In Demand Speaking Topics & Keynote Speaker Suggestions for 2023

As I sit here reflecting on 2022 and the conversations our speakers and I have had with clients, I am in sheer awe of what we as human beings have been able to overcome and the true grittiness we have had to muster to make it through. It has been a year of constant change, uncertainty, and newness, and despite it all, we've pulled through. Give yourself a massive pat on the back and recognize yourself for what you've accomplished, as it's sure to be nothing short of extraordinary!

Looking ahead to 2023, I want to share the top six speaking topic themes, along with some speaker suggestions I see in demand based on my clients and what the world is dealing with, and what we will be facing as we move forward into 2023.

If you want to stand out as the industry or organization of choice and keep a healthy business bottom line, below are some suggested themes to consider for your next event or meeting:

1) People-Focused Approaches & Cultures:

The world has shifted; people are no longer willing to work for someone who doesn't truly appreciate, understand, and care about them. It is essential that people feel seen, heard, valued, and appreciated for the work they do and who they are. At the end of the day, you want to know that your contribution matters and that what you do every day contributes to the organization's overall success. People want to know that if they were gone, it would matter and that there is a purpose in all they do. The organizations that genuinely embody this will be the ones that succeed for centuries to come!

Speakers Rocking it in this space: Sarah McVanel , Gregg Brown & Daniel Lewis .

2) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

You want to feel safe and part of a team, regardless of background or origin. You have something unique to contribute, and it's essential for organizations to create inclusive teams for everyone. It's not about "checking boxes." It's about making the environment and culture of your organization inclusive for everyone. Each unique background and experience brings new ideas, perspectives, and insights, and this is where the magic happens. How can you create an even better, genuinely inclusive environment for all?

Speakers Rocking it in this space: Samra Zafar , Jamie McMillan & Denis Boudreau

3) Mental Health & Wellness:

You can't be the best version of yourself at work and at home unless you take care of yourself first! This includes organizations recognizing what people are dealing with, what causes them stress, and what leads to burnout while providing the tools and resources necessary to cope. There is no longer a divide between work and home or home and work; the pandemic changed this and meshed the two together. If your people are happy and healthy, are valued, and have the tools to use when things get tough or their mental wellness changes, you're more likely to retain them for the long term and possibly even save their life!

Speakers Rocking it in this space: Jamie McMillan , Samra Zafar , Sarah McVanel & Stephanie Staples

4) Empathetic Leadership & Authentic Human Connection:

Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, that is, the capacity to place oneself in another's position. Taking a step back and looking at situations and experiences from another's perspective will go a long way. At the end of the day, it's important to remember that we're all humans, and you need to treat everyone as you would want to be treated.

Speakers Rocking it in this space: Gregg Brown , Courtney Stanley , Brandi Leifso , Erin Thorp

5) Financial Wellness:

I'm so excited to report that I have seen a few requests on this topic, and I am dancing with joy! Financial Wellness is something I would've loved to have learned in school but, sadly, was never addressed. With the rising costs of living, mortgage rates increasing, inflation, and the overall demand on our wallets, organizations are starting to recognize that finances can bring an intense amount of strain on your people. If you address this, you can help your people and show empathy for the pressure your people are under regarding finances.

Speakers Rocking it in this space: Lesley-Anne Scorgie

6) Personal Branding:

People want to know the person behind the business. They want to know why they should do business with the person vs. the business itself. Whether you work for someone or yourself, a unique and exciting personal brand is critical to today's success. As a business, it's great that you're good at what you do, but what is the experience, and who do your clients get to work with when they reach out? Why should they choose you? There is much noise out there; give them a compelling reason, show your clients and customers you're human and give them something meaningful to connect on and see what happens.

Speakers Rocking it in this space: Leanne Calderwood

If you would like to find out more about the speakers in this article or how we can support you with finding the right Keynote Speaker for your teams, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected], and we would be pleased to chat.

Happy Holidays and we look forward to hearing from you in the new year!