Emma Simpson – Author of Breaking Waves
Emma Simpson is an award-winning author, wild swimmer and storyteller. Her debut book, Breaking Waves: Discovery, Healing and Inspiration in the Open Water, was published by Icon Books in 2025 and explores grief, healing, resilience, womanhood and the transformative power of open water.
After spending more than 20 years working as an air traffic controller, Emma rediscovered her passion for writing alongside her love of wild swimming. Breaking Waves weaves together her own experiences with the stories of women she has met through the world of open-water swimming, exploring how nature, connection and community can help us navigate life’s challenges.
Emma is a warm, engaging speaker who talks openly and with humour about life change, grief, resilience, creativity and finding the courage to follow a different path. She is also a qualified tea sommelier and is currently working on her second book. She lives in Surrey and can often be found swimming in rivers, drinking tea with friends or striking up conversations with strangers.
Jo McGowan – Event Host
Jo McGowan is an experienced presenter, interviewer and event host with a background in business, community and local events. She was previously a presenter on Brooklands Radio’s Just Women programme and has interviewed a range of high-profile guests, including broadcaster Alastair Stewart for a Treloar’s Facebook Live event.
Jo has also chaired a Question Time event with Anne Milton MP at Guildford Business Hub and has compered and hosted numerous business, networking and community events across Surrey.
With a warm and engaging presenting style, Jo is particularly skilled at putting guests at ease, bringing audiences into the conversation and keeping events flowing, whether she’s interviewing an author, chairing a discussion or hosting a lively audience event.
