I’ve spent 16 years working in construction as an electrician. I understand the long hours, tight deadlines, site banter and pressure to keep going, even when things aren’t right. But I also know how easily mental health gets pushed aside when everyone is expected to just get on with it.
I’ve experienced my own mental health difficulties, including ADHD, OCD and periods when I felt completely overwhelmed. On two occasions, I reached the point of experiencing suicidal thoughts. Therapy helped me understand myself, but it also made me question why I’d spent so many years struggling to ask for help.
Those experiences led me to create Onward Shift. Today, I share my story with construction workers, apprentices, managers and leaders, opening up conversations around mental health, masculinity, workplace pressures and the importance of human connection.
I’m not speaking as somebody looking in from the outside. I’m still an electrician, and I know the industry I’m speaking to. My aim isn’t to tell people how to live their lives, but to challenge how we think about mental health and encourage conversations that might otherwise never happen.
30-60 minute talks · Optional Q&A · Available UK Wide
The Power of Onward Shift – A true moment we’ll forever remember.
We had the honour to have Onward Shift join our virtual event at Kier Transportation in commemoration of International Men’s Day. We specifically asked for Vish to share his personal story, reflections and answer any questions from across the division.
Words cannot describe how engaging he is, within in person and virtual setting. A true professional and true icon, passionately speaking on what needs to change within the industry but also sharing actionable tips for everyone to utilise.
Across the division we had continuous feedback about how open, honest and raw Vish and his persona is. Something that isn’t taught, a true expert.
We cannot thank you enough for this session and excited to have more sessions with Vish and Onward Shift at Kier Transportation!
We invited Vish to speak to our construction students as part of our New City College Hackney Campus Mental Wealth Festival and the impact was outstanding. He delivered a powerful and honest talk about his journey with mental health while working as an electrician, which really resonated with our learners.
We had 130 students in attendance, and they were fully engaged throughout. They asked thoughtful questions, and many even stayed behind afterwards to speak with him one-on-one a true reflection of how much his story connected with them.
Vish was completely authentic and humble, and his message was both inspirational and meaningful. His openness about the importance of seeking help and how it changed his life left a lasting impression on our students.
Keep up the great work, Vishal you are making a real difference and leading positive change in the construction industry, especially around men’s mental health.
I would highly recommend this experience to any college or construction company looking to support and inspire their people.
We invited Onward Shift as guest speakers at an on-site event focussing on wellbeing and suicide prevention in the construction industry. Vish is an excellent speaker. His openness and willingness to share personal experiences really helped drive a wider conversation.
Get a copy of Vishal’s four-page speaker profile, including his story, speaking experience and feedback from organisations he’s worked with.
Yes. Vishal delivers keynote talks for construction companies, colleges, training providers and other organisations looking to encourage more open conversations about mental health. Sessions can be delivered to site teams, apprentices, managers and senior leaders, with the content tailored to the audience.
Vishal shares his personal experiences of working in construction while navigating his own mental health difficulties. His talks explore mental health stigma, masculinity, workplace pressures, asking for help, therapy and the importance of human connection. His approach combines honest storytelling with relatable experiences from 16 years working as an electrician.
Vishal delivers an honest, personal and engaging talk built around his lived experience. Rather than lecturing people about mental health, he encourages audiences to question common attitudes, reflect on their own experiences and recognise the importance of speaking up. Sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, with an optional Q&A.
Pricing depends on the location, length of the session, audience and any specific requirements. Every event is different, so we provide a clear quotation based on what you're looking for. Get in touch to discuss your event and receive a personalised quote, with no obligation to book.
Yes. Vishal is available to deliver keynote talks across the UK, including construction sites, colleges, company offices and industry events. If you're organising an event, get in touch with the location and proposed date so we can discuss availability and arrangements.
Vishal's talks are particularly relevant to construction workers, apprentices, supervisors, managers and leadership teams. Having spent 16 years working in construction, he understands the pressures and culture of the industry. His experiences can also resonate with audiences outside construction, particularly those interested in men's mental health, masculinity and workplace wellbeing.
Vishal's keynote talks focus on sharing his personal experiences, challenging perspectives and encouraging conversations with a wider audience. Onward Shift's workshops are more interactive, giving participants opportunities to explore specific mental health topics, share their thoughts and take part in group discussions and activities. Both approaches aim to make conversations about mental health more accessible.
Yes. While Vishal's talks are grounded in his personal experiences, the focus can be adapted to suit your audience and the purpose of your event. Whether you're organising a construction site stand-down, a college wellbeing event or a company-wide mental health initiative, we can discuss the themes most relevant to your people before confirming the booking.
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Helping construction, one conversation at a time.
Helping construction, one conversation at a time.
