Hayley Mulenda is recognised as one of the most inspiring young voices within the United Kingdom, an established keynote speaker, consultant and change agent.
Hayley has worked across the Middle East, North America, Europe and Africa. Black Business Show x HSBC recognised her as one of the top 25 black entrepreneurs to watch in 2024.
After nearly taking her own life at the age of 18, Hayley had a profound realisation about the growing impact of mental health issues on millennials. This experience ignited her passion to make a difference. Hayley's personal journey and insights have established her as a credible advocate for diversity, inclusion, mental health, and well-being.
Her story has been shared on some of the world's most prestigious stages, including Wembley Arena and Oslo Spektrum. Hayley has made it her mission to bridge the gap between generations, particularly between leaders and millennials/Gen Zs. She also facilitates female empowerment sessions across the Middle East, helping female corporate leaders in the MENA region build confidence in their public speaking skills. Hayley has worked with the senior leaders across Google MENA, META MENA & MBC.
In addition to her speaking engagements, Hayley serves on the board of Wagamama and consults with their CEO to engage young people from diverse backgrounds. Her unique skill set has allowed her to work closely with C-Suite executives and graduates from FTSE 100 and Fortune 50 companies, providing strategies to improve employee retention and helping leaders engage with a younger working force through reverse mentoring, and more.
Hayley has delivered impactful keynotes at Microsoft’s HQ in Redmond, collaborated with senior leaders at Unilever, and worked with a diverse range of clients, including JP Morgan, Harrods, Clifford Chance, Google MENA, META MENA, and MBC.
She has also contributed to the public sector, offering her expertise on social mobility and youth engagement to government officials and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Specialising in unforgettable keynotes, fireside chats, workshops, and seminars, Hayley’s talks have been described as mesmerising, impactful, and life-changing. As Maya Angelou once said, "You may not always remember what they say, but with Hayley’s talks, you will always remember how she made you feel." Hayley leaves her audience deeply impacted and inspired.
KEYNOTES:
Real Models Not Role Models
This keynote highlights the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, particularly in a digitally savvy world dominated by social media, where curated images often overshadow reality. In fostering better cohesion with Gen-Z and Millennial workforces, the message underscores that leaders don't need to be traditional role models but should instead focus on being "real models" who inspire others to become the best versions of themselves. By embracing authenticity, especially in an environment where superficiality can prevail, leaders can create more genuine connections with their teams, leading to a more cohesive and motivated workplace. This approach encourages leaders to make "being real" the ideal, demonstrating that true power lies in authenticity rather than in portraying an unattainable image. Authentic leadership, particularly in this digital age, is key to building trust, loyalty, and long-term success within the workforce.
Human Beings
This keynote emphasizes the vital importance of prioritizing personal happiness and well-being, particularly for leaders in high-pressure environments. It challenges the common focus on "securing the bag" at the expense of losing oneself, advocating instead for a balance between achievement and fulfillment. Leaders are reminded that people connect with them not because of what they do, but because of who they are—human beings, not just human doings.
The session provides practical strategies for maintaining authenticity, mental health, and genuine fulfillment while navigating the demands of intense work environments. By focusing on self-care and personal happiness, leaders can build stronger, more authentic connections with their teams, fostering a culture of trust and empathy. This keynote serves as a call to action for leaders to lead not only others but also themselves with compassion, ensuring they thrive both professionally and personally.
Building Bridges, Not Walls
This keynote emphasizes the importance of genuine connection and support in the workplace, especially as the effects of COVID-19 continue to impact work culture. It reminds leaders that the best present they can give their teams is their presence—showing up authentically and engaging with their workforce on a meaningful level.
The session will explore practical strategies for creating a work culture where younger employees, particularly Gen-Z and Millennials, feel not just tolerated but celebrated. By making "support" a cornerstone of the workplace, leaders can foster an environment where their team members truly thrive. This keynote will guide leaders on how to actively involve their younger workforce in the company culture, ensuring that they feel valued, motivated, and connected. It’s a call to action to move beyond mere tolerance and towards creating a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can flourish.
Be Visible: The Power of Personal Branding
In this keynote, Hayley shares her 12-year journey of building a personal brand that has grown to a global community of nearly half a million people. Through millions of views and impactful content, she's turned visibility into influence, income, and lasting impact. Coming from a low socio-economic background, she's spoken on some of the world’s greatest stages and secured top clients—all by mastering the art of being visible.
This keynote will remind you that visibility is essential to building your brand, influence, and legacy. She'll share key strategies that helped her stay authentic, bold, and unapologetically herelf. You’ll leave empowered to elevate your own brand and make your mark.
TESTIMONIALS:
Christine Assouad - CEO of Dunkin Donuts Lebanon
Hayley held an amazing public speaking workshop and we felt empowered and inspired to use our voices again! She reminded us to stay visibile and gave us amazing tips on building our personal brand.
Leena Nair - CEO of Chanel
Hayley is one of the most inspiring young people I’ve heard. Her story on how she overcame mental health challenges is something that all leaders should hear. What a powerful story.
Leisa Grace Wilson - Editorial Director Teach Middle East
Hayley was the opening keynote for our Middle East School Leaders conference in Dubai and she wasn’t just our highlight, it was memorable. Hayley possesses an exceptional talent for demystfying complex through authenticity and sincerity! She asserts everyone’s greatness and truly stands as a beacon of light and inspiration.
Anna Germanos - Group Director FMGC, Luxury, Retail & Commerce at META (MENA)
We loved having Hayley here in Dubai.If you’re not visible, you’re invisible! Hayley inspired all of us to not be afraid to speak up and she really empowered the room! What an amazing session.
Ob Bennett - Managing Director of JP Morgan
So inspirational! I am speechless and beyond impressed. Exceptional.
Rupert McNeil - Chief People Officer, Cabinet Office, UK
Her story on mental health is inspiring. An amazing voice on mental health for the next generation.
Gavriella Schuster - Corporate Vice President, Microsoft
An amazing young lady, truly an inspiring story. We just had to have her come and speak to my team in Redmond.
Thomas Heier - CEO of Wagamama
Hayley has contributed so much to the brand board. She has helped develop programs for our school outreaches and reverse mentoring, as well as helped train our general managers in storytelling.
CJ Quinney - Eric Thomas Associations
That was probably one of the best keynotes I’ve heard in a while