HAYBA Academy of Speakers

About HAYBA

Expert preparation for leaders facing some of the world's most important speaking moments.

Rooted in the region. Connected to the world.

What we do

Helping leaders make their ideas matter.

HAYBA prepares current and future leaders for the moments when their communication really matters — from major speeches and keynote addresses to panels, fireside conversations and media interviews.

We help leaders find a distinctive message, shape speeches and narratives, develop presence and prepare to communicate with clarity, confidence and authority on regional and international stages.

The starting point is always a real challenge. Through focused preparation, rehearsal, live delivery and feedback, we combine the demands of major speaking opportunities with individual development.

The people behind HAYBA

Two complementary perspectives.

Founded by Oliver Chittenden and Dan Leatherdale, HAYBA brings together experience from international speakers and major conferences with the development of leaders as compelling communicators.

Co-founder

Oliver Chittenden

Oliver has spent more than 25 years working with leading speakers, major international conferences and event organisers. His experience with London Speaker Bureau and major events across the Middle East gives him an insider’s understanding of what organisers expect, what audiences respond to and what makes a speaker credible and compelling.

He has worked with prominent figures from business, government and public life, helping them prepare for some of the world’s most important stages. Oliver is also an author, a trained speaker and mindfulness coach, and the founder of Head Talks, a platform focused on mental health and wellbeing.

Co-founder

Dan Leatherdale

Dan is a business psychologist, speechwriter and ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC), specialising in leadership and communication. For more than 20 years, he has helped senior leaders communicate with greater clarity, authority and impact, including more than a decade working with sovereign and government-owned institutions in the Gulf.

He is the founder of Open Space Associates and was previously CEO of AGL Communication and a director at Mind Gym. He holds an MA from the University of Oxford and an MSc in Organisational Psychology from the University of London, and trained for three years at LAMDA.

Meet the Faculty

How we work

Two ways to prepare.

Whether through a small-cohort Academy or individual preparation, HAYBA works with the challenge that matters now.

FLAGSHIP FORMAT

The Flagship Academy

A three-day, high-intensity programme for eight to ten participants, with masterclasses, specialist workshops, rehearsal and a filmed final showcase.

Explore the Academy

BESPOKE SUPPORT

Bespoke Programmes

Tailored support for individuals and organisations preparing for major speeches, panels, interviews and other moments of public visibility.

Explore bespoke programmes

Enquiries

Let's talk about the next stage.

To find out more about HAYBA, the Academy or bespoke support, get in touch.

info@hayba-academy.com