a ‘nice to have’ — they’re the future
Explore how inclusive, psychologically brave cultures increase performance, creativity and retention — and how leaders can move from compliance to care without losing focus or accountability.    

 

 

🌀 5. Leading Through Conflict and Complexity

Tools for turning friction into fuel — and fear into flow
Practical approaches to emotionally intelligent leadership, including reframing conflict, managing overwhelm, and creating ‘brave spaces’ where challenge can lead to innovation and clarity.

🧩 3. Designing with, not for: Lessons in Co-Creation

Building technology and services that include seldom-heard voices
From local authorities services to digital tools, Cordie shares stories and strategies for radically collaborative design — including how to engage neurodivergent communities, frontline workers and young people in meaningful change.

💬 6. From Trauma to Connection: Reclaiming Our Backstories

Why connecting with our roots, rage and resilience can be transformative
A powerful talk about belonging, adoption, racial identity and breaking cycles of shame — Cordie offers a deeply human take on personal storytelling as a leadership and healing tool.

 

 

 

 

 

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