In today's rapidly evolving world, the concept of psychological safety in the workplace has become paramount. Studies reveal that when employees can openly ask for help, suggest ideas, and challenge norms without fear of backlash, organisations thrive—innovating swiftly, harnessing diversity, and adapting seamlessly especially post-COVID-19. This isn't just nice to have; it's a game-changer.

What is Psychological Safety?

Psychological safety, as conceived by Edmondson, is the collective belief within a team that members can take risks, voice their ideas, questions, and concerns, and acknowledge mistakes without facing negative repercussions. This concept, vital for fostering an environment of openness and candour, enhances team learning behaviours and overall performance. Edmondson's research underscores its significance as a group-level phenomenon crucial for effective teamwork and organisational success.

Source: Harvard Business Review

How Can Businesses Create a Psychologically Safe Workplace?

To foster a psychologically safe workplace, leaders must actively engage with their teams, demonstrate understanding, and avoid blame to build trust. Self-awareness and demanding the same from team members are crucial, along with promptly addressing negativity. Inclusivity in decision-making and openness to feedback are key, as is championing your team. Psychological safety, essential for innovative thinking and initiative, contrasts sharply with toxic work environments marked by high turnover. Encouraging diverse perspectives and making room for mistakes promotes a culture where employees feel valued and safe to express dissenting opinions and learn from failures, leading to increased motivation, creativity, and retention.

Source: Forbes

Who are the Top Psychological Safety Speakers to Hire in 2024?

• Amy Edmondson
• Gina Battye
• Adrian Webster
• Timothy R. Clark
• Elke Geraerts
• Dan Radecki
• Tony Humphreys
• Mary Aiken
• Geffrye Parsons
• Clodagh Griffin
• Andrew Pain
• Sadie Restorick

Amy Edmondson - 9.9/10

Amy C. Edmondson, the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, has emerged as a leading voice in the domain of psychological safety. Esteemed for her contributions to understanding how human interactions foster thriving enterprises, Amy has secured her position as the no.1 influencer on the Thinkers50 Most Influential Management Thinkers list. Her keynote speeches delve into leadership, management, human behaviour, and the pivotal role of psychological safety in the workplace. Through her extensive research and published works, including best-sellers like The Fearless Organisation, Amy offers invaluable insights into organisational learning, collaboration, and performance in dynamic settings. Her ability to communicate complex ideas engagingly makes her an indispensable speaker for corporate events aiming to enhance their organisational culture and effectiveness.

Official Speaker Feedback:

"Amy is astute, self-aware and focused on core leadership and development within a spectrum of management industries. She is a great mentor and leader" - Sakina, Administrative Management

Gina Battye - 9.8/10

Gina Battye stands at the forefront of workplace psychological safety, renowned for her compelling keynotes that draw from her profound experiences and ground-breaking work as the Founder and CEO of the Psychological Safety Institute. With a history marked by overcoming personal challenges and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in hostile environments, Gina's journey fuels her passion for transforming workplaces into havens of safety and inclusivity. Her pioneering 5 Pillars of Psychological Safety framework and collaboration with prestigious institutions like the University of Cambridge Judge Business School underscore her commitment to fostering environments where authenticity and belonging flourish. A celebrated author and Speaker of the Year awardee, Gina's influence extends globally, making her a beacon of hope and change for millions seeking to cultivate psychologically safe workspaces.

Official Speaker Feedback:

"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

Adrian Webster - 9.8/10

Adrian Webster's journey from a police officer to a renowned motivational speaker and author illustrates his diverse career and entrepreneurial spirit. Transitioning from law enforcement to founding innovative businesses across various sectors, he became a top sales professional in the IT industry. Adrian's real impact lies in his role as a psychological safety keynote speaker, where he combines humour and practical insights to foster environments of trust and innovation. Additionally, as the creator of the Polar Bear Pirates books, he extends his motivational principles to a broader audience, making complex concepts of teamwork and leadership both accessible and engaging, thus solidifying his influence in personal and organisational development.

