INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026
2026 Theme Give to Gain
Each year Shola presents a themed speech that aligns with International Women’s Day. This year it is:
1. How to Ask for What You Want: Energise Your Career with Audacious, Empowering Questions
In this dynamic keynote, TEDx speaker and inclusive communication expert Shola Kaye shows your audience how simple, well-crafted questions can unlock opportunity, strengthen relationships and create inclusive, supportive workplaces.
What Your Audience Will Gain
- A confidence boost: practical strategies for making powerful requests and supporting others to reach their goals
- The 7Ws Framework: a simple system for asking clearly, calmly and effectively
- The 5Rs Framework: essential questions to help combat fear of rejection
- Ready-to-use scripts: templates for developmental feedback requests, mentoring outreach, boundary-setting and more
- Inclusion in action: understanding how asking creates visibility, connection and opportunity
- Sustained impact: with self-reflection prompts and a take-away workbook
Perfect For Teams And Organisations That Wish To
- Develop confidence and self-advocacy skills
- Strengthen inclusive behaviours
- Support talent progression, especially for women and under-represented groups
- Create a memorable, high-energy and practical experience
- Equip ERGs and HR teams with valuable tools that last beyond the day
Additional Speeches for IWD
2. Develop a Speak-Up Culture: How to Feel Seen, Safe and Heard
Storytelling and practical tools to foster transparency, collaboration and innovation.
3. Strategic Communication: Frameworks For Powerful Presence & Impact
Frameworks to help women stand out and be noticed.
4. Everyday Strategies For Influence & Persuasion
Equips participants with a variety of valuable principles and strategies to influence the behaviour of others.
Watch Shola
What people say about working with Shola
Unlock Confidence. Unlock Opportunity.
For many talented women, the hardest part of career progression isn’t the work, it’s finding the confidence to ask for what they need.
Whether it’s a pay rise, a stretch project, mentorship or boundaries, asking can feel risky.
Hesitation has a cost: stalled careers, missed opportunities, and invisible talent.
This International Women’s Day, with the theme “Give to Gain,” is the perfect opportunity to equip your people with the tools to ask boldly, advocate confidently, and advance their careers with clarity and courage.
ABOUT SHOLA
Shola Kaye is an international keynote speaker specialising in inclusive leadership, empathetic communication and courageous conversations.
Her Emotional Audacity™ framework has helped global organisations build cultures where people feel confident to speak up and leaders feel confident to listen.
