Zak Sylvester
Founder
Partner with Zak Sylvester to inspire belonging, resilience, and purpose in young men through storytelling, mentorship, and positive role models.
About
Zak Sylvester
Zak is a consultant, filmmaker and social entrepreneur dedicated to tackling the crisis facing young men today. His career spans elite sport psychology, education, and storytelling, giving him a unique ability to connect institutions, funders, and communities. As the eldest of four siblings, Zak has always cared deeply about offering the best guidance possible to those who look up to him. He has been fortunate to have incredible role models in his own life, and believes strongly that prevention is better than cure, using positive stories and lived examples to inspire young men to make good choices. • Founder of Beyond The Cage – building a national platform that connects male role models with schools, councils, and funders. Featured projects include, Fighting Chance Fridays - a partnership with Morecambe FC Community Foundation & Shay Walsh MMA to reduce anti-social behaviour and build youth resilience. • Director & Producer of Social Impact Films – including A Journey to Greatness, the acclaimed documentary on MMA World Champion Shay Walsh, now used as a resource in schools and youth programmes. • Background in Elite Sport – Zak has worked directly with professional athletes, coaches, and sports organisations, shaping projects around resilience, purpose, and identity. He is a black-belt martial artist in kick-boxing and the founder of EA5 Guided Audios for Athletes - giving athletes a safe space to relax, reflect, and recover. • Consultant & Facilitator – experienced in advising institutions, athletes, and community organisations on brand, culture, and career transition, with a focus on helping young men find belonging and direction. Zak delivers keynote addresses and school talks. • Advocate for Male Wellbeing – Zak graduated in Psychology from the University of Birmingham and focuses on aligning BTC with academic research (British Psychological Society Male Psychology Section) and grassroots initiatives, ensuring programmes are evidence-led and community-rooted.
Expertise
• Athlete Mentorship & Coaching • Community Engagement & Programme Design • Filmmaking & Documentary Storytelling • Educational Workshops & Public Speaking • Youth Identity & Wellbeing • Partnership Development
Services for Organisations
• School & Community Workshops • Role Model Talks and Assemblies • Documentary Screenings & Q&As • Mentorship & Leadership Programmes • Impact Storytelling Campaigns • CSR & Community Partnership Projects
Outcomes
• Increased belonging and engagement among young men • Reduced risk behaviours through early intervention • Stronger relationships between schools, families, and communities • Greater awareness of male wellbeing and positive masculinity • Authentic stories that inspire long-term social change
Suitable Partners
• Schools & Educational Institutions • Local Authorities & Violence Reduction Units • Charities & Community Organisations • Corporate CSR & Philanthropy Partners • Sports Clubs & Athlete Foundations
Credentials
• BSc (Hons) Psychology, University of Birmingham • Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS) • Qualified Fitness Instructor