Amit Ghose, a 34-year-old from Birmingham, England, has made a significant life change by quitting his job as a regional manager at a law firm to become a motivational speaker. Born with neurofibromatosis type 1, a condition that causes tumors to grow along nerves, Amit has faced considerable challenges throughout his life. At the age of 11, he underwent an arduous 18-hour surgery that resulted in the removal of his left eye, leaving him with an eye patch for six months and subjecting him to bullying and isolation from his peers. One particularly hurtful comment from a classmate during Halloween still resonates with him: “You don’t need a Halloween mask, you’ve got one for life.” This painful experience has fueled his passion for helping children who are bullied for their differences.
In his new role as a speaker, Amit shares his story with school children, emphasizing the importance of kindness and mindfulness in their interactions. He urges them to consider how their words can deeply affect others, noting that what may seem like harmless banter can leave lasting scars. Despite the financial challenges many schools face in affording his speaking fees, Amit has launched a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $3,900 to provide free talks. His mission is to ensure that every child has access to the support and inspiration they need to overcome adversity.
Amit’s journey toward becoming a motivational speaker began when he was encouraged to give a talk at his manager’s daughter’s school. The positive feedback he received, particularly from a boy named Vinnie who was inspired to pursue football and motivational speaking after hearing Amit’s story, solidified his decision to make this his full-time career. His father played a crucial role in supporting Amit’s aspirations, advocating for him to engage in sports like cricket despite concerns about safety due to his condition. This encouragement helped Amit transition from being perceived as “the boy with a funny face” to being recognized for his athletic skills and personality.
In addition to his speaking engagements, Amit has found personal happiness; he married a woman from India in 2021. He is also active as a global advisor for Billion Strong and an ambassador for Face Equality International. Through these roles, Amit aims not only to inspire individuals but also to challenge societal perceptions of disability and difference. His story serves as hope for many, demonstrating how resilience and self-acceptance can lead to success and fulfillment.