Keynote Speaker · Conferences · Masterclasses
Anna Marsden
A high-energy speaker your audience won’t forget. Whether there are 30 people in a masterclass or 300 in a conference plenary, Anna’s energy is infectious.
Virtual
International
A speaker who brings the room with her
Anna uses storytelling, audience participation, reflection exercises and real-world examples to create talks that feel more like experiences than lectures. She brings a depth of knowledge to the keynote format — so audiences leave not just inspired, but better informed and more equipped to act.
Anna holds an MA in Sociology and Gender Studies from San Diego State University, where she also taught Sociology to undergraduate classes. Her academic background in identity, power, intersectionality and digital communication is the intellectual bedrock of everything she speaks about — but she translates it into language that is immediately accessible, practically useful and genuinely engaging.
Anna is as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ communities, a Barefoot® Coach, an Emergenetics® Practitioner and a trained specialist in Resilience, Behavioural Insights and Digital Wellbeing.
High energy — without the fluff
Anna brings genuine passion to every stage. Her energy is not performed — it’s the natural product of 20+ years of doing work she believes in.
Evidence-rooted content
Social neuroscience, behavioural psychology, identity research — all translated into clear, usable insight. No motivational platitudes. Real substance.
Authentic lived experience
As a member of the LGBTQ+ communities, Anna brings personal authority to identity, inclusion and leadership topics that few other speakers can match.
Participatory, not passive
Anna’s audiences don’t sit and listen. They reflect, discuss, challenge and commit to action. A talk becomes a turning point.
Bespoke to your event
Every speaking engagement is tailored to the theme, audience and objectives of the event. Nothing is recycled wholesale from a previous conference.
Signature speaking topics
All topics are available in short-form (30–45 minutes) or extended format (60–90 minutes) and can be adapted for in-person or virtual delivery. Each signature speaking topic is tailored to your specific audience.
Unlocking the Power of Difference in Leadership: Zig When Others Zag
“The world doesn’t need another version of what already exists. It needs your difference.”
Inspired by the iconic Levi’s 1980s adage, this keynote explores how embracing difference isn’t just a personal strength — it’s a strategic leadership advantage.
Anna introduces the ZAG Leadership Model: Zero in on your difference, what sets you apart. Align difference with impact. Use your perspective to lift others, break silos and drive belonging to Grow others through your difference.
Audiences leave with a concrete personal ZAG commitment to leading differently.
Delivered at: Pride in Leadership National Conference, Manchester (2025)
Best for: Leadership conferences, DEI events, ERG gatherings, professional development days, LGBTQ+ professional audiences and allies.
Navigating Change: Overcoming Barriers and Embracing New Beginnings
“Resistance to change isn’t weakness — it’s human.”
This energising talk gives practical strategies to move from resistance to resilience.
It drawns on the psychology of change resistance, resilience science and the RQi® (Resilience Quotient) framework to help audiences understand why change feels so hard.
Anna explores Maurer’s three levels of change resistance, emotional and approach-based coping strategies, and what genuine psychological resilience involves.
Delivered for: Farrer & Co, a tier 1 UK law firm
Best for: Organisations navigating restructure, hybrid transition, culture change.
Cultural Humility in the Workplace: From Awareness to Action
“If we don’t intentionally include, we unintentionally exclude.”
Described by attendees as “the most engaging and relevant DEI session I’ve ever attended,” Anna goes beyond awareness training to explore what cultural humility looks like in practice — through intersectionality, unconscious bias, power and privilege.
This talk takes a compassionate approach to individual assumptions, uses powerful case studies and concludes with a clear individual action commitment from attendees.
Delivered at: Anglia Ruskin University (2022) and multiple corporate/public sector events.
Best for: DEI conferences, all-staff days, leadership events, academic institutions.
Identity in a (Dis)connected World: Digital Wellbeing for the Modern Professional
“We are living more of our lives online than ever before. What is that doing to us?”
