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Petra Velzeboer is a dynamic Diversity & Inclusion and mental health keynote speaker, renowned for transforming workplace cultures to prioritise psychological safety, inclusion, and authentic leadership. As CEO of consultancy PVL, a TEDx speaker, and the author of both ‘Begin with You’ and ‘Digital Wellbeing: Recharge Your Focus and Reboot Your Life’, Petra inspires organisations worldwide to embrace difference, foster resilience, and create truly human-centred environments. Having been raised in a restrictive religious cult, Petra’s personal story of overcoming adversity, trauma, and disconnection uniquely positions her to understand the profound importance of belonging and inclusion in the modern world of work.
After escaping a life of extreme control, Petra rebuilt herself from the ground up, gaining formal education and completing her MSc in Psychodynamics of Human Development at Birkbeck, University of London. She became a qualified psychotherapist and went on to hold pivotal roles such as Clinical Director for Wellbeing Solutions Management and Counselling Manager for The Mix Charity. Petra’s career has been defined by her commitment to challenging stigma around mental health, leadership, and inclusion. Formerly a Mental Health Consultant for Medigold Health, Petra now partners with leading organisations including PwC, Channel 4, Novartis, and Accenture to implement strategies that embed wellbeing, equity, and psychological safety into the DNA of their businesses.
Petra’s influence has been recognised widely, with her insights featured in Newsweek, Huffington Post, CEO World, and Harvard Business Review. She was also a contributor to landmark reports such as Thriving at Work and Seizing the Momentum, which shape workplace mental health and inclusion strategies across sectors. As the host of podcasts including Disrupting Wellbeing, Adversity to Advantage and Killing It: Adventures in Startups and Mental Health, Petra has consistently pushed forward conversations about resilience, authentic leadership, and inclusive innovation. Her keynote topics like “How Cults Are Like Corporates – And What to Do About It” and “Creating Brave, High-Performing Teams” have challenged audiences to rethink traditional norms and build cultures where everyone can thrive.
Today, Petra is regarded as a trusted expert on Diversity & Inclusion, digital wellbeing, leadership, and future workplace trends. Known for her energetic, relatable, and hard-hitting speaking style, Petra weaves storytelling, science, and strategic advice into every session. By shifting the conversation from superficial wellbeing gestures to real cultural transformation, Petra leaves audiences empowered to take action, rethink their leadership styles, and build inclusive environments that unlock the full potential of every individual.
“We invited Petra to speak at our Mental Health Awareness event on dealing with stress and were blown away by her incredible unique story and her authenticity. She is an accomplished presenter and coach who provided a tonne of practical advice on how to look after your mental health told through unforgettable stories and analogies. We’re now getting her back in to be part of our leadership development curriculum.”
“We wanted to close our conference with a memorable moment – and Petra delivered on an often-ignored issue: our mental health. With positive vibes, an energetic speech, get-together touchy moments and many wake-up calls, the participants were taken on an emotional roller-coaster of positive attitudes towards our… mind.”
“Petra debunks myths and offers practical ways we can focus to boost mental health.”
“Petra is the rarest of keynotes; someone who knows the science but who also has lived experience on such an important topic. She is brave in her approach and this is perhaps the key lesson in opening up and addressing mental health work. She achieves a mix of levity and seriousness that T.S Eliot would be proud of and it’s the first talk I have seen in a long time where none of the 300 attendees glanced at their phones or checked the time. This is such an important topic that we need advocates such as Petra to open up the conversation in such a powerful, practical and ultimately uplifting way.”
“Petra’s keynote speech at the Una Conference was incredible. She was funny, engaging, to the point and actually knows what she’s talking about! I feel that she’s given me everyday tools to start making mental health a daily conversation with friends, family and colleagues.”
“This was probably the most moving, honest and powerful session that I have ever attended.”
The Diversity and Inclusion Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for inspirational figures of different races, genders, sexualities and abilities since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes athletes, psychologists, celebrities and more, to ensure that audiences of all industries receive tailored, impactful advice on diversity and inclusion.
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