Andy Puddicombe

Andy Puddicombe, co-founder of Headspace and former Buddhist monk, blends ancient mindfulness practices with modern life to help millions improve wellbeing, focus, and resilience.

Andy Puddicombe is the co-founder of Headspace, the award-winning app that has revolutionised the way the world thinks about mindfulness and meditation. His remarkable journey began in his early twenties, when he travelled to Asia and spent over a decade training as a Buddhist monk in monasteries across the Himalayas and beyond. Immersed in years of study, meditation, and retreat, Andy developed a deep understanding of how ancient practices can help people live calmer, healthier, and more fulfilled lives.

Returning to the UK in 2004, he set out on a mission to make the benefits of meditation accessible to everyone, regardless of lifestyle or background. This vision became reality with the creation of Headspace, a non-profit turned global phenomenon. It has since helped millions worldwide improve sleep, reduce anxiety and depression, enhance focus, and better manage cravings and addictions.

The app’s success has brought Andy to global stages, including a celebrated TED Talk, regular appearances on BBC Radio and Channel 4, and features in leading publications such as The New York Times. His work has also extended into the corporate world, partnering with organisations like Google, innocent, Thomson Reuters, and Credit Suisse to teach practical mindfulness tools for thriving under pressure and fostering wellbeing in the workplace.

As a keynote speaker, Andy combines warmth, humour, and clear, jargon-free advice, drawing on both his monastic training and entrepreneurial experience. His talks cover topics including mental health, emotional wellbeing, meditation, technology, and building purpose-driven organisations, leaving audiences inspired with insights they can apply to their personal and professional lives.