Keynote Speaker
Zak Wilkinson
Hello, I’m Zak Wilkinson and I have a message that’s as raw as it is real. I speak from the heart, because I’ve lived it. The mental health struggles, the addiction, the trauma. My journey has taken me to the edge, from chasing an unattainable image fuelled by body dysmorphia and steroid addiction, to being consumed by anxiety and PTSD. Eventually, it all came crashing down and I found myself fighting for my life in an induced coma.
Today, I use that lived experience to spark conversations that matter especially in the construction industry, where silence around mental health can be deadly. Through my keynote presentations, I shine a light on the realities of addiction and mental illness in the workplace and more importantly, on the hope that comes after the storm.
This isn’t just awareness it’s action. It’s prevention. It’s support from someone who’s been there, who knows the weight of it all, and who is now dedicated to helping others find a way through. Together, we can break the stigma, create safer working environments, and remind people they’re not alone.
Podcast with Zac
In this raw and eye-opening episode of The Onward Shift podcast, Zak Wilkinson opens up about his harrowing journey through steroid use, addiction and recovery. What started as a quest for the “perfect physique” at just 16 years old spiralled into a near-death experience that left Zak in a coma and forever changed his life.
Zak sheds light on the mental and physical toll of steroids, the pressure young men face from social media-fuelled body image ideals and the stigma around mental health in male-dominated industries like construction and fitness. With honesty and courage, he speaks about the darkest moments of his addiction and the long, often painful, road back to health, purpose and self-respect.
This episode is more than a warning it’s a message of resilience, responsibility and hope for anyone facing similar struggles.
Reviews
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and give some positive feedback on the presentation you delivered at the Envision 1 Giga Factory.
Your talk on mental health was not only powerful but incredibly relatable. You spoke with real honesty, and it clearly struck a chord with many of us. It’s not always easy to open up or tackle such an important topic, especially in environments like ours, but you did it with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.
The message behind Zak really resonated, and I know your story and the tools you shared will stick with people for a long time. It’s great to see conversations around mental health being normalised, and you played a huge part in moving that forward here.
Thanks again for making the time to speak to the team.
Zak done numerous presentations to groups of 30. Totalling well over 400 operatives on site. The presentation was brilliant and the engagement between Zak and the operatives was great to see. His insight and knowledge of what he presents its second to none and everyone who walked away from the session walked away with further understanding and knowledge of addiction.
I would highly recommend Zak as this subject is barely spoke about but a massive issue not just in our industry but in every day life.
Zak’s incredible presentation provided fascinating insight into his personal struggles. It was factual, thought provoking and heartfelt.
Zak allowed our service users to see a different side of recovery and helped them to understand that addiction isn’t solely related to drugs and alcohol.
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