Sacha Dekker | Disability, Resilience and Leadership Keynote Speaker

Sacha Dekker | Disability, Resilience and Leadership Keynote Speaker

Sacha Dekker is an MBA-qualified keynote speaker, executive coach and disability inclusion advocate. Drawing on her personal journey and global leadership experience, she inspires audiences to build resilience, lead with compassion and create more inclusive workplaces.

Sample Talks

  • Overcoming adversity through mindset
  • Making diversity and inclusion work
  • Building resilience

Watch Sacha Dekker in Action

Biography

Sacha Dekker is a Dutch-born, Ireland-based keynote speaker and learning and talent development expert with more than 20 years of experience. She has held senior roles at global companies including LinkedIn, Oracle and HubSpot, specialising in leadership development, employee learning and organisational change.

Having lived in the Netherlands, Geneva and South Africa before settling in Dublin in 2012, Sacha brings an international perspective to her work. She is also the founder of I Am Phoenix, a coaching and speaking practice focused on resilience, inclusive leadership and personal growth.

Sacha Dekker’s Journey: Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience

In 2015, complications following brain surgery left Sacha paralysed on the left side of her body. Doctors warned that she might never walk, work or live independently again.

After months of rehabilitation, she returned to work just 11 months after surgery. Two years later, she walked on the Great Wall of China, and in August 2023, she completed the final 115km of the Camino de Santiago.

These experiences transformed her outlook on resilience and disability. Today, Sacha shares her story to challenge perceptions of what people can achieve, encouraging audiences to approach setbacks with determination, adaptability and self-compassion.

Academic Achievements and Executive Leadership

In November 2023, Sacha completed a master’s degree in Education, Learning and Development with first-class honours, receiving the Best Academic Achievement award for her research into social learning in hybrid environments.

She went on to complete an Executive MBA at Dublin City University in 2026, graduating with first-class honours and ranking among the top three students in her class.

Alongside her academic achievements, Sacha has coached senior executives and developed learning strategies for international organisations. Her experience gives her a practical understanding of the challenges leaders face when managing change, developing talent and supporting their teams.

Disability Inclusion, Psychological Safety and Workplace Culture

Sacha uses her lived experience of disability and professional background to help organisations rethink workplace inclusion. She encourages leaders to move beyond compliance and create environments where employees feel respected, supported and confident speaking about their needs.

Her keynote presentations explore disability awareness, diversity and inclusion, workplace equity and psychological safety. She also examines how leadership behaviour and organisational culture can either create barriers or empower people to contribute fully.

Through relatable examples and practical insights, Sacha helps audiences understand how small changes in mindset and everyday behaviour can make workplaces more inclusive.

Keynote Speaking, Coaching and Learning Workshops

As a keynote speaker and executive coach, Sacha explores resilience, leadership, disability inclusion and the changing nature of workplace learning. Her presentations combine personal storytelling with professional insights, giving audiences ideas they can apply to their own challenges.

She also discusses social learning and collaboration in hybrid organisations, helping leaders understand how to strengthen connections and encourage knowledge-sharing across teams.

Whether speaking at a global conference or leading a leadership workshop, Sacha encourages people to question assumptions, embrace change and take meaningful steps towards personal and organisational growth.

Book Sacha Dekker as Your Next Keynote Speaker

Looking for a keynote speaker who can inspire your audience to rethink resilience, disability inclusion and leadership? Sacha Dekker brings a compelling personal story and extensive corporate experience to conversations about overcoming adversity and building inclusive teams.

Whether you’re planning a leadership conference, diversity and inclusion event, corporate workshop or employee wellbeing programme, Sacha delivers engaging presentations that encourage reflection and positive change.

Book Sacha Dekker for your next conference, corporate event or leadership summit. Contact Speaker Ideas today to discuss her availability, speaking topics and how her experiences can inspire your audience.

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