Anna has been studying the relationship between digital technology and human identity since her 2005 MA thesis on LGB Identity in Cyberspace. This talk brings two decades of thinking to bear on the questions every modern professional is quietly grappling with — attention, presence, authenticity and the blurring of work and life online.
Best for: Technology, media, financial services and any professional audience navigating an always-on culture.
Breaking Barriers: How to Strive for Greatness and Avoid Mediocrity
“Mediocrity is contagious. So is greatness. Which one are you spreading?”
Anna draws on the Broken Window Theory, the neuroscience of habit, and behavioural insights to challenge audiences to examine the small daily decisions that compound into impactful and fulfilling careers.
Best for: Leadership days, management conferences, graduate and early-career programmes, professional development events.
Explore a Bespoke Keynote for Your Next Event
“Tell me your theme, your audience and your objective. I’ll build something around them.”
Previous bespoke commissions include:
- London Business School
- ZSL London Zoo
- The Moller Institute
- EurOut Conference
- San Diego State University
- LGBTQ+ History Month events at the University of Cambridge and Pembroke College
Contact Anna today for a no obligation discussion about your event’s needs.
In the room, on screen, or hybrid – Same energy, same rigour
Anna delivers for in-person conferences and fully virtual events with equal effectiveness. Her virtual sessions use the same participatory structure, breakouts, reflection exercises and energy as her in-person talks.
In-person keynote
Virtual keynote & masterclass
Fully interactive delivery via Zoom, Teams or any conference platform. Live polls, breakout rooms, chat, reflection exercises.
Conference masterclass
Panel facilitation & moderation
Simple to book. Everything tailored before you confirm.
Speak to Anna Marsden directly to book. This ensures she customises her public speaking for your needs and corporate themes, gaining understanding of who will be in the room.
Tell Anna about your event
Date, venue, format, audience size, theme and what you’d like the audience to take away. The more context you give, the better the response.
Scoping conversation
A call to explore the best talk for your event — whether one of Anna’s signature topics or a bespoke brief. Audience, tone and outcomes all discussed.
Proposal & agreement
A written summary of the session, logistics, fee and any technical or AV requirements. Clear, straightforward, no surprises.
Bespoke preparation
Anna tailors content to your event, audience and theme. She’ll confirm slide deck approach, any pre-event materials and on-the-day logistics.
Temperance Russel, Student
San Diego State University
“I’m smiling from ear-to-ear, a belly-full of laughs and so much knowledge. Thank you, Anna. Captivating!”
Conference Attendee
Pride in Leadership Conference
“Very energizing and impressive dealing with a very large audience.”
Attendee: EurOut Conference
London Business School
“Inspiring and empowering.
I loved Anna Marsden’s enthusiasm and energy over Zoom.”
✓ Public, private and third sector ✓ UK and international delivery ✓ Fully bespoke to your organisation
Frequently asked questions: Anna Marsden Keynote Speaking
Does Anna travel internationally?
Yes. Anna is available for national and international in-person speaking engagements. She has speaking experience in the UK and US and regularly delivers for virtual global audiences. Travel, accommodation and visa requirements are discussed as part of the booking conversation.
How far in advance should we book?
For major conferences and international engagements, 3–6 months is ideal. For virtual sessions and smaller events, 4–6 weeks is often sufficient. Contact Anna as early as possible to check availability.
Can the session be bespoke to our event theme?
Yes — and this is Anna’s preference. She has five signature talk frameworks but tailors content, examples, exercises and emphasis specifically to your event’s theme, sector and audience.
What AV and technical requirements does Anna need?
In-person: microphone (lapel or handheld), large screen, slide clicker, confidence monitor. Virtual: stable internet, ability to share slides and use breakout rooms. Anna sends a full technical checklist on confirmation.
Is Anna available for hybrid events?
Yes. Anna has experience delivering to hybrid audiences. Hybrid events require additional technical planning discussed during the booking process.
Does Anna provide a speaker bio and headshot?
Yes. Short (100 words) and long (250 words) bios, high-resolution headshot and social handles provided on confirmation. Happy to review event marketing materials.