Hello! I’m Annelie Wambeek, a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) trainer, facilitator and speaker.
What is DEIB (or EDI or JEDI) to me? It is much more than an ever-changing acronym or a buzzword. I have felt what it’s like not to belong, and feel excluded. The effects this can have on wellbeing are serious - and as a result, on productivity and performance too. I have chosen (and sometimes been forced) to adapt to different countries, cultures and sectors.
On the other hand, I also have a lot of (unearned) privilege from holding one of the world’s strongest passports, a white-passing name and Western higher education. So I’ve also had to process feelings of guilt and responsibility that stem from these privileges.
I’ve had the pleasure of being raised and educated across continents, which gave me first hand experience into what it’s like to be judged but also, being confronted with my own biases. My academic background in Sociology and Cultural Studies, and a Masters in International Relations, gave me the theoretical background for the work that I do.
My diverse work experience, from a foreign policy think tank, to a financial institution has given me insight into how, regardless of our field of work, we all face DEI challenges, dilemas and sometimes backlash.
All of my sessions are grounded in academic theory, but also in lived-experience. If I don’t have the experience myself, I partner with others who do. I firmly believe there is no such thing as a DEIB ‘expert’
Many companies hire diversely, but then realise that they don’t have the knowledge, vocabulary or communication skills needed to get the teams to work well together, boost their productivity and feel the benefits of having a diverse team. This is where I come in.
Learn MoreYou can make (or break) an event by having a keynote speaker who can inspire, motivate and energise a group.
Learn MoreThe world is complex, and so are we as human beings. When discussing heated issues, or trying to resolve an incident which has already happened, it makes the world of a difference to have an independent facilitator guide you through potentially polarising discussions.
Learn MoreThey say that prevention is better than cure, and that is what pre-emptive training is for.
If you are part of a team or manage a team with a diversity of individuals in it, then you know that it’s not always smooth sailing.
All of my training sessions are designed to be interactive and experiential, and are tailored to solve the issues unique to your organisation. I always work with fellow trusted trainers to ensure that all our sessions can meet your unique needs.
For me, there is very little as exhilarating as speaking on stage, whether that be virtual or in person. I love delivering a keynote interactively, learning from the audience’s experiences as they learn something from me. I tailor each keynote to the audience to ensure its relatable, interesting and provokes thought.
Some of the topics I love speaking about are:
Why Culture Still Matters in Today's Globalised World
The Need to Belong
From Burnout to Business Owner - Mental Health and Culture
Values - What they mean in practise, across cultures
It isn’t easy to talk to people who have fundamentally different views, values or ways of expressing them, but when you are working in an organisation, you have to find a way. So how do you depolarise and defuse seemingly ‘irresolvable’ viewpoints?
Whether it's global politics, team tensions or ‘just’ a discussion which needs an outside perspective - that's where I come in as a facilitator.
My role is to help you structure and guide a discussion, ensuring everyone is heard equally. I also advise on what steps can be taken to foster an environment where everyone feels safe and able to ‘speak up’, in a way which suits them.
No (wo)man is an island, and being in community is hugely important to me.
.png)
