Mohsin Zaidi: Diversity Speaker

    Mohsin Zaidi

    Quick Facts:

      • Author of award winning book, A Dutiful Boy (Penguin, 2020),
      • Advocate for LGBT rights, BAME representation and social mobility
      • Named a top future LGBT leader by The Financial Times, and featured in The Lawyer Magazine Hot 100
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

    Keynote Topics

    Mohsin addresses the stigma around mental health within ethnic minority communities and draws a parallel between it and a cultural stigma around discussing mental wellbeing at work.

    Through very personal and at times harrowing tales, Mohsin articulates the case for honesty in personal identity within yourself but also at work and amongst colleagues.

    The single most pressing issue of diversity facing society and businesses is the one to which we give the least attention. While measures of equity on race/gender/sexuality move in the right direction, the gap between rich and poor continues to widen.

    Through personal experience of growing up in a council house and going to school ridden with gang violence (a school from which he became the person to go to Oxford University), Mohsin addresses the issue of class bias and discusses what we can do about it.

    None of us are just one thing and Mohsin is the personification of an intersectional life. On race, Mohsin has the facts and figures to back up the experiences of ethnic minorities we so often hear about in the news.

    On class, he speaks candidly about the difference between the world he came from and the world he now lives in. On sexuality, he describes the struggle to accept yourself in the face of cultural stigma. But the strength in his experience lies in the intersectional tale it tells.

    Through eye opening stories in a professional and personal context, Mohsin explains how diverse representation in key roles doesn’t just demonstrate a commitment to being an inclusive organization but adds value to it.

    Q&A with a senior person from the company around critically acclaimed memoir ‘A Dutiful Boy’ drawing on all the strands Mohsin writes and speaks on.

    Mohsin Zaidi is an award-winning author, commentator and qualified lawyer. His memoir, A Dutiful Boy (Penguin, 2020) won the Polari Prize, the Lambda Literary Award and was named Guardian, GQ and New Statesman Book of the Year; providing a personal insight into issues of diversity and inclusion, mental health and justice.

    The Guardian describes it is ‘a profound meditation on the power of the human heart to transcend the contradictions of diverse cultures and create something new…utterly compelling…providing a lesson of acceptance for us all, and for the future of our multicultural society’. The Times says it is a book that will save lives.

    An advocate for LGBT rights, BAME representation and social mobility, Mohsin sits on the board of Stonewall and is listed by The Financial Times as a top future LGBT leader. A regular commentator on Sky News, he also writes for CNN Style, Bustle, Mr Porter and Newsweek and was recently listed in The Lawyer Magazine Hot 100.

    The first person from his school to go to Oxford University, Mohsin Zaidi subsequently qualified as a lawyer at Linklaters and is now a management consultant at advisory firm Hakluyt. He has also previously worked at a UN War Crimes tribunal in The Hague and as Judicial Assistant to Lord Sumption and Lord Wilson at the UK’s Supreme Court.

    View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

    Mohsin Zaidi | Diversity Speaker

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

    Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

    The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

    Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

    Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    View further speakers

    Valorie Burton - Image 15 (February 13, 2026)
    • (2 reviews)
      Positive psychology keynote speaker Valorie Burton, CEO of the CaPP Institute, equips leaders with resilience, mindset, and coaching strategies for sustainable success.
      • Life Strategist
      Kelly McDonald
          Kelly McDonald is a bestselling author and nationally acclaimed keynote speaker on marketing, DE&I, and customer experience
          • Consumer Trends
          Ariana Luterman - Image 01 (June 9, 2026)

              Helping people transform adversity into extraordinary achievement.

              • Inspirational Speaker
              India Arie
                  Four-time Grammy Award-winning artist India Arie inspires audiences with soulful stories of empowerment, healing, and authenticity bridging art, spirit, and purpose.
                  • Award Winning Singer
                  Silvina Moschini
                      Digital transformation leader and entrepreneur Silvina Moschini empowers organizations to innovate, scale and build inclusive workplaces through cloud technology, remote work solutions and women-centered economic advancement.
                      • Digital Entrepreneur
                      Rebecca Walker
                          Author and cultural thought leader Rebecca Walker empowers audiences with transformative insights on identity, diversity, LGBTQ advocacy, and the power of storytelling to drive meaningful social change.
                          • Diversity Speaker
                          Jeff Henderson - Image 13 (May 12, 2026)

                              He inspires audiences to overcome adversity through purpose, resilience, and determination

                              • Celebrity Chef
                              Tye Caldwell
                                  • Business Innovation
                                  Disclaimer
                                  The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

                                  These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

                                  Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

                                  All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

                                  Speakers Inc.

                                  Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

                                  We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

                                  Find the Perfect Speaker

                                  Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

                                  © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

                                  AI Assistant