Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stuart Preston. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stuart, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I began public speaking 20 years ago to promote my business. Ten years ago, I took up stand-up comedy as a hobby. Four years ago, I started performing my one-man show on grief, healing, and resilience. However, I hadn’t truly committed to pursuing my creative path professionally until this summer.

That changed when I watched an inspirational YouTube video by Earl Nightingale. In it, he challenged listeners to complete a 30-day exercise: repeat your primary goal in life, remind yourself that failure is not an option, and turn around any negative thoughts that threaten your dreams. I realized I needed to define my primary goal!

At first, I leaned toward “business success.” But then I remembered the end of my one-man show, where people, often emotional, would wait to thank me or share their stories. That memory made it clear what my true goal should be — to share my story as a public speaker.

At that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue this path professionally. And that’s exactly what I did.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey began in the tech world, but it took a major turn after the loss of my son, Ian, to suicide. This tragic event became a defining moment in my life, shaping both my personal mission and professional focus. Through grief, I discovered a deeper purpose: to help others heal, break down stigmas around mental health, and create environments—particularly in the tech industry—where people can support and uplift one another.

With a background in tech and service in the US Army, I gained a strong foundation in leadership, resilience, and teamwork. But when Ian passed away, I was plunged into the depths of grief and forced to confront my own mental health. This experience propelled me to use my story to drive real change, especially in corporate spaces where mental health often remains a silent burden. Today, I work as a public speaker, writer, and mental health advocate, focusing on breaking stigmas, fostering resilience, and strengthening connections within tech teams.

I deliver keynote speeches, workshops, and follow-on training centered on mental health awareness, team dynamics, and workplace resilience. My work helps organizations and tech teams navigate the pressures they face—whether those are silent struggles with mental health or the need to create more empathetic, supportive cultures. By sharing my personal story, I inspire teams to open up about their challenges, move from isolation to collaboration, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

What sets me apart is the raw authenticity of my message. I don’t just discuss mental health from a theoretical perspective—I’ve lived it. Losing my son and going through my own healing process has given me a unique insight into grief and resilience. I’ve explored alternative healing methods, including the use of psychedelics for emotional healing, and I openly share how these experiences helped me process the unimaginable. I combine personal stories with actionable strategies to help companies confront mental health challenges directly.

The biggest problem I address is silence. In many workplaces, particularly in tech, mental health remains a taboo topic. Employees may struggle silently with stress, burnout, or grief, but often there’s no safe space to talk about it. I help teams break that silence. I guide companies in creating open environments where employees feel comfortable sharing their struggles without fear of judgment. This shift not only enhances individual well-being but also fosters trust and collaboration within teams.

I also address challenges like high turnover, burnout, and low engagement by teaching leaders how to prioritize mental health. When employees feel supported and connected, they perform better, stay longer, and contribute more effectively to their teams.

My work is about more than just delivering a speech—it’s about driving real, lasting change. I believe that when we break down stigmas around mental health and support each other, we build stronger, more resilient teams—and ultimately, more successful companies. My approach is candid, empathetic, and action-oriented. I focus on creating environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported, while offering practical strategies for leaders to foster this culture of care.

If you’re looking for someone who can inspire your team, break down barriers, and help build a more compassionate, resilient workplace, I’m here to help.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The mission driving my creative journey is to break the silence around mental health, grief, and emotional challenges—particularly in the tech industry. Through sharing my personal story of loss and healing, I aim to create environments where people feel safe to express their struggles, support one another, and grow stronger, both individually and as teams. By dismantling stigmas and encouraging open dialogue, I empower people to embrace vulnerability, build resilience, and foster more compassionate, high-performing workplaces where everyone can thrive.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of this work is witnessing its real impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s seeing a team break through the silence around mental health or hearing from someone who felt less alone after sharing their own story of grief, these moments of connection are incredibly powerful. Knowing that my journey through loss and healing can inspire others to open up, seek help, and support one another brings me deep fulfillment. It’s the transformation from isolation to connection—watching individuals and teams grow stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate—that makes this work truly meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meetStu.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetstuartpreston
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meetstuartpreston
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s2artp/

Image Credits

Tony Vicich
Jennifer Giralo
Rick Steverson