Mohsin Zaidi.
Mohsin Zaidi is an author and social commentator.
Mohsin’s critically acclaimed memoir A Dutiful Boy (2020) won both the American Lambda Literary Award and the British Polari First Book Prize, and was named Book of the Year by The Guardian, GQ, New Statesman, and Attitude. Described by The Guardian as “a profound meditation on the power of the human heart” and by The Times as “a book that will save lives,” it explores identity, family, and the courage to live authentically.
Currently a Director at Hakluyt, the global strategic advisory firm, Mohsin was the first person from his school to attend Oxford University. A trained lawyer, he began his legal career at Linklaters before becoming a criminal barrister, and has worked at both the UN War Crimes Tribunal and the UK Supreme Court. An advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and social mobility, he has served on the boards of Stonewall and London Pride, and is listed by The Financial Times as a top future LGBTQ leader. A regular commentator on Sky News, he writes for The Guardian, The New York Times, GQ, and Newsweek.
keynote speeches.
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Through eye opening stories in a professional and personal context, Mohsin explains how diverse representation in key roles doesn’t just demonstrate a commitment to being an inclusive organisation but adds value to it.
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None of us are just one thing and Mohsin 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.
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Mohsin addresses the stigma around mental health within ethnic minority communities and draws a parallel between it and a cultural stigma around discussing mental wellbeing 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.
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Mohsin speaks passionately about being a minority within a minority, intersectionality and what pride means to him. Subjects include racism and sexism within the queer community, how to combat it and the positive impact that living as one, rather than dividing yourself into parts, can have on your wellbeing. He also articulates the power of allyship and what workplaces can do to build more inclusive environments for their LGBTQ+ employees.
videos.
Showreel
Speaking Highlight
books.
in the news.
frequently asked questions.
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Mohsin work focuses on identity, representation, intersectionality, mental health, and social mobility, drawing on lived experience across law, justice, and cultural identity to explore inclusion and belonging in organisations and society.
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He is typically engaged for keynote-style sessions within conferences, leadership events, and culture-focused programmes.
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Beyond keynote presentations, he can also take part in moderated conversations and panel discussions exploring inclusion, representation, and mental wellbeing.
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His work is particularly relevant to organisations seeking to build diverse and inclusive cultures, support mental wellbeing, improve representation, and create environments where people feel able to bring their whole selves to work.
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He engages with audiences across all sectors and age groups, including leadership teams, professional audiences, and large public-facing conference audiences.
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His approach is thoughtful, honest, and deeply engaging, combining personal storytelling with social insight to challenge assumptions and encourage empathy, reflection, and dialogue.
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He adapts his content to reflect organisational context and audience priorities, shaping his stories and insights to remain relevant without losing authenticity.
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Mohsin’s themes around identity, belonging, and representation resonate across international and cultural contexts, informed by experience working and speaking across the UK, the US, and globally.
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Pricing for Mohsin is influenced by factors such as event location, format, and time commitment. Speaking Office ensures fee consistency across all enquiries, whether via speaker bureaus or direct clients, so that pricing remains aligned and non-competitive across channels. Accurate and up-to-date pricing can be provided once event details are shared, ensuring alignment with both the client’s requirements and Mohsin’s long-term positioning.
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Speaking Office aims to respond promptly to all enquiries regarding Mohsin Zaidi typically within one business day. Response times may vary slightly depending on event complexity and time zone, but all enquiries are handled with care and attention.
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Mohsin is available for virtual and hybrid events, as well as in-person engagements, depending on availability and event requirements. Speaking Office can advise on the most appropriate format based on audience, objectives, and technical considerations.
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Advance booking is recommended for Mohsin, particularly for peak periods and international events. While shorter lead times can be accommodated, early enquiry allows for greater flexibility and planning.
How do I book Mohsin for a speech?
To book Mohsin for a speech, contact her speaking agent: