Inclusion = Better world

The campaign theme for International Women's Day (IWD) this year is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

As supporters and advocates of IWD, KeyNote Women Speakers asked our inspirational thought leaders what are their opinion when it comes to this theme and what we can do to inspire women inclusion. Here is what they had to say:

Mette Johansson is a highly awarded Author, Global speaker and Consultant. She is the Founder of MetaMind Training, a globally active training consultancy providing consulting and learning programmes in the people side of leadership skills. With a corporate leadership background across Europe and Asia, Mette is also a serial social entrepreneur being the Founder of KeyNote Women Speakers, largest community of women speakers globally and the Co-Founder of The Inclusive Leaders Institute. She has just released a new book called Narratives: The Stories that Hold Women Back in Work. Today she shares some tips on how we can be more inclusive to women:

"In today’s business world, leadership is inclusion; it is no longer optional whether you want to be an inclusive leader. There’s a financial, moral and career imperative for inclusion. With International Women's Day coming up, without realising we can de-value the women in our workplaces. How? By not giving an opportunity for them to speak or not paying a keynote female speaker because its IWD. Please consider the message you are sending on empowering women, when you ask women to speak for free on International Women’s Day. You can still change this. Do you have women speaking on International Women’s Day? Speak up, ask for the budget, and pay your non-male speakers like you pay your male speakers. On behalf of the women you want to empower - thank you!”

To book Mette as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Magdalena Poulin is DEI Strategist and Founded the Two-Way Mentoring Programme at PrimeTime, Business and Professional Women’s Association in Singapore. She is also the Oceania Lead for KeyNote Women Speakers and is currently based at Macquarie University, she oversees the design and implementation of the Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy, builds strategic partnerships, and fosters a culture of belonging. Today she shares how we can see more inclusion in our world:

"#InspireInclusion by embracing diverse identities and prioritizing intersectionality in your organization's gender equity strategy. This International Women's Day, let's move beyond surface-level efforts and ensure that every woman's unique experiences are acknowledged and valued. By taking this holistic approach, we can create a workplace where all women feel respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential."

To book Magdalena as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Senela Jayasuriya is an multi-award winning leader, Author, Transformational & Executive Leadership Coach and Top 10 International Women Speakers. She has been invited to speak on Leadership, Motivation, Creating Transformational workspaces and a Culture-geared for Innovation, Unconscious bias, Inclusion & Employee Engagement, Women’s Career Advancement, and Empowered Women in Leadership. Senela is also the Global CEO of Women Empowered Global, a global leadership-building platform for women in Business, Corporate & STEM. Today she shares the importance of inclusion:

"Inclusion is not just a concept; it is the catalyst for growth, collaboration, and a flourishing society. By breaking the taboos and challenging societal narratives, we pave the way for a future where every voice is not just heard but valued – in the workplace, in our communities, and within the very fabric of our homes. Embracing diversity isn't just about tolerance; it's about realizing the immense strength that lies in our differences. It's time to rewrite the narratives that impede our progress, for in true inclusion, we find the boundless power to innovate, connect, and collectively thrive."

To book Senela as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Christine Amour-Levar is a Philanthropist, Founder of Two Award-winning Non-profit Organisations (Women on a Mission (WOAM) and HER Planet Earth), Best-Selling Author and Human Rights & Sustainability Advisor. Her speaking engagements have been hosted by INSEAD, Nike, TBWA, Microsoft, Unilever, Credit Suisse, TEDx, and more. Christine has won multiple international awards including the GGEF Woman Eco Gamechanger Award 2022 and Woman of the Future Kindness & Leadership Southeast Asia Leading Lights 2020. Today she'll be sharing the impact of women inclusion:

"Empowering women means dismantling the barriers to inclusion, one act of courage at a time. This International Women's Day, let's commit to #InspireInclusion by celebrating diversity, promoting equality, and amplifying the voices of all women until our collective strength is undeniable and our shared future is unbreakable.”

To book Christine as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Bhavna Toor (She/Her) is the Founder and CEO of Shenomics, a mindful leadership platform supporting women to live and lead with authenticity, mindfulness, and impact. She is also LinkedIn Top Voice Helping Women Live and Lead Consciously, Award-winning Global Leadership Consultant and Mindfulness Practitioner, Podcaster and a recipient of WEF’s Iconic Woman Creating a Better World for All award. Today she shares personally how she will be incorporating inclusion in her sphere:

“I #InspireInclusion by practising boundless compassion and empathy with everyone irrespective of their race, gender, class or any other difference. When we look beyond differences and connect with each other at our core, we create space for everyone to belong."

