42: Ed Akay in the hot seat

Speaker, model, entrepeneur, author....Ed Akay has lived a remarkable and diverse life. From modelling to law, property development to public speaking, his journey began with adversity and a mindset that would define his future.At just three years old, Ed recovered from paralysis despite doctors giving him little chance. Rather than allowing his story to become one of limitation, he chose a different path, adopting the mindset: “If I can overcome this, I can overcome anything.”Ed later graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Politics and Social Policy before studying law as a postgraduate at BPP Law School in Manchester. He went on to apply his legal training in the corporate and property development sectors, while also representing individuals pro-bono at employment and benefits tribunals who could not afford legal support.A passionate writer since childhood, Ed first published Serenades for Helen. In 2026 his second poetry collection, A Legacy Of Serenades, reached number 8 in the British and Irish Poetry charts and number 10 in Love Poems on Amazon.In 2025 his life story was told in the biography From Darkness, written by Jason Reading. The book quickly climbed to number 1 in the Portrait and Portrait Photography categories on Amazon.Alongside his academic and literary achievements, Ed is a strong believer that “a healthy body means a healthy mind.” A lifelong fitness enthusiast, he became an athletic model and has used physical challenges to raise money for charity.As a model, Ed has appeared on more than 60 magazine covers worldwide, notably as a James Bond 007 likeness, and has worked with numerous international brands.A natural performer, he has also enjoyed significant success on the public speaking circuit, winning multiple competitions and coaching others—including former British Judo Champion and Exeter’s first MMA fighter Andy Costello—to become a champion speaker.In 2024 Ed burst onto the natural bodybuilding scene, competing in both para and able-bodied divisions. In his first year he won Gold for the UK at the Natural Universe in Budapest (Para Bodybuilding), the UK International Para Bodybuilding Championship, and Silver for the UK at the World Natural Bodybuilding Championships in the Netherlands.He continued that success in 2025, winning two further Para Bodybuilding Championship titles with the UKDFBA and the PCA.Today Ed continues to inspire audiences through his story of resilience, discipline and determination. He is currently available for public speaking and modelling engagements.my website www.edakay.com and my instagram @edakaymodel