For all-staff and people leaders
Safety in Numbers
Safe space is not a slogan. It is a set of choices, made deliberately, that hold up under pressure.
It is still illegal to be 2SLGBTQI+ in sixty-four countries. In twelve of them, the punishment is death. Closer to home, the threats are quieter but they are real. This keynote takes the phrase seriously and builds a working picture of what a genuine safe space actually requires.
If you’d like to build on this topic beyond the keynote, you can learn more about how I work with organizations on consulting engagements.
Trailer
See it in ninety seconds
Overview
What safe space actually means, and what it takes to build one that holds
Safe space is one of the most overused phrases in workplace culture and one of the least clearly defined. Organizations declare it. Most cannot explain what it actually requires from them.
This keynote starts with a working definition, then builds out the key components of a workplace that genuinely earns the phrase. It is grounded, evidence-based, and clear-eyed about the real stakes for 2SLGBTQI+ people, in the countries where the law protects them and in the sixty-four countries where it does not.
Audiences leave with a concrete picture of what safe space actually requires, and a clear sense of the places where well-meaning organizations quietly undo the work they thought they were doing.
What clients say
From the organizations that booked this talk
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We have recently partnered with Michael Bach to deliver a series of virtual workshops to our leaders and staff to support and strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion awareness and competencies critical for our organization and our communities. Michael brought credibility and transparency, along with energy and passion (and humour!) that enabled strong engagement from participants.
Joseph Silva Director, Strategies & Partnerships, Community and Health Services Department The Regional Municipality of York
Verified attendee feedback
What the rooms said
Combined, response-weighted scores from every delivery of this keynote, collected independently through Talkadot.
- 98%Engaging
- 97%Actionable
- 95%Inspiring
- 98%Informative
- Literally the best presentation I have ever been a part of pertaining to safe space and inclusivity. Incredible. And loved your humour! "Still being gay in July" is the best. Attendee
- Outlined the basics did those who need a refresher and those learning for the first time + shares easy ways to be a better Ally. Really appreciate the personal examples and humour too. Attendee
- I would say that Michael was so engaging and showed so much empathy for his audience - we are all leaning, and Michael understands that everyone is coming to this from a different level of understanding. Thank you for your teaching! Attendee
Ten-minute speaking sample
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Frequently asked
Quick answers before you reach out
How long is this keynote?
Sixty minutes is the standard, and it is adjustable in either direction. Tell me the slot and I will make it work.
Can it be delivered virtually?
Yes. The structure and the audience interaction are the same in both formats. Virtual delivery works on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, or whatever platform your team is already using.
Who is this talk for?
Built for all-staff sessions, ERGs, learning weeks, and leadership cohorts. It also lands well with broader leadership audiences and anyone building a more intentionally inclusive workplace.
Can the content be customized for our audience?
Yes. Every booking starts with a prep call to tailor the examples, language, and case studies to your sector, your audience, and the moment your organization is in. Customization is part of the speaking fee, not an add-on.
How do we book Michael for this talk?
Send a note through the contact page with your event date, audience, format, and budget range. You will hear back within two business days with availability, a fee, and a short note on fit.
Bring me to your stage
Tell me about the event, the audience, and what you want people to leave thinking about. I will come back with a short note on fit, format, and what a strong version of this looks like for your room.