Keynote speaker, fireside chats, empowerment workshops (30–60 minutes).
Corporate teams, women’s leadership forums, LGBTQI+ conferences, educational institutions, wellness summits.
Khanyisa Mnyaka is a dynamic empowerment coach, international speaker, and author dedicated to helping individuals break free from people-pleasing, embrace radical self-love, and live authentically. With a BA in Psychology, a Master’s in Gender & Peace Building, and certification in counseling, she brings a trauma-informed approach to her work.
She is the founder of Vocal Mentality (Pty) Ltd and Sisters for Mental Health, platforms that promote psycho-education, representation, and healing. Her TEDx talk, The Real Cost of People Pleasing, has resonated widely, inspiring people to reclaim their voice and step into their power. As an author of You Belong Here and Traveling While Black & Lesbian, Khanyisa leverages personal narrative to build global connections and drive transformation.
Her talks leave audiences feeling seen, empowered, and equipped with tools for resilience and authenticity in both life and business.
Khanyisa Mnyaka is a dynamic self-development coach, international speaker, and author committed to guiding individuals toward radical self-love and authentic living. With a BA in Psychology, a Master’s in Gender & Peace Building, and a certification in counseling, Khanyisa brings a deeply informed and trauma-aware approach to personal transformation. Her work focuses on helping people particularly women, LGBTQI+ communities, and corporate teams break free from people-pleasing, reclaim their voice, and build lives grounded in truth and self-worth.
Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and now transitioning back from the United States, Khanyisa began her coaching journey in 2020 during a period of global introspection. Inspired by the phrase “there has to be purpose in my pain,” she discovered her calling to serve those who are ready to rewrite their stories. Since then, she has impacted countless lives through her coaching sessions, workshops, and thought-provoking talks.
Khanyisa Mnyaka’s powerful TEDx talk, “The Real Cost of People Pleasing,” challenged audiences to meet the parts of themselves that are often hidden—encouraging vulnerability, healing, and courage. Her books Traveling While Black & Lesbian and You Belong Here reflect her commitment to representation and empowerment, using personal narrative as a tool for global connection and change.
Whether speaking to corporate professionals, at women’s or LGBTQI+ conferences, or in personal development spaces, Khanyisa Mnyaka leaves audiences feeling seen, empowered, and ready to build a relationship with themselves that is rooted in self-compassion and truth. Her message is clear: your authenticity is not just enough—it’s your superpower.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and view our International site
In her TEDx talk, Khanyisa Mnyaka unpacks the emotional and psychological toll of people-pleasing, particularly for women, minorities, and marginalized groups. She shares her own journey of unlearning the habit of prioritizing others’ approval, blending personal narrative with insights from psychology and gender studies.
Khanyisa explains how people-pleasing erodes authenticity, undermines self-worth, and perpetuates cycles of stress and burnout. She challenges the audience to confront the root causes of this behavior, from cultural conditioning to systemic inequality, and encourages them to redefine their boundaries.
Offering practical strategies, Khanyisa highlights the importance of radical self-love, resilience, and the courage to embrace one’s authentic voice. Her warm yet powerful delivery inspires audiences to reflect, heal, and take actionable steps toward living more authentically.
01:21–04:00 Defining people-pleasing and its psychological costs
04:01–07:15 Personal stories and cultural context of authenticity loss
07:16–09:30 Breaking free: the role of self-love and boundary-setting
09:31–11:15 Practical steps to reclaim authenticity
11:16–12:09 Closing message: the empowerment of radical self-love
In this 57-minute podcast episode, empowerment coach and speaker Khanyisa Mnyaka dives deep into the concept of radical self-love in the workplace. She begins by exploring how people-pleasing behaviors manifest in professional settings, often leading to burnout, inauthenticity, and disconnection from personal values.
Khanyisa emphasizes that radical self-love is not indulgence, but a foundation for resilience and sustainable performance. Through personal stories, research insights, and practical advice, she explains how embracing authenticity allows professionals to set boundaries, make values-driven decisions, and create healthier work cultures.
Key discussion points include the role of vulnerability in leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and strategies for individuals and organizations to foster environments where authenticity is encouraged. She offers tools for employees at all levels to reconnect with themselves while driving productivity and creativity.
The episode closes with Khanyisa’s reflections on how radical self-love extends beyond the workplace, equipping individuals with the confidence to live authentically in all areas of life.
00:00–05:30 Introduction: why radical self-love matters at work
05:31–15:20 People-pleasing and burnout in professional culture
15:21–28:00 Practical strategies for self-awareness and boundary-setting
28:01–40:15 Vulnerability, resilience, and leadership authenticity
40:16–51:30 Organizational culture shifts to encourage authenticity
51:31–57:08 Closing reflections: radical self-love as a life practice
In this milestone podcast episode, Khanyisa Mnyaka outlines a clear and empowering roadmap for living with confidence, purpose, and authenticity. She begins by exploring the common barriers people face — from fear of judgment to ingrained people-pleasing habits — and how these erode self-trust and personal growth.
Khanyisa emphasizes the importance of radical self-love as the foundation for confidence. Through personal reflections and client experiences, she demonstrates how authenticity unlocks resilience, clarity, and the courage to live purposefully.
She offers listeners actionable steps for building self-awareness, setting healthy boundaries, and reconnecting with inner values. The episode also touches on the workplace, where authentic leadership and vulnerability can inspire stronger teams and healthier cultures.
Closing with encouragement, Khanyisa reminds audiences that purpose is not something external to be found, but something internal to be lived daily.
00:00–04:20 Opening reflections: barriers to confidence and authenticity
04:21–10:15 Radical self-love as the foundation for growth
10:16–16:45 Practical steps: self-awareness, boundaries, and resilience
16:46–21:50 Aligning authenticity with purpose in life and work
21:51–26:39 Closing message: living purpose as a daily practice
Yes. She adapts her message to resonate with diverse audiences and goals.
Authenticity, self-love, resilience, people-pleasing, and mental wellness.
Standard sessions run 30–60 minutes, with interactive Q&A options.
Noni Gasa is a trailblazer in South Africa’s media and fashion industries, renowned for her charismatic presence and insightful contributions to both television and journalism. With over a decade of experience spanning across these fields, Noni has established herself as a dynamic and highly sought-after event emcee and host. Her passion for storytelling and her […]
For over four decades, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels have defined the live entertainment scene in South Africa and beyond, delivering high-energy performances that leave audiences electrified. Led by the charismatic Victor Khojane—better known as Dr Victor—the band’s unmistakable fusion of reggae, R&B, pop, and soul has made them a household name across the […]
Justin Bonello presenter, traveller, father, husband, filmmaker, gardener … and not particularly in that order … Filmmaker, veteran presenter, author and Head of Production at Cooked in Africa Films. Justin Bonello has worked in the film industry since he was 14 years old and he is the co-founder of one of South Africa’s leading film […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
