Jo-Ann D’Costa-Manuel OBE

Jo-Ann D’Costa-Manuel OBE is a trailblazing female motivational keynote speaker, award-winning philanthropist and influential podcast host who empowers women to reclaim their voice, power and purpose – especially in midlife. Known for her magnetic stage presence, raw honesty and deep emotional intelligence, Jo-Ann brings a refreshing boldness to the global conversation on reinvention and resilience. Her message – “it’s not too late; it’s your time” – has resonated with audiences ranging from billionaires and government leaders to women’s networks and grassroots change-makers across the UK. Her ability to spark transformation is not just inspirational, it’s tangible. In one keynote, Jo-Ann raised over £500,000 in under ten minutes, a testament to her authenticity and power to move people into action.

Jo-Ann’s early career was rooted in media and broadcast, where she worked with MTV, BBC, ITV, Sky and Living TV, refining her ability to connect emotionally with wide and diverse audiences. Behind the scenes, she also held roles in client relationship management and marketing, further developing her communication skills and strategic insight. But it was her personal experience as a mother to an autistic son that fuelled a profound pivot. Frustrated by fragmented services and long waiting lists, she founded Autism Parent Empower CIC in 2014, an organisation dedicated to empowering parents with early intervention strategies and emotional support. Jo-Ann later became Autism Ambassador for Virgin Atlantic, where she championed inclusive travel initiatives that now support millions of passengers annually.

One of Jo-Ann’s most widely recognised achievements is the creation of Autism Quiet Hour, which began in her local supermarket and has since been adopted by major retailers globally. In 2022, her impact was formally recognised when she was awarded an OBE for services to women and philanthropy. Today, she continues to shape meaningful change as the charity lead for John Caudwell’s Life-Changers Circle, directing philanthropic efforts focused on inclusive education, humanitarian aid and grassroots empowerment both in the UK and overseas.

As a speaker, Jo-Ann brings more than stories – she brings a movement. Her keynote topics include women’s empowerment, midlife reinvention, neurodiversity and mental health, delivered with fierce compassion and unfiltered insight. Through her popular podcast ‘It’s Your Time’, launched in collaboration with Soho House, she continues to elevate voices of women who have overcome adversity. Jo-Ann invites every audience, regardless of background or age, to rise, reminding them that reinvention is always within reach.