The Official Best Psychological Safety Speakers to Hire for Events in 2025

What is Psychological Safety?

Psychological safety is a crucial element within high-performing teams and resilient organisations. It exists when team members feel secure enough to speak openly, seek help, admit errors, voice concerns, propose new concepts, and respectfully challenge existing practices and opinions, regardless of hierarchy. This environment of trust and transparency encourages risk mitigation, innovation, and inclusivity, facilitating effective action on fresh ideas. Cultivating psychological safety is not just a strategy for enhancing organisational performance; it’s also a fundamental ethical practice, affirming every individual’s value in the collaborative process.

Source: Psychological Safety

How Can Leadership Foster a Psychologically Safe Environment?

In a rapidly changing world, leaders play a pivotal role in ensuring the psychological safety of their teams. By leading with vulnerability and promoting open communication, leaders set the tone for a trusting environment. They establish clear goals, manage expectations, and provide constructive feedback, ensuring everyone knows their role and feels valued. Collaboration and team building are encouraged, celebrating diversity and creating a strong sense of belonging. Continuous learning is at the forefront, nurturing a growth mindset where challenges are seen as opportunities. Constructive feedback becomes a tool for growth, while trust and respect lay the foundation for safety. Leaders also empower their teams, giving them autonomy balanced with guidance, and emphasising healthy conflict resolution. To sustain this environment, regular evaluations are crucial, with leaders adapting strategies as needed and celebrating successes. The true strength of a leader lies not in authority but in their ability to create a psychologically safe space where everyone thrives.

Source: Delphinium

Top Tips for Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace Environment:

Below are a few ways in which you can create a psychologically safe workplace environment:

1. Communicate the vision for psychological safety, setting behaviour expectations and monitoring through employee surveys.
2. Actively prompt team members during meetings to ensure all voices are heard, and utilise collaboration tools.
3. Educate employees on available mental health resources, emphasising their importance for overall wellbeing.
4. Schedule fun team-building events outside of work to strengthen bonds and improve in-office collaboration.
5. Advocate for constructive criticism, ensuring feedback is task-focused and providing varied channels for voice expression.
6. Regularly recognise and reward employees’ efforts, promoting positive reinforcement and consistent manager check-ins.
7. Support risk-taking and innovation, emphasising failures as learning opportunities rather than setbacks.

Source: HubSpot

Our Top 12 Psychological Safety Speakers

1. Charlotte Williams
2. Gina Battye
3. Matt Lindley
4. Elizabeth Cowper
5. Dr Nighat Arif
6. Ian Clarke
7. Daisy Auger-Dominguez
8. Robert Holden
9. Dan Harris
10. Sarah Davies
11. Silvia Garcia
12. Alexander Leon

Charlotte Williams

Charlotte Williams stands out as a psychological safety keynote speaker, leveraging her extensive background in psychology and sociology to drive transformative change. With a rich career marked by influential roles, including her current position as the Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Impact Culture, she brings invaluable insights into fostering environments that champion diversity, equality, and psychological safety. Her journey, from earning her Bachelor’s degree to shaping educational content and policies around inclusivity, highlights her commitment to real-world impact. Charlotte’s eloquent advocacy for mental health, neurodiversity, and gender and racial constructs, fortified by her personal experiences, makes her speeches profoundly relatable and inspiring. Her ability to intertwine storytelling, expertise, and empathy positions her as an indispensable resource for those seeking to cultivate more inclusive and psychologically safe spaces.

Official Speaking Topics:

• Specific Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Neurodiversity Awareness & Reasonable Adjustments
• LGBTQ+ Issues

Gina Battye

Gina Battye is a transformative figure in the sphere of psychological safety, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ inclusion. With an ambitious goal, she strives to ensure the UK Government recognises the importance of psychological safety in workplaces, transcending mere compliance to create environments where every individual can flourish without fear or bias. Drawing from personal experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and an impressive 25-year professional journey with global powerhouses, Gina’s perspective is both unique and profound. Beyond her lived experiences, her innovative ‘5 Pillars of Psychological Safety’ offers organisations a concrete path towards a psychologically safe workplace environment. Recognised as ‘Speaker of the Year’, Gina’s commitment to authentic representation and actionable insights embodies her vision for inclusive, fearless workspaces.

