KeyNote Women Speakers began with a simple idea: visibility matters.
In 2017, what started as an Excel sheet of women keynote speakers for a Singapore professional women’s network quickly became a global directory and speaker community. When we realised there was no speaker bureau showcasing female speakers in Asia, we decided to make one public – and KeyNote was born.
Another turning point came at a major conference: 28 speakers, only 2 women. One was moderating alongside a man; the other was placed on a small stage at the end of the agenda, long after the headline acts. Meanwhile, half the audience were women. The imbalance was undeniable – and unacceptable to Mette Johansson, who launched KeyNote Women as a result.
From these moments grew our conviction: women’s voices need to be heard, not hidden.
We are a global speaker community and non-profit organisation led by professionals and volunteers who believe in the power of diverse voices.
Our volunteer team, trainers, and members all give their time and expertise because they know this mission matters.
The future of speaking is authentic, relatable, and purpose-driven.
Women often bring exactly that: a willingness to share vulnerability, to connect through lived experiences, and to speak with a genuine desire to make a difference. This resonates with audiences everywhere – across gender, industry, and culture.
That is why KeyNote exists: to amplify women’s voices and to change what stages look and sound like.
In 2017, KeyNote began as an Excel sheet.
It was a simple list of women keynote speakers created for a professional women’s network in Singapore. But it quickly revealed a bigger gap.
Asia didn’t have a public speaker bureau dedicated to showcasing women experts. No easy way for organisations to find, book, and trust female voices.
So we built one.
28 speakers. Only 2 women.
One was moderating alongside a man. The other spoke on a small stage, at the very end of the agenda.
Half the audience were women.
The imbalance was impossible to ignore – and unacceptable.
Women’s voices need to be heard, not hidden.
