At a time of global instability, what if our most powerful response to the loud voices that try to divide and intimidate us was not fear - but empathy and warmth?

This speech is a reminder of our power as individuals at a time when the very foundations of our democracies seem to shake. It is a powerful inspiration and shift of perspective to keep our spirits up in 2026 - an invitation to step up our leadership where our impact matters: with our peers, in our organisations and in every meeting.

It is also a powerful statement for every organisation investing in gender equality, diversity and inclusion during these challenging times: when companies create spaces where more people feel represented, heard and safe to contribute, they are not just shaping workplaces - they are shaping the kind of society we want to live in.

This inspiring Keynote Speech invites us to re-think our perspective on what "strong" leadership is for all staff. For too long, we may have taken management styles for granted that relied on pressure, control and an outdated idea of a “successful leader”: the unemotional “tough cookie”. The result: many talented colleagues disengage, don’t feel seen and leave.

Introducing her concept of authentic leadership, Helene shows how the courage to be humble, kind and empathetic at work - instead of just tough "distant leaders" - will inspire more colleagues to thrive in their full potential, drive more diversity and inclusion and eventually mean better, sustainable decision-making in our organisations.

The speech is an invitation to see the strength in a leadership culture that is open for vulnerable, authentic and even kind leaders to succeed.

An inspiring talk that invites us to rethink leadership and encourages women to find their own unique, feminine style at work - instead of adapting to masculine-dominated workplace cultures.

Helene’s talk goes beyond traditional “women’s empowerment”: rather than teaching women how to become “tougher” and “stronger” in order to succeed at work, she reminds them of the leadership qualities they already naturally have - empathy, sensitivity and authenticity in the workplace.

These strengths are more than just “soft skills”: they are essential leadership qualities needed at the top of every organisation to create a healthy work environment and enable balanced decision-making that drives efficiency and profitability.

Helene invites men and women to work together towards a leadership culture that is more attractive and inclusive of diverse leadership styles - instead of expecting women to conform to a particular “idea” of leadership. What if we changed our criteria for recruitment and promotion, as well as our definition of success, so that very different kinds of leaders could thrive?

Based on hundreds of accounts of women’s experience in male-dominated work situations, this speech supports men to become more inclusive leaders. Because one look, one unconscious power gesture and one small comment can be sufficient to make a female colleague intimidated in a meeting - it happens at almost every meeting table without being intended by most men.

In a respectful and empowering way, Helene’s speech grows the awareness of subtle discrimination and gives listeners concrete communication and action tools to become allies for gender balance in the workplace with powerful leadership skills. How to make diversity a business case and a breakthrough for men as well - instead of an annoying “nice-to-have”?