Official Testimonial:

“Gina was a guest speaker at an event in AstraZeneca. Gina delivered an interactive conversation on the topic of bringing your whole self to work and LGBT inclusion. The feedback was extremely positive and I would highly recommend working with Gina on any corporate event relating to inclusion, diversity and LGBT topics.” – AstraZeneca

Matt Lindley

Matt Lindley stands as a testament to the transformative power of resilience and authenticity. As one of the first openly gay pilots in the Royal Air Force during an era of entrenched prejudice, he not only pursued his dreams against the odds but played a pivotal role in reshaping the cultural norms of this esteemed institution. Beyond his exemplary aviation feats, including flying the royal family, Matt’s transition to a psychological safety keynote speaker is deeply rooted in his own journey towards acceptance. Drawing from his diverse experiences in both the aviation and healthcare sectors, he captivates audiences with profound insights into human error, risk management, and the paramount importance of inclusion. With each address, Matt Lindley inspires a renewed commitment to fostering safer, more inclusive workspaces.

Official Testimonial:

“I cannot recommend Matt highly enough. He talked to the Close Brothers community about his journey and it resonated incredibly well with all colleagues, not just those from the LQBQT community. His candour and honesty really connected with people, and the ties with wider mental wellness and resilience were incredibly topical given the current pandemic. His humour shone through and it was one of the best received external speakers we have had to date. A thorough recommendation…” – Martyn, Atkinson Group, Chief Operating Officer

Elizabeth Cowper

Elizabeth Cowper, with her profound expertise and personal experience, stands out as a compelling psychological safety keynote speaker. Her journey, from founding Ludo to establishing the WoMo Network, reflects her commitment to fostering supportive, inclusive environments. Elizabeth’s insights, drawn from over 20 years in corporate spheres, are invaluable; she not only speaks to strategies for engaging and retaining female talent but also deeply understands the challenges faced by working mothers. Her recognition as one of the ten most Futuristic Businesswomen and her global acclaim underline her effectiveness in advocating for workplace cultures where psychological safety is a priority, making her an essential voice at any event.

Official Testimonial:

“Thank you again for having been such a fantastic participant on our DEI panel a few weeks ago – still feeling hugely grateful for your time and fantastic insights.”

Dr Nighat Arif

Dr Nighat Arif, with her remarkable experience as a Family GP specialising in women’s health, has not only established a stellar reputation in the medical field but also emerged as a distinguished psychological safety keynote speaker. Fluent in English, Urdu, and Punjabi, her vast experience, which includes an 11-year tenure with the NHS and roles in diverse medical capacities, has enabled her to bridge cultural gaps and promote diversity and inclusion. With notable appearances in media, such as BBC Breakfast and British Vogue Magazine, and her advocacy for topics like Menopause and women’s mental health, Nighat effortlessly combines medical expertise with the eloquence of a seasoned orator. Her dedication to uplifting and uniting communities is evident, making her an ideal choice for those seeking insight into health, wellbeing, and cultural inclusivity.

Official Speaking Topics:

• Diversity & Inclusion
• Cultural Change
• Health & Wellbeing

Ian Clarke

Ian Clarke stands out as a beacon of psychological safety in the realm of diversity and inclusion. With 15 years in banking, notably at HSBC, Ian has experienced firsthand the challenges of diversity in corporate settings. As a mixed heritage individual identifying as LGBTQ+ and having invisible disabilities, he possesses a unique lens through which he addresses inclusion issues. Having been dubbed the ‘poster boy for diversity,’ Ian’s commitment to justice led him to expose discrimination within the banking sector, making him the first banking whistleblower on race inclusion. With credentials as a qualified Psychologist, Counsellor, and DE&I Practitioner, Ian’s blend of professional insight and personal experiences makes him a sought-after keynote speaker, advocating for inclusive workplaces and equitable communities.

Official Testimonial:

“He is authentic, creative and demonstrates a high level of empathy and subject matter expertise in helping his customers navigate complex problems. He sets high standards for himself and teams around him to strive to deliver the best. I’m excited to see his next steps and where his talent will take him!” – Alan, Regional Head of Tech, Media & Telecoms, HSBC

Daisy Auger-Dominguez

Daisy Auger-Dominguez has become a leading authority in the world of corporate leadership, renowned for her tenure as the Global Chief People Officer at Vice Media Group. With an extensive background at giants like Google, The Walt Disney Company, and Viacom, Daisy has a transformative touch that resonates throughout her work. Not only is she honoured as one of the People en Española 25 Most Powerful Women, but she’s also a formidable advocate for an inclusive, courageous, and competent workplace culture. As the Founder of Auger-Dominguez Ventures, she consults on creating powerful workplace environments. Moreover, as a psychological safety keynote speaker, Daisy merges her experiences from her illustrious career with her commitment to inclusivity, championing a workplace where every voice is heard and valued.

