Leadership Keynote Speaker on Workplace Silence
A Speaker Who Names What Others Leave Unsaid
Elaine Lin Hering is a keynote speaker who helps leaders and organizations understand why people stay silent—and how that silence shapes communication, collaboration, and decision-making.
Her talks offer insight and tools audiences continue to use long after the event ends.
Featured Speaking Video
Watch Elaine’s TEDx Talk
Trusted by Leaders Around the World
Elaine Lin Hering is a former Lecturer at Harvard Law School, a USA Today bestselling author, and a Thinkers50 top 30 Global Management Thinker.
She has worked with leaders across six continents and delivered keynote talks and executive education for organizations including American Express, Google, Nike, Pixar, PayPal, Novartis, Chevron, and the Red Cross. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, McKinsey, NPR, Bloomberg, Fast Company, Rotman, and more.
Signature Keynotes
Elaine’s keynotes explore the hidden dynamics that shape whether people speak up or stay silent at work — and what leaders can do differently.
Her most requested sessions include:
How to Find and Use Your Voice
Unleash Talent: Turn Apathy into Action
Additional Sessions
• Navigating productive conflict
• Making feedback work
• Three conversations leaders can’t avoid
• Designing cultures where people work with, not around, each other
Speaking Formats
Flexible Formats for Meaningful Conversations
Speaking Formats Include:
Keynotes, fireside chats, facilitated conversations, and Q&A sessions.
Available in person, virtual, and hybrid formats.
From conference mainstages to leadership gatherings, each session is designed to create insight, connection, and practical takeaways audiences can use right away.
Designed for Rooms Where Decisions Are Being Made
Elaine’s speaking resonates with audiences who know that how people work together impacts results.
She is frequently invited to speak to:
- Senior leadership teams
- Managers and people leaders
- Learning and development audiences
- Culture, DEI, and organizational effectiveness groups
- Conference and summit audiences
Her work is especially relevant in moments of growth, change, or increased complexity.
Client Testimonials
What Audiences Say
unleash people's best insights, ideas, and expertise
The Impact of Elaine’s Keynotes
After hearing Elaine speak, audiences often report:
- Greater awareness of how silence operates in their organization
- More thoughtful participation in meetings and discussions
- Leaders listening differently—and responding differently
- Improved collaboration across roles and teams
Solving for silence removes unintended barriers to working together.
Speaker Inquiry Form
Bring Elaine to Your Event
If you’re planning an event and want a keynote that helps people think—and work—differently, you’re invited to reach out.
Use the form to share details about your event, audience, and goals.
Explore Related Resources
To learn more about Elaine’s work before reaching out, explore:
- Articles and essays on silence and speaking up
- Webinars and recorded talks
- Interviews and media features
These resources offer additional context and guidance for effective communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Elaine's Speaking
Elaine Lin Hering speaks about unlearning silence, communication, psychological safety, leadership, and speaking up at work.
Her keynotes focus on helping people understand why silence exists and how it shapes collaboration and decision-making.
Elaine Lin Hering is not a motivational speaker.
Her talks are insight-driven and practical, focused on understanding behavior and equipping people with tools rather than inspiring people to “just speak up.”
Elaine speaks to leaders, managers, teams, and organizations across industries.
Her audiences often include senior leadership teams, conference attendees, learning and development groups, and culture-focused audiences.
Yes. Elaine customizes each keynote based on the audience, context, and goals of the event.
This ensures the work is relevant and grounded in real-world dynamics.
Yes. Elaine regularly speaks at conferences, leadership kickoffs, offsites, and company-wide events.
Her keynotes are designed to work for both large audiences and more intimate leadership settings.
Yes. Elaine speaks in person, virtually, and in hybrid formats.
She has worked with organizations across multiple continents.
To book Elaine Lin Hering, use the speaker inquiry form on this page.
Sharing a few details about your event helps determine fit, timing, and format.