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LGBT advocate & award-winning author

Mohsin Zaidi

Transform workplace diversity with Mohsin Zaidi, speaker, award-winning author and barrister. Mohsin works with organisations to advance LGBT inclusion and social mobility, delivering powerful insights backed by Lambda Literary Award recognition and Financial Times future leader status.

Trusted by BBC, Mental Health First Aid England, PwC

Mohsin Zaidi, Speaker | Author, Lawyer, Advocate
Mohsin Zaidi

Mohsin Zaidi

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

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£6–10k

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Mohsin Zaidi's biography

At a glance

  • Award-winning author of A Dutiful Boy
  • Advocate for LGBT rights, BAME representation, and social mobility
  • Recognised by The Financial Times as a top future LGBT leader
Mohsin Zaidi is an award-winning author, commentator, and lawyer. His memoir, A Dutiful Boy (Penguin, 2020), received critical acclaim and was named a Book of the Year by the Guardian, GQ, and New Statesman. It also won the Lambda Literary Award. The Guardian praised it as a profound meditation on cultural contradictions and acceptance, while The Times described it as a life-saving book. The first from his school to attend Oxford University, Mohsin qualified as a lawyer at the international firm Linklaters and is now a criminal barrister at a leading chamber in England. He has worked at a UN War Crimes tribunal in The Hague and served as a Judicial Assistant to Lord Sumption and Lord Wilson at the UK Supreme Court. An advocate for LGBT rights, BAME representation, and social mobility, Mohsin sits on the board of Stonewall and is recognised by The Financial Times as a top future LGBT leader. He regularly comments on Sky News and writes for CNN Style, The i Newspaper, Bustle, Mr Porter, and Newsweek. Recently, he was listed in The Lawyer Magazine Hot 100 and named a trailblazer by Attitude magazine.

Mohsin's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Destigmatising Mental Health
In this session, Mohsin Zaidi addresses the stigma around mental health within ethnic minority communities. He draws a parallel between this and a cultural stigma around discussing mental well-being in the workplace. Through very personal and, at times, harrowing tales, Mohsin articulates the case for honesty in personal identity within yourself but also at work and amongst colleagues.
Understanding And Exploring Social Mobility
The single most pressing issue of diversity facing society and businesses is the one to which we give the least attention. While measures of equity on race, gender, and sexuality move in the right direction, the gap between rich and poor continues to widen. Through personal experience of growing up in a council house and going to a school ridden with gang violence (a school from which he became the person to go to Oxford University), Mohsin Zaidi addresses the issue of class bias and discusses what we can do about it.
Intersectionality: A Personal Perspective
None of us are just one thing, and Mohsin Zaidi is the personification of an intersectional life. On race, Mohsin has the facts and figures to back up the experiences of ethnic minorities we so often hear about in the news. On class, he speaks candidly about the difference between the world he came from and the world he now lives in. On sexuality, he describes the struggle to accept yourself in the face of cultural stigma. But the strength in his experience lies in the intersectional tale it tells.
The Power Of Representation
Through eye opening stories in a professional and personal context, Mohsin Zaidi explains how diverse representation in key roles doesn’t just demonstrate a commitment to being an inclusive organisation but adds value to it.
LGBTQ+, Pride and Allyship
Mohsin Zaidi passionately addresses the challenges of being a minority within a minority, exploring intersectionality and the true meaning of pride. He discusses the issues of racism and sexism within the queer community, offering strategies to combat these challenges. Mohsin emphasises the importance of embracing one's whole identity for improved wellbeing and highlights the power of allyship. Attendees will learn how workplaces can foster inclusivity and support their LGBTQ+ employees effectively.

Why we recommend booking Mohsin

Book Mohsin Zaidi as a speaker to inspire your team with his remarkable journey from a challenging background to becoming an award-winning author and top criminal barrister. His insights on diversity, acceptance, and social mobility are not only compelling but also transformative for any audience. Elevate your event with his powerful narrative and expert commentary on critical social issues.

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Trusted by BBC, Mental Health First Aid England, PwC

Testimonials

I have engaged Mohsin as a speaker twice, once at BBC Studios for its Inclusion Summit in 2017 and again at The LEGO Group in time for National Coming Out Day in 2020. Mohsin is an engaging and charismatic speaker on D&I topics including social mobility and mental health, who gives his audience pause for thought and opens up valuable discussions within organisations. Mohsin's professional experience means he is a great collaborator in terms of designing a keynote session or panel discussion, and in both instances I've seen Mohsin tailor his content to specific audiences. The feedback on both his appearances has been excellent

Charlie Henniker

LEGO Group

A Dutiful Boy is utterly brilliant, and a conversation with Mohsin to get an even deeper insight into his experiences is even better than that. At Mental Health First Aid England we had an hour long conversation. Mohsin answered our questions candidly and generously. I know from feedback that we got goose bumps, felt his pain and felt his joy. The sign of a brilliant conversation is wanting more when it finishes. I was left wanting more

Simon Blake

CEO, Mental Health First Aid England

I hosted an event between PwC and NatWest where Mohsin talked about his book and the themes in it with PwC's Head of Client Experience…[it was] one of the largest events we have ever had in the Diversity and Inclusion space both virtually and in person. I have had a huge amount of positive feedback after the event that it was an incredibly important set of topics to cover (including social mobility and mental health) and that it was great that our company had taken the time to discuss them. Mohsin was a pleasure to work with - helped us prepare appropriately and spent a good amount of time with the facilitator to get her up to speed. He was brilliant on the day and helped us navigate through some difficult yet important questions.

Susan Smith

PwC

Featured Projects

Mohsin Zaidi - A Dutiful Boy book cover
Mohsin Zaidi - The Surrogate book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Mohsin Zaidi for my next event?
Email mohsin.zaidi@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Mohsin's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

What is Mohsin Zaidi's speaking style like?
Mohsin Zaidi draws on personal memoir — rooted in his published autobiography, A Dutiful Boy — to structure his sessions, weaving first-hand accounts of class, race, and sexuality into a narrative that moves between lived experience and data-backed analysis.

What topics does Mohsin Zaidi specialise in?
Mohsin Zaidi speaks on mental health stigma in ethnic minority and workplace contexts, social mobility and class bias, and intersectionality across race, sexuality, and identity. His memoir, A Dutiful Boy (Penguin, 2020), won the Lambda Literary Award and was named a Book of the Year by the Guardian, GQ, and the New Statesman.

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To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

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Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

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You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.