Taboos are subjects that a society, culture, or organisation has collectively decided are too sensitive, uncomfortable, or controversial to discuss openly. They vary across contexts, and what is unspoken in one workplace may be freely discussed in another, but they share a common thread: silence. Whether rooted in cultural norms, fear of judgment, or historical stigma, taboo topics tend to remain beneath the surface even when they are directly shaping how people work, lead, and relate to one another. When organisations find the courage to name and engage with these subjects, the results are often transformative, both for individual wellbeing and collective performance.
Which topics do our keynotes on Taboos cover?
The subject of taboos is wide, and different organisations face different silences. Our speakers approach the topic from several angles, some grounded in education and social justice, others in workplace culture, and others in the raw, honest territory of lived experience. Below are some of the core areas our keynotes explore.
Taboos in the Workplace: Inclusion, Authenticity, and the Conversations We Avoid
Many organisations invest heavily in diversity and inclusion initiatives while leaving the underlying taboos untouched. Topics like menopause, fertility, addiction, mental health, religious difference, or sexuality continue to feel off-limits in professional settings, even as they directly affect employee engagement, retention, and wellbeing. A keynote in this space helps leaders and teams understand which silences are costing them, and gives them the language and confidence to finally break them. Filip De Groeve specialises in exactly this territory. His keynote "taBOOH" brings humour and humanity to the conversation, showing how naming taboos in the workplace is not a threat to professionalism. It is the foundation of a truly inclusive culture.
Race, Bias, and Social Justice: Building the Capacity for Difficult Dialogue
Conversations about race, racism, unconscious bias, and social justice are among the most avoided in organisations worldwide. The fear of saying the wrong thing, of exposing ignorance, or of reopening historical wounds keeps these subjects sidelined, even as they shape the daily experience of many employees. A keynote in this area does not assign blame. Instead, it builds the collective capacity for honest, curious, and constructive dialogue. Liz Kleinrock is one of the most compelling voices in this field. An anti-bias and anti-racist educator who delivered a TED Talk titled "How to Teach Kids to Talk About Taboo Topics" with over 2 million views, she brings both rigour and accessibility to conversations that organisations often do not know how to start.
Gender, Sexuality, and the Taboos That Shape Modern Identity
Topics around gender identity, sexuality, reproductive health, and the evolving expectations placed on men and women remain deeply charged in many professional and social environments. Yet avoiding them leaves real gaps in understanding, belonging, and policy. A keynote in this space invites audiences to examine the norms they have inherited, the assumptions they carry, and the conversations that are long overdue. Eleanor Conway approaches these subjects with sharp wit and radical honesty. A comedian and keynote speaker with over 200 million views online, she uses humour as a tool for accessing uncomfortable truths about gender dynamics, modern relationships, and the societal expectations that often go unquestioned.
Benefits of a keynote on Taboos
Booking a keynote on taboos is a signal to your organisation that you take psychological safety seriously. The benefits extend well beyond the room. When teams are given the space and the vocabulary to discuss uncomfortable subjects, trust grows, silos break down, and employees feel genuinely seen. These keynotes create shared reference points that teams return to long after the event, shifting not just awareness but behaviour. For leadership teams, the returns are clear: lower turnover among underrepresented groups, more honest feedback cultures, and the confidence to address sensitive issues before they become crises.
Other relevant keynotes around Taboos
Looking for something adjacent to the topic of taboos? These themes often intersect with the conversations our speakers help organisations open up:
- Stigma — Understanding how social stigma shapes behaviour, belonging, and mental health in the workplace and beyond.
- Prejudice — Exploring the roots of prejudice and how organisations can actively work to dismantle it.
- Social Justice — Keynotes that connect systemic inequality to everyday workplace decisions and invite action.
- Unconscious Bias — Examining the hidden assumptions that influence our decisions, even when we believe we are being fair.
- Inclusion — Going beyond diversity metrics to build workplaces where every person genuinely belongs.
Would you prefer a different theme? A-Speakers offers a wide range of other topics and occasions, where our expert speakers and experienced moderators are ready to ensure your event runs smoothly.
How to Book a Speaker
Booking a speaker with A-Speakers is a simple and tailored process that ensures your event receives the perfect angle on the topic. Start by sharing your needs with us, such as event type, preferred speaker, and budget, via email or phone. We then match your requirements with the competencies of our experts and present the ideal candidate for your audience. Once the details are agreed upon, we draw up a contract and collaborate on the further planning to ensure a successful execution. After the keynote has taken place, we of course follow up and evaluate your satisfaction. Book your speaker today.
- Tell us your wishes and needs: Give us a short description of your event, and feel free to include your wishes for a topic or specific speaker, so we can advise you in the best way possible.
- Get a tailored recommendation: Our skilled speaker consultants base their suggestions on your needs and help you choose the speaker that best matches your criteria and budget.
- Formalize the agreement: Once we've found the perfect speaker for your event, we prepare a contract that both parties sign.
- Planning and execution: We support you all the way and coordinate the details together to make the event a successful experience.
- Follow-up and evaluation: After the keynote, we naturally follow up to see if the event lived up to expectations.
Contact us today to find the speaker that matches your needs and vision. Book a speaker now and take the next step toward a stronger future.
