Arti Shah
Actress, motivational speaker & inclusion advocate
*Fees are a guide only. Exact cost will be dependent on requirements and are subject to change.
About Arti Shah
A British Asian woman, Arti was born with pseudoachondroplasia, a condition often associated with dwarfism. Rather than allowing herself to be labelled or placed in a box, Arti chooses to define herself simply as a small person, believing that labels should never limit potential.
Arti’s early life felt ‘normal’ until the age of 14, when she was subjected to name-calling and had stones thrown at her. These experiences almost led her to undergo leg-lengthening surgery in an attempt to fit society’s expectations. One week before the procedure, Arti made the life-changing decision to cancel the surgery, realising she was doing it for others rather than for herself. This moment marked a powerful turning point: if she could not love who she was, how could she expect others to accept her?
From that moment on, Arti committed herself to challenging perceptions and dismantling stereotypes. She came to understand that being different is not a weakness but a strength, and she now encourages others to embrace what makes them unique.
A successful business graduate, Arti began her career in media sales and recruitment before launching her own business in London. She later followed her lifelong ambition to pursue acting, a decision that has taken her around the world.
Arti is an accomplished actress and motivational speaker, with film credits including the Star Wars trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Attack the Block. Alongside her professional achievements, she is also a wife and proud mother to a young son.
Through first-hand experience, Arti understands the barriers created by stereotypes and the changes required to build truly inclusive environments. She shares her powerful life story with warmth, positivity and authenticity, inspiring audiences to overcome personal and professional challenges.
Guided by her mantra, “Hard work, sheer determination and self-belief,” Arti firmly believes that anything is possible when you commit fully to it.
To book Motivational Speaker Arti Shah contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com
Arti’s speech’s include, but are not limited to:
- Overcoming challenges
Overcoming my condition of pseudoachondroplasia as an example and not giving up – everyday. In the work place and in society. Giving examples adapted to each talk for each relevant group. - Breaking down barriers and stereotypes
Because of the way you look, this should not define where you belong. - Diversity & Inclusion
The importance of why this should not be a tick box task & how to make everyone feel included and adapting situations. - Unconscious bias
How the media plays a big part in the rewiring our brains. Also being aware to surround yourself with a diverse environment. Educating yourself to help remove unconscious bias. - Allyship
If you see someone struggle, be that friend, be their voice, be their ally. The importance of changing someone’s life by being an ally. - Equality
How we are all equal and deserving. Overcoming the stigma that any one group can be superior. - Belonging
Not just feeling the need to belong, overcoming your negative thought process and also being aware to make sure the environment is belonging for all. - Confidence
Advice on everyday confidence, how to develop the inner confidence and radiate it. Believing in yourself. - Being unique can be positive
Giving myself as an example and so many others. Its so important not to blend into society, it’s a great thing to be different. - Creating a positive mindset
My mantra and talking about self-assurance. Turning negative thoughts into a positive. Why you should not let strangers comments affect you. - Overcoming imposter syndrome
We all deserve the good things we have; we deserve the achievements. To talk yourself up and not down. - Social media bullying/bullying
Giving examples of how I overcome this and not being afraid to use my voice. - The importance of speaking up
If you don’t ask for help, you suffer. It is the fear of asking which we need to overcome. - Asking for help
Thinking about this is harder than actually doing it and how you will benefit in the long term. - Feeling heard and involved
We can all do this and how we do this will be beneficial for us in the long term. Using your voice again, being an ally, getting an ally. You are not alone.
Testimonials
"Thank you so much for coming to speak to us today! Everyone I’ve spoken to so far really enjoyed your session."
GL Assessment
"I cannot stress enough how much of an impact you have had on the women at Ground Control. When you left, we had break-out sessions and so many women opened up about how they were feeling. It was a truly amazing experience and we are going to continue our talks. So, I thank you so much for that. You have made a difference in our lives."
Ground Control
"We all loved it, we had so many people participating from the Women @ King network and your story was such an inspiration to all of us – what a lovely way to spend an hour and to learn from your experience."
King
"I wanted to say a massive thank you for today’s talk. I really enjoyed hearing your perspective on all the issues of diversity and representation in Film & TV and about your background. Your thoughts on how we can be better Ally’s were also really useful."
"Arti, I just wanted to pass on our thanks and some feedback we’ve received. Your talk was excellent, and I’ve had several emails from staff saying you are so inspirational and such a role model, which I completely agree with. Really appreciate you joining us."
London Fire Brigade
"Arti kindly agreed to speak at our Junior School Awards event. Her enthusiasm, energy and passion for life was apparent from the moment she stepped up on stage. She captivated her audience from the outset and spoke from the heart. Her message was one which was extremely relevant and her experiences and words inspired all that listened to her. A very natural and charismatic speaker, Arti has a real gift in motivating those who have the privilege in listening to her speak. Finding a speaker next year that comes even close to Arti’s standard is going to be a tall order."
Quinton House Junior School
"Arti that was a fantastic speech!!! Thank you very much for sharing your experiences and for a truly inspiring talk."
Stantec
"We booked Arti for a motivational talk for International Women’s Day. She did not disappoint. Her content was pitched perfectly. Arti shared her personal journey and gave us insight into how she rose above some of the challenges she faced along the way. She has inspired us all to believe in ourselves!"
Surrey County Council