To book Bhavna as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Uma Rudd Chia is an award-winning Executive Creative Director and Co-Founder of a boutique ad agency, KVUR. She is also an Author of 3 books, her most recent book "10 Things Brands Could Do to Survive a Crisis" became a Kindle best-seller overnight and a playbook for brands to navigate the Covid-19 climate. Uma is a keynote speaker who has spoken at global conferences to over 200,000 people across 14 countries in the past 5 years on topics of innovation and technology, women leadership, creativity, brand building and purpose. Today she shares her belief that women do have a place at the table and that they should be included:

“Let’s remember, we women arrive in this world empowered, inherently full of grace, power, and potential. What we seek are not mere words of empowerment, but genuine opportunities to shine. It’s about creating spaces at the table, fostering mentorships across generations, and urging men in power to open doors for women to stride through and let their brilliance illuminate the world.”

To book Uma as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Veronica Llorca-Smith 🍋 is a DEI Consultant, Advocate specialising in Cultural Agility, Motivational Speaker. She is also a Motivational Speaker and Author of 3 books. Veronica speaks 6 languages and uses the language of inclusion to bridge cultures and help individuals and teams excel in diverse environments. Today she shares how inclusive language can bring a more inclusion:

"Inclusive language can be a catalyst to bridge the gender gap. Speaking in a way that is neutral, accurate and bias-free creates a narrative that welcomes women and under-represented groups. Let’s use the power of language to #InspireInclusion!"

To book Veronica as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Amutha Meyyappan is a TED speaker, Lecturer and Researcher specialising in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Education. In 2019, Amutha orchestrated the groundbreaking Neuroeducation Symposium of Asia at the National University of Singapore. With eight years of leadership in an Education services business, she applied the neuroeducation pedagogy to impact 300 entities across varied age groups. Amutha's diverse achievements showcase her commitment to innovative education and understanding the psychological effects of the new normal. Today she shares how inclusion impacts our neurological systems:

"Embracing inclusion isn't just a moral imperative; it's also a neurological necessity, as our brains thrive on the richness of varied perspectives."

To book Amutha as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Mrinalini Venkatachalam is the Regional Director, South East Asia and Oceania at WEConnect International. She also speaks regularly at schools, community events, corporates and conferences about the role that gender equality plays in achieving a more sustainable world for everyone. Mrinalini has been awarded the Singapore Women's Weekly's Great Women of Our Time award in the Public Service and Education category. Today she shares her insights on the importance of women inclusion:

"Less than 1% of global corporate spend goes to women owned businesses. This International Women's Day, let’s take a step forward to create a world in which women have the same opportunity as their male counterparts to design and implement business solutions that create wealth and ensure the sustainable prosperity of their communities by consciously leveraging our personal and professional spend with women owned businesses."

To book Mrinalini as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Valerie Chow is a Branding and marketing consultant, Leadership coach, 360 Marketing & Business Leader and Amazon Best-Selling Author. She also has been named one of LinkedIn's Top People Management Voices. Today she shares her thoughts on inclusion:

"Empower yourself to share your voice. Speak up when you see dis-inclusivity. Each voice will amplify and bring changes."

To book Valerie as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Aurelie SAADA is currently the Global Fraud Risk Lead for Microsoft. She has over 15 years of international experience in risk management and audit, mainly in banking and insurance. She was the former President of PrimeTime Business and Professional Women's Association, whose vision is to help professional women to achieve their highest potential through training, networking, and events in Singapore. Aurelie is a fervent supporter of women’s professional development and leadership. Today she shares the beauty of inclusion and the impact it can have:

"Inclusion is like weaving a tapestry where every thread, every color, every voice matters. We can then celebrate the strength in our diversity, for when we lift each other up, we rise together. True empowerment lies in recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of every woman, regardless of background, ethnicity, or circumstance. Together, we can create a world where inclusion isn’t just a word—it’s a vibrant reality that uplifts us all. "

To book Aurelie as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Arthi S Rabikrisson, MBA, PCC (ICF) is the Global award-winning Leadership Coach, Amazon Best-Selling Author and Neuro-agility Assessment Practitioner. She is also the Founder and Managing Director of Prerna Advisory, which focuses on neuroscience-based coaching and assessment for individuals, teams and corporates; strategic business consulting to SMEs; and capital introduction to alternative funding sources. Today Arthi shares what is needed to have a more inclusive world:

“Inspiring inclusion paints a canvas where every voice adds colour, every story weaves a tapestry, and every difference enriches the masterpiece of humanity. The vibrancy of inclusivity should not be overshadowed by monotony and repetition. Inspiring inclusion requires advocacy across all levels of stakeholders, and whether you hold a title or not. The fact that a female in your ecosystem of support is being marginalised or could be in the future, should activate everyone to become champions of inclusion for women. Break free from the shackles of past mindsets, and be intentional about creating a new and vibrant pathway of diversity and support thereof.”

