Rikki Arundel MSc, PSAE, FPSA, ALAM(Hons) – (They/Them)

Founder of the UK & Ireland Professional Speaking Association

  • 2X TEDx Speaker
  • Recipient of The Speaker Awards Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024
  • PSAE Speaker Hall of Fame Award
  • Media Appearances include ITV Tonight and BBC Sunday Politics Show
  • One of 50 LGBT Icons for the 2017 UK/Euro Pride
  • LGBT History Speaker for 20 years
  • PSA Comedy Night Winner
  • MSc in Gender Research

When Rikki Arundel MSc, PSAE, FPSA, ALAM(Hons) – (They/Them) is booked for webinars and virtual events, they are known to discuss the following speaking topics:

Making your workplace LGBTQ Inclusive
Transgender and Non-Binary Awareness
Why LGBTQ History is so important
How to engage your audience
Understand Social Identity and Tackling Unconscious Bias
Rethinking Sex and Gender
How to become an Outstanding Speaker
The Power of Personal Storytelling
Mastering the Skill of Storytelling

Rikki Arundel stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community, celebrated for their impactful advocacy and captivating keynote speeches. Their journey to prominence was marked by the prestigious honour of receiving the first-ever The Speaker Awards Lifetime Achievements Award in 2024, a testament to their profound influence on LGBTQ+ inclusivity, with a special focus on transgender and non-binary issues. Rikki’s dedication to fostering positive change is evident in their passionate encouragement for audiences to embrace their identities and advocate for their beliefs. This commitment has solidified its reputation as the go-to transformative LGBTQ+ speaker for events aiming to enlighten and inspire participants towards greater understanding and inclusivity.

Beginning their entrepreneurial career in 1998, Rikki Arundel founded the Professional Speaking Association, laying the groundwork for a career steeped in advocacy and education on LGBTQ+ matters. Their leadership role in Gendershift in 2007 further exemplified their mission to champion a society that respects and accepts every individual’s gender identity and sexual orientation. Rikki’s diverse career, marked by a dedication to education and inspiration across a wide spectrum of LGBTQ+ issues, showcases their unparalleled commitment to driving positive behavioural change and fostering an environment of acceptance and respect.

Throughout their illustrious career, Rikki has been adorned with numerous accolades, including the PSAE Speaker Hall of Fame award and being celebrated as one of the 50 LGBT Icons for the 2017 UK/Euro Pride. The pinnacle of these honours came in 2024 when Rikki received The Speaker Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising their unique perspective and extensive experience that has touched audiences worldwide. These recognitions not only highlight Rikki’s contributions to the LGBTQ+ community but also underscore their role as pivotal figures for audiences seeking guidance and inspiration within the industry.

As a leading authority on LGBTQ+ inclusivity and advocacy, Rikki Arundel’s expertise is now in high demand at speaking engagements around the globe. Their seminal TEDx Talk, ‘Why is Gender Identity so Important?’, showcases their ability to address complex issues with clarity and compassion, making them an indispensable resource for organisations looking to promote diversity and inclusion. Rikki’s presence at an event guarantees insightful, engaging discussions that encourage audiences to champion LGBTQ+ inclusivity. For anyone seeking to catalyse meaningful change and bring LGBTQ+ issues to the forefront of societal discussion, Rikki Arundel is an essential addition to your next event.

Official Testimonials

Rikki Arundel MSc, PSAE, FPSA, ALAM(Hons) – (They/Them) is regularly booked to engage audiences at virtual events, read their latest feedback below:

“I invited Rikki to give a talk to my company for International Transgender Day of Visibility. Rikki was a delight to work with from the start – they arranged an initial call to discuss our needs as a company and what Rikki could offer in turn. The talk itself was highly engaging, honest and inspiring! We would recommend Rikki as a speaker to anyone who is interested in developing their knowledge or looking to create a more inclusive workplace.”

Elle, PR Manager, TopCashBack

“Rikki delivered a session as part of our Senior Leaders CPD Days. They were fantastic and provided a detailed and comprehensive presentation around ‘Rethinking sex and Gender’ which got everyone thinking and has since created a solid basis for discussion within individual teams. Rikki is a very talented presenter and storyteller, who is able to share their personal experience and knowledge of the subject with passion and professionalism. It was a pleasure to speak with Rikki from the start- they were professional, friendly and we had some thought provoking discussions along the way! Highly recommend Rikki-fabulous keynote speaker. “

Cecili, Leadership and Talent Development Manager, Sussex and Surrey Police

“Rikki hosted a virtual event for us during Pride Month 2022, and the impact it had was far and wide. The event was part of our commitment to driving a culture of inclusivity within our large workforce, which Rikki supported by talking around the importance of breaking down barriers and empowering our colleagues to be their authentic selves in work.”

“I wouldn’t think twice when recommending Rikki. By sharing their personal experiences, Rikki made their talk a safe space for audiences to relate and understand the challenges faced by transgender and non-binary people.”

Charlotte, Marketing and PR Manager, Atalian Servest UK & Ireland

“Rikki delivered two sessions of her Rethinking Sex and Gender Workshop at the UK Atomic Energy Authority to members of our HR Team and Inclusion Ambassadors. Rikki was brilliant ! Not only informative in terms of legislation, sharing of interesting historical facts and person experience and perspective. Her impact provoked a real buzz and is still talked about weeks later.”

“Looking forward to Rikki sharing with us again in the future.”

Marce, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner, UK Atomic Energy Authority

“Rikki is a truly inspiring presenter – she came to a TedX event at Fidelity last month, and challenged us all to think about Transgender and our attitudes to transgender people. For me personally, Rikki helped me understand – in a way I never have before – what transgender is all about; and why it is such a challenging issue for so many. And she manages to do so without the discussion being polarized.
I would come and listen to Rikki again any time – and would recommend that every organization take the time to listen to what she has to say”

Simon, Independent Non-Executive Director, Fidelity International

“The impact of Rikki’s presentation last week has stayed with me and probably will do for a long time. Her main theme was the power and value of including stories in presentations. However we were also treated to part of her main keynote on the the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.”

“Wow! Her message and impact were amazingly powerful. She was fun, serious, compelling and bewitching. Absolutely fabulous. Highly recommended!”

Mark, Chair, Tax Advice Network

“Rikki spoke at our first Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust to a full lecture theatre of NHS staff and external organisations. Rikki was exceptional and received a wealth of excellent feedback from all those who heard her talk. She spoke about ‘Rethinking Sex and Gender’ and thoroughly engaged the audience on what can sometimes be a complex subject to understand. Rikki is inspirational, extremely knowledgeable on her subject matter, personable, and leaves the audience informed and wanting to find out more. I would strongly recommend Rikki to speak at any event and I am very much looking forward to working with Rikki again in the future.”

Sally, Workforce Diversity Manager, University Hospital Birmingham

To enquire about Rikki Arundel MSc, PSAE, FPSA, ALAM(Hons) – (They/Them) for your next virtual event or webinar, simply contact The Online Speakers Agency via agent@virtualonlinespeakersagency.com or call a booking agent on 0203 9317 391.