Speaking | Annika Degen – Sustainability, DE&I & Gender-Climate

Speaking Philosophy

Making Complex Ideas Accessible

The most important sustainability and transformation questions are rarely simple. They involve people, systems, cultures, organizations, and the planet.

As a speaker, Annika connects these different perspectives and turns complex topics into accessible, thought-provoking stories that encourage audiences to question assumptions and discover new possibilities.

Her speaking approach combines professional expertise, systemic thinking, empathy, practical examples, and a strong focus on meaningful impact.

“Transformation begins when we are willing to see the connections between people, systems and the planet.”

Speaking Formats

From Keynotes To Conversations

Different audiences need different formats. Speaking engagements can be adapted to the event, audience, available time, and desired level of interaction.

Keynote Speeches

High-energy, thought-provoking presentations designed to open perspectives and create momentum around important sustainability and transformation questions.

Conference keynotes
Corporate events
Sustainability events
Leadership gatherings
Opening or closing sessions

Panel Discussions

A strong contributor to panel conversations where different perspectives need to come together around sustainability, inclusion, climate and transformation.

Expert panels
Industry discussions
Leadership forums
Climate conversations
DE&I discussions

Interactive Talks

Sessions designed to involve participants through reflection, questions, discussion and practical perspectives.

Interactive presentations
Audience reflection
Live discussion
Question & answer
Practical takeaways

Conference audience listening to a speaker

Speaking Topics

Questions Worth Putting On Stage

Annika's speaking topics focus on the connections between people, organizations, society and the environment.

The exact focus can be adapted to the event and audience, while maintaining a strong emphasis on practical relevance and meaningful transformation.

Sustainability

How organizations can think about sustainability as a strategic and systemic challenge.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Why inclusion, participation and different perspectives matter for sustainable transformation.

Gender & Climate

Exploring the connection between gender inequality, climate change and climate justice.

Systemic Thinking

Understanding relationships, structures and feedback loops behind complex challenges.

New Work & Transformation

Exploring changing work environments, organizational culture and future-oriented collaboration.

Impact & Change

Turning knowledge and awareness into meaningful action and organizational change.

Keynote Experience

A Talk Should Stay With You After The Applause

A memorable keynote does more than transfer information. It creates a moment of reflection and gives people a different way of looking at a familiar challenge.

Annika's talks are designed to create that moment: challenging assumptions, connecting seemingly separate topics, and leaving audiences with questions they can continue exploring.

Clear explanations of complex subjects

Strong connections between social and environmental issues

Real-world relevance for organizations and leaders

Thought-provoking questions and fresh perspectives

Practical inspiration for meaningful next steps

Who Is It For?

Conversations For Organizations Ready To Think Differently

Speaking sessions can be tailored to different audiences and organizational contexts.

Corporate Events

Bring sustainability, inclusion and transformation into leadership meetings, company events, learning programs and internal conferences.

Leadership teams
Employee events
Corporate conferences
Learning & development programs

Sustainability Conferences

Create deeper conversations around sustainability, climate justice, systems and the social dimensions of environmental transformation.

Climate conferences
Sustainability forums
Impact events
Future-oriented conferences

Universities & Education

Make complex sustainability and social transformation questions accessible to students, researchers and academic communities.

Guest lectures
University events
Student programs
Educational panels

Networks & Communities

Support networks, professional communities and initiatives that want to explore sustainability, inclusion and systemic change.

Community events
Professional networks
NGO events
Expert conversations

The Audience Experience

More Than Information

A strong speaking engagement should leave audiences with something they can carry into their own work.

A New Perspective

Audiences are invited to look at familiar sustainability and organizational challenges from another angle.

Connected Thinking

Participants discover relationships between social, environmental and organizational challenges.

Practical Inspiration

The goal is to move beyond awareness and encourage reflection about meaningful next steps.

Collaborative discussion after a presentation

Listen. Connect. Inspire. A speaking approach grounded in people and systems.

Speaking Approach

Relevant To The Room

Every audience brings different experiences, questions, expectations and levels of knowledge.

A successful speaking engagement therefore starts with understanding the context of the event and the people in the room.

Topics, examples and emphasis can be adapted to create a presentation that feels relevant rather than generic.

Whether the audience consists of executives, sustainability professionals, students, employees, entrepreneurs or community members, the goal remains the same: to create meaningful connections and inspire thoughtful action.

Discuss Your Event

Booking Process

From Invitation To Stage

A simple process helps ensure that the speaking engagement fits the event, audience and objectives.

Connect

Share the event details, audience, date, location and the topic you would like to explore.

Align

Clarify objectives, format, key questions, duration and the desired audience experience.

Prepare

Develop and adapt the speaking content to the context, audience and event.

Inspire

Deliver a thought-provoking session designed to create connection, reflection and momentum.

Have An Event In Mind?

Whether you are planning a keynote, conference panel, corporate event, university lecture or an interactive session, let's explore how the conversation can be tailored to your audience.

Invite Annika To Speak