 To book Arthi to be your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Hannah Austin, MBA, CPC is a Best-Selling Author, Podcast Host, Coach and Specialist in Management & Prevention of Burnout. She is also the CEO and Founder of SheShatters which helps employees and managers to find a balance between their personal and professional lives, and on a macro level, leading a movement away from corporate hustle culture. Today she shares a practical tip on how we all can be more inclusive to women:

"One of the most incredible things you can do for another woman is to reach out and ask her what she needs; tell her you believe in her and that you're cheering her on".

To book Hannah as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here  

Adeline Tiah 謝善嫻 is Leadership Coach, Expert in Marketing & Branding, LinkedIn Top Voice, Author and Startup Mentor. An insights-driven marketer, she thrives in building brands, driving revenue growth, and building teams for peak performance. She is the Co-founder of abcwomen.org, a movement that empowers women in transition to living their lives to the fullest. Adeline also founded Soar Global a coaching practice to help women create possibilities to be the best version of themselves. Today she shares the importance of inclusion:

"Inclusion isn't just a buzzword; it's the heartbeat of progress. As we celebrate IWD, let's pledge to weave inclusion into every fabric of society, ensuring every woman's journey is honored, every voice is heard and every dream knows no bounds." #inspireinclusion #IWD2024:

To book Adeline as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Mahal Rajan is the Founder of MetaDestiny, which is advocates well-being. She is also a Singapore: 40-over-40 Inspiring Women 2023 Awardee and Amazon Best-Selling Author of 'Repurposed - Finding the New You' and Co-author of 'Shaken, Stirred but not Deterred.’ A highly experienced educator, Mahal holds a Masters in Education and has served in the Ministry of Education in Singapore for more than 20 years. Mahal is currently an Associate Lecturer. as well as an honouree of Singapore 40-over-40 Inspiring Women of 2023. Today she shares how well-being is connected with inclusion:

"Embrace your well-being, and watch the ripple effect as you inspire others to do the same. Together, we create a more inclusive world. By nurturing our well-being, we become catalysts for positive change and inspiration in the world. As we champion and embrace well-being, we amplify the voices of those who often go unheard. In our journey, let's ensure nobody is left behind. Well-being is the universal language that unites us all. As we embrace our individual wellness, we forge connections that transcend differences, weaving a tapestry of inclusion. A commitment to well-being is a pledge to inclusion."

To book Mahal as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here 

Raquel Ark is the Founder of listening ALCHEMY, a communication training and coaching organisation. She is also the Listening SUPERPOWER podcast host, Communication & Listening Advisor, Coach & Trainer, TEDx Speaker, Amazon Best-Selling Author. Raquel is the Vice President of the International Listening Association and a University Instructor at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences. Today she shares how listening can forge a more inclusive world for women:

"As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's essential to reflect on how we can collectively forge a more inclusive world for women. A significant part of this journey involves challenging and breaking down misconceptions about listening, a skill that plays a pivotal role in achieving gender equality and empowering women. For example the myth - Listening is Easy, Right? True listening requires effort and engagement. It's not enough to nod and smile; we must effectively listen to the experiences and voices of women, checking our understanding and assumptions. Another myth - It's all about the words. Listening to women isn't just about hearing their words; it's about acknowledging that their experience may be different than ours. Instead of fixing, defining or explaining, listen to the unspoken, understanding their emotions, and recognizing the nuances of their experiences.

As we celebrate International Women's Day and work towards a more inclusive world for women, let's recognize the importance of listening. By challenging these common myths about listening and actively engaging with women's voices, we can collectively pave the way for a more equitable and empowered future. Listening is not just a skill; it's a tool for change, and it's time to wield it with purpose and dedication in our pursuit of gender equality.

To book Raquel as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Cindy Tien, EQ Maven, CSP is a Professional speaker, Author, Linkedin Top Emotional Intelligence Voice and Executive Coach. She is also a Personal development Advocate certified in Public Speaking, Neuro-linguistic programming, Confidence coaching, Emotional quotient, Social Intelligence, and Visual branding. Today she shares the significance of inclusion in the corporate world:

"Inclusion in the workplace isn’t just ticking boxes; it's about tuning into diverse emotions with the antenna of empathy. It's a dance between understanding and action, where embracing differences becomes a culture that resonates across boardrooms and beyond. When we harness this power, we don't just change the narrative – we drive innovation, engagement, and real business results."

