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Speaker, historian & bestselling author

Emma Dabiri

Transform workplace diversity conversations with Emma Dabiri, speaker, historian and bestselling author. Emma works with organisations to explore identity, race and culture, delivering award-winning insights featured on BBC, Channel 4 and in her Times bestselling books.

Trusted by BBC, Channel 4

Emma Dabiri, Speaker | Broadcaster, Historian, Author
Emma Dabiri

Emma Dabiri

London, United Kingdom

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This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

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Emma Dabiri's biography

At a glance

  • Broadcaster and historian focusing on identity and culture
  • Bestselling author of 'Disobedient Bodies' and 'What White People Can Do Next'
  • Award-winning documentary maker exploring race and hair issues
Emma Dabiri is a broadcaster, historian, and bestselling author. Her work explores identity, culture, and race through various mediums, including art and current affairs. Her Channel 4 documentary, Hair Power: Me and My Afro, examines the significance of hair in the black experience and won a Cannes Lion Silver award. She has presented several series, including Britain's Lost Masterpieces for BBC4 and Back in Time for Brixton for BBC2. Emma has participated in debates on Unapologetic, Question Time, and Have I Got News For You. Her latest book, Disobedient Bodies: Reclaim Your Unruly Beauty, offers alternatives to conventional beauty standards. In April 2021, she released What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition, quickly becoming a Times and Sunday Times bestseller. This book critiques mainstream discussions on anti-racism and follows her debut work, Don't Touch My Hair, which was an Irish Times Bestseller. Don't Touch My Hair sparked a national conversation about race and hair, influencing changes in school regulations and the British army. Emma is available for keynotes and panel discussions, where she speaks on diversity, history, arts, and culture. To book her for your next event, contact the PepTalk team.

Emma's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Emma

Book Emma Dabiri to inspire your team with her compelling insights on identity, culture, and race. Her engaging storytelling and expertise will spark meaningful conversations, challenge perspectives, and empower your audience to embrace diversity and inclusivity.

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Trusted by BBC, Channel 4

Testimonials

It was so fantastic having Emma here, contributing her immense wisdom, openness, and honesty.

Safe To Create Marginalised Voices Dublin Event

Massive thanks to Emma for an amazing session. We're already getting emails that participants have left energised and excited by hearing her speak so brilliantly on coalition-building.

BRAP Event

Featured Projects

Emma Dabiri - Disobedient book cover
Emma Dabiri - What White People Can Do Next book cover
Emma Dabiri - Don't Touch My Hair book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Emma Dabiri for my next event?
Email emma.dabiri@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Emma's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Emma Dabiri's speaking style like?
Emma Dabiri draws on her work as a historian and author to frame keynote and panel content around race, identity, and culture, referencing her published research and documentary work — including her Cannes Lion Silver-winning Channel 4 documentary and her Times and Sunday Times bestselling books — to ground arguments in documented evidence and public discourse.
What topics does Emma Dabiri specialise in?
Emma Dabiri speaks on diversity and inclusion, allyship, race and identity, and the cultural history of hair. Her book What White People Can Do Next became a Times and Sunday Times bestseller, and her Channel 4 documentary Hair Power: Me and My Afro won a Cannes Lion Silver award.
What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.