Official Speaker Feedback:

“Engaging, thought provoking, energising, incredibly insightful, fun – a true rollercoaster of emotions and so much to take away from it! The team were utterly mesmerised throughout the session, and the feedback has been incredible.” - John Lewis

Timothy R. Clark - 9.75/10

Timothy R. Clark is a renowned psychology keynote speaker, celebrated for integrating organisational anthropology into leadership and culture transformation. As the founder and CEO of LeaderFactor, he stands at the forefront of data-driven cultural shifts, earning a global reputation for developing senior executives. Dr. Clark's innovative methods and profound insights into leadership dynamics have made him an indispensable voice in the dialogue on executive leadership and organisational culture. His extensive contributions, including five influential books and over 200 articles, reflect his deep understanding of leadership complexities in the modern era. Dr. Clark's advisory work with over 300 executive teams worldwide showcases his expertise and the universal applicability of his leadership and change management insights.

Elke Geraerts - 9.7/10

Elke Geraerts emerges as an exceptional psychological safety keynote speaker, blending her academic excellence with a fervent desire to understand and uplift human spirits. Her distinguished academic background, including a Ph.D. in psychology and contributions to renowned universities like Harvard and Maastricht, laid the foundation for her acclaimed research work. Transitioning from academia, Elke founded Better Minds at Work, leveraging her insights into mental resilience to foster healthier workplaces. She adeptly translates complex psychological concepts into actionable strategies, empowering individuals and organisations alike. Her influential publications, including the bestseller 'Mentaal Kapitaal', further exemplify her commitment to enhancing mental resilience and advocating for a balanced approach in the digital era. Through her engaging talks, Elke not only educates but also inspires, making her a luminary in the field of psychological safety and well-being.

Official Speaker Feedback:

”Together with my global team, I had the opportunity to experience one of Elke’s sessions on Resilience. This was the best 90 mins I have spent in years! Elke’s approach is fabulous. She captures her listeners with her authenticity and passion for the topic. While clearly grounded in science, the use of metaphors and practical frameworks makes it easy to access. As a global team, we have started out 48-hour sprint to put at least 3 tips into practice. Her talk is a must for all in the challenging tomes we live in.” – Yvonne, Director EMEA Talent & Organisation, Abbott

Dan Radecki - 9.6/10

Dan Radecki is a talented psychological safety keynote speaker, leveraging his extensive expertise in neuroscience and leadership. As the Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at The Academy of Brain-based Leadership and an Executive Director at AbbVie Inc., he brings unparalleled insights into enhancing leadership and team dynamics through brain function understanding. His pioneering contributions, including developing the first Neuroscience of Leadership program, underline his innovative approach to leadership excellence. Dan's commitment extends beyond the corporate realm, aiming to instil self-awareness and emotional regulation skills in youth, showcasing his belief in the transformative power of brain-based leadership at every life stage. His work as a co-author and speaker further solidifies his reputation as a distinguished figure in the field, making him a sought-after voice on psychological safety and leadership.

Tony Humphreys - 9.5/10

Tony Humphreys shines as a talented psychological safety keynote speaker, leveraging his extensive background as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Author, and seasoned National and International Speaker. With a career beginning in Clinical Psychology in both England and Ireland, Tony transitioned into private practice in Ireland in 1990, demonstrating a deep commitment to enhancing psychological wellbeing across various sectors. As an educator and the Director of significant courses at the National University of Ireland, he has profoundly influenced the psychological community. Co-founding The Irish Association of Relationship Mentors and membership in the Psychological Society of Ireland further underscore his dedication to advancing relationship mentoring. His unique therapeutic approach, emphasising the potentiality model of human behaviour, resonates in his keynotes, fostering an environment of safety and trust that encourages self-discovery and the development of conscious, fulfilling relationships.

Mary Aiken - 9.5/10

Dr. Mary Aiken is an acclaimed psychological safety keynote speaker, recognised globally for her pioneering work in Cyberpsychology. As a Professor of Cyberpsychology at Capitol Technology University and an expert affiliated with several prestigious institutions, including INTERPOL and the European Cyber Crime Centre, she possesses a unique blend of academic excellence and practical experience. Mary is celebrated for her contributions to understanding the intersection of technology and human behaviour, making her a sought-after speaker for conferences and media appearances. Her leadership in the field is underlined by numerous accolades, including induction into the Infosecurity Europe Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the top 50 women in GovTech in the Asia Pacific. A published author whose work inspired the CBS series CSI: Cyber, Mary Aiken delivers insightful, impactful presentations on cyber safety, online harm, and the psychological implications of digital technologies.

