Keynotes
I love giving keynotes because there’s something powerful about speaking live to a group of people who are, in that moment, fully present—open to thinking differently, imagining what they might do next.
These are moments of connection, clarity, and possibility. Standing in front of an audience, my goal is to spark something. A shift in mindset. A deeper question. A burst of courage.
I am passionate about the impact leaders have. Not just on the organization they lead but on their environment and even families. My keynotes explore how we can build organizations and teams where people feel safe, challenged, and empowered. I talk about the future of work, leadership in times of AI, and how to create cultures that combine high performance and innovation with human dignity and psychological safety.
As a female leader, I have led teams for over 30 years, in small and large organisations. I have learned what works and what doesn’t. I also have been led myself by good leaders and less good leaders. My examples do not come from text books but are real life examples.
Whether I’m speaking to entrepreneurs, executives, young leaders, or cross-functional teams, my goal is always the same: to leave people feeling braver, wiser, and more ready to lead with intention.
Leadership in times of AI
As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms how we live and work, leaders face a pivotal question: how do we navigate this shift without losing the human core of our organisations?
In this compelling and insightful keynote, Ann Caluwaerts explores what it takes to lead in an era where machines can learn, reason, and create. This is not a technical deep-dive—it’s a strategic leadership conversation, focused on empowering people, unlocking value, and steering change responsibly.
Grounded in practical experience and delivered with energy and interaction, the session invites leaders to think about four key themes:
- Lock in a clear business strategy – Lead AI, don't let AI lead you.
- Rethink jobs, talent and how you operate – Redesign your workforce for the age of intelligence
- Dial into culture, leadership & change – Cultivate trust, adaptability and purpose.
- Ensure your AI is responsible & ethical – Make sure you can be proud of what you build.
This keynote invites leaders to see AI as a chance to reimagine how we lead, what we value, and how we shape a future where technology serves humanity.
Available as of Summer 2025.
Leading with Heart and Backbone – the art of Fearless Leadership with Empathy (upcoming early 2026)
In my keynote Leading with Heart and Backbone, I explore the art of leading with both empathy and edge—showing leaders how to build psychologically safe cultures without lowering standards, how to embrace failure without tolerating incompetence, and how to lead with care while holding people accountable.
In an age marked by burnout and disengagement, I challenge leaders to step into fearless leadership—one that pairs kindness with clarity, courage with compassion, and authority with authenticity.
Drawing from decades of experience, I share lessons that help leaders build innovative and resilient cultures—where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and grow. This keynote is a call to balance power and care, to create trust without losing grip, and to lead with context, not control.
True leadership isn’t about being liked—it’s about being trusted. And trust is built when leaders dare to be kind, brave, and honest, even when it’s hard.
Available as of early 2026