To book Cindy as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Gail Gibson, AMC is a Accredited Master Coach, Author of 3 books, Podcast Host and Advocate for Women's mental health. She is the Founder of Gaisha Consultancy which drives culture transformation and nurtures leaders with growth mindsets for personal and career advancement. Partnering with businesses globally, she designs personalized coaching programs, inspiring leaders to perform at their peak in times of change. Gail is also the Creator of The Can Do Way®, where she fosters conscious, compassionate leadership. Today she shares the impact of a more inclusive world:

“Inspiring inclusion cultivates a world where obstacles are removed, all voices are heard, and diversity thrives, nurturing a tapestry of belonging and understanding."

To book Gail as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Anupama Murali is a Leadership Coach & Facilitator, Breath-work & Meditation Facilitator and Country Lead of The Art of Living. She is also the Executive Coach of Forward Focus, a coaching company, and professional speaker. She now empowers professionals to shift from reactive to intentional living through her 'Achieve with Equilibrium' coaching, transformational talks, and leadership development programs. today she will share a change of mindset can inspire inclusion:

"In A Busy world, Rethinking By Slowing Down is the secret skill for inspiring inclusion. By intentionally slowing down our thought processes, we gain the capacity to both recognise and challenge biases and preconceptions. This deliberate reconsideration creates space for diverse perspectives and voices to be heard fostering a more inclusive mindset."

Dr Sarah Whyte is a PhD holder in Emotional intelligence and Expert on emotion, psychology and neuroscience. With more than twenty years experience of supporting thousands of people with tough emotions, first as a teacher and then as a speaker and facilitator, she now works with leaders and teams in high-pressure environments which expect peak performance. Today she shares the importance of inclusion:

"Gender stereotypes of emotion are invisible and insidious. They result in us making inaccurate and harmful assumptions about the emotions expressed by men and women, which often leads to unconscious bias. Gender stereotypes of emotion adversely impact women getting leadership positions and succeeding in those positions once they have them. This IWD, I’m sharing how we can be more aware of our gender-specific judgments around emotion to #inspireinclusion"

To book Sarah as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Gabriela Christian-Hare is a leader in the social justice sector, lawyer and speaker, with a career spanning Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. She is currently CEO of the Australian Pro Bono Centre, Australia's government-funded center of leadership for pro bono legal services. She now bridges the private and social justice sectors, dedicating her career to guiding private sector organizations on a similar journey to work with a social purpose. Gabriela also has a keen interest in film and television production, has executive-produced a number of productions. Today she shares the importance of inclusion: 

"When we inspire inclusion we empower women to build skills and networks, enable them to create better futures for themselves and their communities, and create a gender-equal future for us all."

To book Gabriela as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Katja Forbes is an Expert in Emerging Technology & Innovation, Data Science & Product Design Leader and Sought-after Keynote Speaker. She has been recognised as one of the Top 50 Australian Professionals, Top 10 Women Disruptors, and as one of Westpac/Australian Financial Review's '100 Women of Influence'. As a published author and regular media commentator, she is not only known for her professional achievements but also for her determination and sense of purpose as a thought leader and inspiration for women around the world. Today she shares her passion and how important inclusion is with our ever-changing world:

"On this International Women's Day, let us inspire inclusion by addressing the critical challenges of our time: ensuring AI and emerging technologies reflect the diversity of the human experience. As we strive to innovate, we must confront the ethical dilemmas and biases embedded in our creations. Only through diverse voices can we shape a future that honours fairness, embraces varied perspectives, and truly benefits all."

To book Katja as your IWD Keynote Speaker, please click here

Dr Karine Lespinasse is a Language Researcher & Practitioner specialising in Children’s language development with degrees in computational linguistics (NLP) and information science. A published author, Karine has written on NLP, growth mindset in language education, Third Culture Kids, and storytelling in Asia.  Today she shares she encourages us all to remember what International Women's Day is all about:

"As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's remember that true wellness cannot be achieved until all feel included meaning valued and empowered to thrive."

When women aren't present, we must ask: "If not, why not?" When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice. When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action. And we must do this each time, every time.

To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavour.

So together, let's all help fight the good fight. Join in and make IWD your day by doing what you can to support and advance women. Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.