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Keynotes
With these keynotes, I dare to go deep — while still holding the room lightly.
If you were standing outside the room during one of my talks, you’d hear both laughter and silence.
That contrast is intentional. It’s how I make a message stick — so people keep thinking about it long after the event is over.
Can’t find the exact keynote you’re looking for?
If the tone or topic speaks to you, let’s connect. Together, we’ll shape a talk that truly fits your audience.
The hidden influence of self-doubt on leadership and what to do about it
Ever caught yourself overexplaining?
Not because someone asked — but to control the narrative?
In that moment, you’re not the leader you could be.
Your mind isn’t free. Your behavior isn’t either.
You people-please. You micromanage.
Let’s look at the root cause of why others’ opinion weigh so heavily on you?
Let’s talk about the hidden cost of self-doubt, self-worth and self-image —
with lightness, honesty and humour.
My goal is to inspire you to stop proving yourself and start trusting yourself.
And then you can lead the way — with impact.
This keynote can be shaped to reflect your organisation’s reality —
or serve as a starting point for a deeper leadership or team journey.
Interested? I’d love to hear what’s on your mind.
Grounded, Solid, Connected, Real Leadership
Did you know that 90% of us don’t feel truly connected to the people around us? Leaders are no exception.
And without that sense of connection, how do you motivate others? How do you challenge them to grow, give feedback they might not want to hear, or have the courage to stand your ground?
Connection isn’t always the answer — but it helps in almost every leadership situation.
In this keynote, I unpack the five fundamental relational skills every leader needs to guide, confront, and support their people — without losing themselves in the process.
Expect behavioral science, practical tools, and stories that’ll make you laugh — and think. You’ll walk away feeling both challenged and inspired, with a clearer view of what kind of leader you are... and what kind of team you want to build.
This keynote can be customised to fit your team’s challenges —
or evolve into a full leadership or development programme.
Curious what that could look like for your organisation? Let’s connect.
What clients say
“As a coordinator in a Network for Palliative Care, I invited Annick to speak at a Flemish Palliative Care Congress in Belgium, where she addressed more than 500 palliative care professionals on how to stay connected in communication when under intense pressure. What stands out is her authenticity and the clarity of the message she conveys. She gently provokes reflection with small nudges, trusting the process that follows. She doesn’t shy away from using humor. Her language is direct and at times confrontational, but always warm and deeply engaged. Annick fills the space with her presence. Her energy is dynamic, swirling, and contagious — and so is the interaction she sparks during her talk. But don’t be mistaken: it’s the vulnerability she sees beneath it all that defines her. Gripping in her message, soulfully present in the way she shows up.”
- Els Noels Staff Member Expertise & Quality Assurance · Palliative Care Limburg Belgium
The Hidden Cost of Toxicity
An employee comes to you. They feel uneasy around someone on the team. You want to take action — it’s your responsibility as a leader. But they ask you not to.
They’re afraid. Of backlash. Of whispers. Of consequences. So you respect their request.
And meanwhile, the toxicity quietly grows. Toxic behavior isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it’s subtle — but paralysing.
It creates fear, absenteeism, underperformance, and disengagement. People leave. Or they stay… but slowly shut down.
Toxic individuals are often kept around because they perform.
They seem indispensable.
But what if they’re the reason others stop thriving?
This keynote is a confronting deep dive into how toxicity works, why it’s so hard to address, and what you can do about it.
Because staying silent might feel respectful —
but it often turns into complicity.
And the cost of doing nothing is higher than you think.
This keynote can be tailored to your team’s reality —
and sometimes, it becomes the starting point for something deeper,
depending on what’s needed.
Let’s talk about what would be most helpful.
Leading by Example: Why Your Team Needs You, Not Perfection
What if your team doesn’t need more tools — but a leader who models growth, and invites others to grow too?
For some, leading others comes naturally. For others, it’s a real challenge to have difficult conversations, or to let people take full responsibility for their results. So they avoid them.
Instead, they try to look accessible. Like they’ve got it all together.
They hide their mistakes.
They focus on being liked — not on leading.
But leadership isn’t about control or perfection. It’s about connection.
Because how else will you help your team grow, if you’re not in real contact with the people you lead?
This keynote is an honest exploration of vulnerability as a leadership strength — a gateway to connection, trust, and psychological safety.
Only when people feel safe, can they truly be coached, challenged, and inspired.
Before you confront others with their mistakes, learn to normalize making them. By showing your own learning process, you give others permission to grow.
Let’s stop pretending. Let’s start leading.
This keynote can be tailored for your organisation — or form the foundation of a deeper team or leadership programme.
Curious? Let’s talk.
