For all-staff and people leaders
Safety in Numbers
What a safe space actually is, and what it takes to build one.
It is still illegal to be 2SLGBTQI+ in sixty-five countries. In twelve of them, the punishment is death. A safe space is not a slogan. It is an architecture, built deliberately, and capable of holding up under pressure.
Trailer
A 90-second look at the talk
A short trailer to give you a feel for the tone, the audience, and what you can expect on the day.
Overview
A safe space is an architecture, not a slogan
Safe space is one of the most overused phrases in workplace culture, and one of the least well defined. People say it. Few can describe what it actually requires.
This keynote starts with a working definition, then walks through the key components of a workplace that earns the phrase. It is grounded, evidence-based, and unsentimental about the real stakes for 2SLGBTQI+ people, in countries where the law is on their side and in the sixty-five countries where it is not.
Audiences leave with a clear picture of what they are actually building when they commit to safe space, and the pitfalls that quietly undo the work.
Verified attendee feedback
What the rooms said
Combined, response-weighted scores from every delivery of this keynote, collected independently through Talkadot.
- 98%Engaging
- 97%Actionable
- 95%Inspiring
- 98%Informative
- Literally the best presentation I have ever been a part of pertaining to safe space and inclusivity. Incredible. And loved your humour! "Still being gay in July" is the best. Attendee
- Outlined the basics did those who need a refresher and those learning for the first time + shares easy ways to be a better Ally. Really appreciate the personal examples and humour too. Attendee
- I would say that Michael was so engaging and showed so much empathy for his audience - we are all leaning, and Michael understands that everyone is coming to this from a different level of understanding. Thank you for your teaching! Attendee
Ten-minute speaking sample
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Frequently asked
Quick answers before you reach out
How long is this keynote?
This keynote runs 60 minutes, adaptable shorter or longer.
Can it be delivered virtually?
Yes. This keynote is delivered in person or virtually, with the same structure and audience interaction in both formats. Virtual delivery uses Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, or your platform of choice.
Who is this talk for?
Best for All-staff sessions, ERGs, learning weeks, leadership cohorts. The content also lands well with broader leadership audiences, ERG members, and anyone tasked with making DEIA real inside their organization.
Can the content be customized for our audience?
Yes. Every booking includes a prep call to tailor examples, language, and case studies to your sector, audience seniority, and the moment your organization is in. Customization is included in the speaking fee, not billed separately.
How do we book Michael for this talk?
Send an inquiry through the contact page with your event date, audience, format, and budget range. You will hear back within two business days with availability, a fee quote, and a short proposal for the talk.
Bringing Michael to your stage
Tell us about the event, the audience, and what you want them to leave thinking about. We will come back with a short note on fit, format, and what a strong version of this looks like for your group.