Love My Face.

A new Channel 4 tv series, featuring Gary Parsons as he seeks support from visible difference activist Jono Lancaster and a one-of-a-kind clinic to find his smile, after Bell’s Palsy took it away more than 20 years ago.

-> Find out what happened next.

Gary Parsons at the House of Lords, meeting Baggy Shanker MP for Derby South for Small Business Saturday
Gary Parsons at The House of Lords

What Happened Next?

In April 2024, I stepped back from the business I co-founded, where I served as MD and then CEO for 15 years, and began a new chapter.

After sharing my story about ‘finding my smile again’ on national TV, I committed fully to a mission that had been building quietly in me for years… to help others break free from the pressure to ‘look okay’ and instead lead from a place of real connection, courage, and care.

Today, I work as a Leadership Mentor, Professional Speaker and Workshop Facilitator, helping leaders prioritise themselves without guilt – because I know what it’s like to lead while hiding pain behind a mask.

Looking for support with Facial Palsy? Details below.

My Mission

"To break the stigma of mental health and wellbeing in leadership"

Helping leaders prioritise themselves without guilt. Because prioritising yourself isn’t selfish – it’s strategic!

Explore My Work

Inspiring Keynote Tailored For Your Organisation

Learning How to Smile Again

After living with facial paralysis for over 20 years, I set out to find my smile – not just physically, but emotionally.

This keynote tells the story of what I learned along the way. It’s a talk about resilience, leadership, vulnerability, and connection. I take audiences behind the scenes of boardrooms, pitches, and everyday life – where non-verbal cues and silent struggles are often overlooked.

This is not just a talk about Bell’s Palsy – it’s about learning to lead when your expression doesn’t match your intent, and how powerful authenticity really is in a world that often expects masks.

Key themes:

  • Authentic leadership
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Mental health in high-performance roles
  • The power of non-verbal communication

“You don’t need a full smile to make people feel seen – you just need to show up with courage.”

Gary Parsons smiling in a corporate picture
Facial Palsy UK logo
Visit the Facial Palsy UK Website

Need Support with Facial Paralysis?

If you’ve come here looking for support after seeing me on Love My Face, thank you. While I now work with leaders and organisations, I want to acknowledge that dealing with Bell’s Palsy or facial paralysis can be deeply personal and at times overwhelming.

That’s why I highly recommend connecting with Facial Palsy UK. They’re an incredible organisation that provides resources, support groups, and expert guidance for those navigating facial difference.

I’m not a medical professional – but I hope my story offers you hope, strength, and the reminder that you’re not alone.

Stay Connected

Ready to Work Together?

I speak at events, deliver leadership workshops, and mentor business owners and senior teams. If you’re looking for a speaker or facilitator with lived experience, leadership insight, and a powerful message around vulnerability, mental health and performance – let’s talk.

Media Kit

All media enquiries should be made via:

Media Assets can be accessed via this link:


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Drop me a line

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