Robert Holden

Robert Holden, a renowned British Psychologist and acclaimed happiness expert, brings a transformative approach to the realm of psychological safety as a keynote speaker. With his pioneering work as the Director of The Happiness Project, Robert integrates over three decades of expertise in promoting well-being and combating workplace stress, elements vital to fostering psychological safety. His revolutionary ‘Be Happy’ programme, hailed as “a genuine fast track to happiness” by scientists, underscores his proficiency in catalysing positive environmental shifts. Having delivered globally celebrated talks and authored 10 seminal books, Robert offers invaluable insights into building trust, openness, and empowerment—cornerstones of psychological safety. His collaboration with global brands like Dove reflects his prowess in coaching teams towards embracing authenticity, a testament to his unparalleled skill in enhancing organisational cultures. Robert’s captivating oratory, rich with practical strategies, promises to inspire and enlighten audiences, making him an indispensable asset at events seeking to cultivate a psychologically secure atmosphere.

Official Testimonial:

“Your work with us has been a complete tonic – the buzz you have created is terrific. We are uplifted and full of hope for the future.” – The Body Shop

Dan Harris

Dan Harris, a psychological safety keynote speaker, brings a wealth of expertise and fervent advocacy to the fore. His illustrious background, notably as Director at Deloitte UK, underscores his deep understanding of corporate dynamics. With over two decades in the industry, Dan is not just a seasoned expert; he’s a passionate crusader for neurodiversity and inclusion. His speeches resonate with profound insights, drawing from his commitment to integrating neurodivergent individuals into professional settings. His journey from academia to becoming the CEO of Neurodiversity in Business reflects his dedication. Whether addressing global audiences or leading workshops, Dan’s authority and passion make him an indispensable voice on psychological safety and neuro-inclusivity in the workplace.

Official Speaking Topics:

• Neurodiversity
• Neuro Inclusion Now
• Neurodiversity in Business

Sarah Davies

Sarah Davies stands out as a psychological safety keynote speaker, merging her extensive background as a Business Coach, Director, and Co-Founder of Talking Menopause with a mission to revolutionise workplace culture. With over 15 years in high-stakes corporate environments and expertise in executive recruitment, she uniquely understands the challenges individuals face, particularly regarding menopause. Her early roles in international business development and client management have informed her holistic approach to creating psychologically safe spaces. At the heart of her advocacy is the transformative Talking Menopause initiative she established in 2017, reflecting her commitment to fostering supportive, inclusive professional environments. Her dynamic, empathetic speaking style, coupled with a results-driven approach, makes her a beacon for organisational change, resonating profoundly with audiences across sectors.

Official Speaking Topics:

• Menopause Awareness
• The Impact of Menopause at Work
• Workplace Culture

Silvia Garcia

Silvia Garcia stands as a beacon in the realm of psychological safety, championing happiness, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion in the corporate world. Drawing from her extensive experience, including her role as Coca-Cola’s former Global Director of Happiness, Marketing, and Communication, Silvia showcases the significance of happiness as more than an emotion—it’s a critical asset for organisational success. As a psychological safety keynote speaker, she dives into the intricacies of workplace relationships and the influence of wellbeing on aspects like employee retention and customer service. Combining her professional history with academic insights from prestigious institutions, Silvia captivates audiences, offering unparalleled expertise in creating work environments that prioritise emotional wellbeing and holistic success.

Official Testimonial:

“We loved Silvia’s pose. Super interesting content, featuring surprising and relevant stories for our audience. Silvia is one of those lecturers that everyone in the world loves to listen to. Your energy, optimism and vision are contagious and the audience is always filed with inspiration, ideas and practical examples.” – Rosa, Head of External Communications, L’Oreal Spain & Portugal

Alexander Leon

Alexander Leon is a formidable voice in the realm of diversity, inclusion, and psychological safety. As a fervent advocate for LGBT+ rights and anti-racism, he integrates the principle of intersectionality into his discourse, shedding light on its importance in framing diversity and inclusion strategies. Alexander’s role as the Account Director of Intent Health, combined with his recognition as a LinkedIn Changemaker, highlights his influence in the sector. His personal stories of experiencing racism offer a powerful testament, sensitising audiences to the multifaceted challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Drawing from his global outreach efforts with the Kaleidoscope Trust and his profound understanding of the impacts of colonialism on LGBTQ+ rights, Alexander offers unparalleled insights. His commitment to fostering an inclusive and intersectional society makes him an essential keynote speaker for any event focusing on diversity and psychological safety.

Hire a Psychological Safety Speaker Today!

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