Speaking Kit
Whether you’re hosting a leadership summit, running an internal event, or curating a conference on complexity, change, coaching or culture, I’m here to bring insight, depth, and practical wisdom to the room.
Below, you’ll find my current speaking kit, which includes topics, formats, and biographical details to help you assess my suitability. My approach combines evidence-based ideas with real-world relevance, and I aim to leave audiences not only informed but also equipped to think differently, act with greater clarity, and make meaningful progress in their own context.
If you’re planning an event and these themes resonate with you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Speaker Reel
The video below gives you a feel for how I work with audiences—bringing clarity, curiosity, and a little irreverence to complex topics. I speak to leaders, teams, and organisations who are ready to think differently, challenge assumptions, and make meaningful progress.
If you’re looking for a speaker who blends research with real-world insight—and knows how to create space for both reflection and action—this will give you a good sense of what I bring.
Keynotes
ETHICALLY
DEVIANT
In this provocative keynote, Desley challenges the status quo of leadership. Drawing on her research in contextualist coaching and real-world experience with leaders navigating volatility and change, she explores what it means to be ethically deviant—to lead with integrity by questioning norms, amplifying wisdom, and making progress when the rules no longer serve.
Expect fresh perspectives, candid stories, and practical insights to help you lead courageously and collectively in times that demand more than just coping.
SHIFTING KNOWLEDGE TO WISDOM
In an age overflowing with information, what we truly need is insight. This keynote invites leaders and educators to move beyond content delivery and knowledge accumulation to cultivate the deeper sense-making needed for wise action.
Desley explores how to foster vertical development, shift mindsets, and create the conditions for meaningful progress amidst complexity.
Expect practical strategies, compelling stories, and a fresh perspective on learning and leadership.
NETWORKING FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
Realise the underestimated importance of a strong and diverse network for leaders and discover how to expand your connections through meaningful, strategic partnerships that transcend conventional networking methods.
This session challenges prevailing assumptions, urging a revolutionary view of networking as a fundamental element of successful leadership.
Gain insights into crafting networks that connect, empower, and drive leadership performance to new heights.
AMPLIFY
WOMEN
This keynote is a call to power—not the old kind, but a wiser, more inclusive kind.
AMPLIFY Women celebrates the insight, courage, and collective wisdom women bring to leadership.
Desley explores how to move beyond surviving systems not built for us and instead reimagine what’s possible when women lead with voice, vision, and values.
It’s time to amplify what matters.
Conference Speaking
Accelerating Individual and Collective Wisdom
Desley is a captivating and enthusiastic professional speaker.
With an international career spanning both business and psychology, Desley has accumulated invaluable experience. Her expertise is further deepened by her doctorate in organizational psychology. Recognized as a world-renowned expert, Desley excels in various aspects of leadership, complexity navigation, and cohort coaching.