Geffrye Parsons - 9.4/10

Geffrye Parsons, the founder and CEO of The Inclusion Imperative, is a distinguished psychological safety keynote speaker with a rich background in fostering LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. With over 35 years of experience in financial services, including a notable role as Managing Director at Macquarie Group, Parsons has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion, earning accolades such as the LGBT+ Inspirational Leader Award at the British LGBT Awards. His international work experience across the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Netherlands, combined with his leadership in various diversity initiatives and recognitions in The Guardian's Pride Power List and the Top 100 LGBTQ+ Executives, positions him as a formidable force in advocating for psychological safety and authenticity in the workplace. Geffrye's commitment to challenging organisational norms and practices makes him an invaluable asset to any event focused on creating inclusive and supportive work environments.

Official Speaker Feedback:

"Geffrye is a fantastic speaker - very insightful, knowledgeable, experienced and passionate about all topics he covers, particularly LGBTQ issues, intersectionality, workplace culture, the power of staff networks, and the wider ED&I spectrum! He was a pleasure to work with." - Culture Shift

Clodagh Griffin - 9.3/10

Clodagh Griffin is a psychological safety keynote speaker with a robust background in social media, journalism, and television. With degrees in Psychology and Television Journalism, she brings a unique blend of academic insight and practical media experience to her presentations. Clodagh has demonstrated her expertise in managing social media for brands and herself, amassing a significant audience with her engaging content. Her involvement in a BBC Panorama investigation showcases her commitment to safety and ethics in social media, making her an ideal speaker for fostering psychological safety in digital spaces.

Official Speaker Feedback:

"Working with Clodagh is an absolute delight. Her ingenuity, dedication and adaptability never fail to impress when producing, recording and editing video content. Her creative thinking when it comes to generating story ideas and inventive treatments for videos is superb, and it’s been a true pleasure seeing her go from strength to strength as we have grown our TikTok account from scratch into the varied, entertaining and informative channel we work on today." - Josh, Senior Social Editor, Yahoo UK

Andrew Pain - 9.2/10

Andrew Pain stands out as a talented psychological safety keynote speaker, renowned for his commitment to men’s mental health and wellbeing. His mission is clear: to foster resilient communities where psychological safety prevails, aiming to eliminate suicide and promote unity among diverse groups. Andrew’s approachable and dynamic delivery enables him to address heavy subjects like mental health, domestic abuse, and toxic masculinity with a blend of seriousness and optimism. His speeches are filled with unique insights and actionable strategies, making him a distinct voice in the field. With a rich background that spans across continents and a wealth of experience in HR and organisational development, Andrew not only shares his knowledge but also his personal journey, contributing to his authenticity and relatability. As a TEDx speaker and podcaster, he continues to impact lives, challenging societal norms and advocating for a world where everyone can thrive.

Official Speaker Feedback:

"Andrew Pain delivered a fabulous webinar for the APM today on Mastering Presenting and Speaking Skills. Lots of top tips which I will definitely be taking forward to engage my audiences! Check out his profile and TEDx speech" - Vikki, Legal Project Management Coordinator, Pinsent Masons

Sadie Restorick - 9/10

Sadie Restorick, co-founder of Wellity Global and The Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards, stands as a beacon in the realm of psychological safety and workplace wellbeing. With over thirteen years of specialisation in psychosocial risk management and culture change, she has cemented her reputation as a global speaker, consultant, trainer, author, and academic scholar. Recognised internationally, including being the recipient of the Great British Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2023/2024, Sadie's impactful contributions span the largest global organisations to academic forums like the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology Conference. Her deep expertise in areas such as burnout prevention, healthy leadership, and stress management, combined with her engaging speaking style, makes her a sought-after keynote speaker at major events like the Wellbeing Summit and Corporate Wellbeing Expo.

Official Speaker Topics:

• Training
• Leadership
• Wellbeing at Work

Hire a Psychological Safety Speaker Today!

To hire one of the psychological safety speakers featured in this post, or any of the inspirational workplace culture speakers featured on our website, simply contact us today by filling in our online contact form or by calling one of our dedicated booking agents on 0207 1010 553.

This blog post was written by Sophia Reed, who has accumulated the official data and customer feedback from 582 events and conferences held between 2022 and 2024.