Nearly one million companies are owned and run by female entrepreneurs in the UK today. Currently, 19.1% of active UK businesses are female-led – a powerful statistic that highlights their growing influence. Book a female entrepreneur keynote speaker to inspire, empower, and energise your audience with real-world success stories. 

Why is it Important to Support Female Entrepreneurs?

Supporting female entrepreneurs is vital for fostering economic growth, promoting gender equality, and driving social progress. Globally, only one in three businesses are owned by women, and they still possess just three-quarters of the legal rights afforded to men regarding career, finances, and work-life balance. Investing in women-led businesses helps break cycles of poverty, as women are more likely to reinvest earnings into their families' health, education, and wellbeing. Additionally, female entrepreneurs bring diverse perspectives, fostering innovation and inclusive development. Empowering women economically not only benefits individual families but also strengthens entire communities and economies.

Source: World Vision UK 

Our Top 12 Female Entrepreneur Speakers

Sophia Reed has made an expert selection on the best female entrepreneur speakers to hire, based on data collated across 293 female business events between 2022 and 2024 - verified through client feedback and expert appraisal. These thought leaders are renowned for their expertise, insight, and commitment in the world of business.

• Sara Davies
• Jo Fairley
• Penny Power
• Baroness Karren Brady
• Debbie Wosskow
• Justine Roberts
• Deborah Meaden
• Katy Leeson
• Rita Clifton
• Gina Buckney
• Emma Grede
• Michelle Dewberry

1. Sara Davies

Dragons’ Den Star & British Businesswoman

Sara Davies MBE is celebrated as a female entrepreneurial leader for founding Crafter’s Companion while still at university, identifying a niche market, and creating The Enveloper, a product that revolutionised the craft industry. Her business acumen grew the company into a global retail brand with multiple outlets and nearly 200 employees. She is recognised as an expert in her field through numerous prestigious awards and her role as a panellist on Dragons’ Den. Sara is a sought-after speaker for her inspiring story, hands-on experience, and dedication to mentoring and empowering women in business, making her a respected voice in entrepreneurship.

2. Jo Fairley

Co-Founder of Green & Black's Chocolate, Judges Bakery, The Perfume Society & The Wellington Centre

Jo Fairley is widely acclaimed for her remarkable journey from the UK’s youngest magazine editor to co-founding Green & Black’s, now a £100 million ethical brand. Her extensive expertise spans multiple ventures in food, wellbeing and fragrance, all underpinned by sustainability and sensory appeal. Honoured with awards and accolades, Jo’s influence in green business practices and organic food production is industry-defining. A compelling speaker, she is regularly hired for her deep insight into ethical entrepreneurship, start-up success, and brand leadership, captivating audiences from corporate clients to aspiring entrepreneurs with her inspiring, real-world business experience.

Official Testimonial for Jo Fairley:

“Jo is an inspiring entrepreneur, a resilient and creative businesswoman, and a self-confessed chocoholic. As the co-founder of one of the world’s most well-loved confectionary brands, Jo Fairley offers hugely valuable insight into the world of international trade and growing a business overseas. As part of our Trade Horizons Roadshow events, Jo hit the brief to a very high standard, taking care to ensure that her presentation was structured around the customer experience which we had designed. It was clear that the audience was left inspired by Jo’s story. Jo also made a point of allowing ample time for her Q+A – something often overlooked – this also included a chocolate prize for the best question!” – Jim, Business West

3. Penny Power

Founder of The First Business Community in the World, Co-Founder of Ecademy, Co-Founder of BIP100 & Three-Times Bestselling Author

Penny Power OBE is the pioneering female business leader who founded Ecademy, the world’s first online business community, which revolutionised professional networking. Her early life and career in IT sales shaped her deep empathy and technological insight, establishing her as an expert in business and digital communication. A bestselling author and co-founder of BIP100, Penny champions community, mental wellbeing, and personal connection in business. She is an in-demand speaker for her inspirational and relatable talks, having presented to global companies like Microsoft and Salesforce. Her message resonates with organisations aiming to foster meaningful, human-centric workplace cultures.

Official Testimonial for Penny Power:

"I only have positive feedback all round for Penny – she was fantastic. Very engaging with the audience, professional and approachable. She was great to deal with personally, and with other team members organising the event. Also, she adapted so well to the last minute changes that we had for the event such as the recordings and the agenda switch. Please pass on my thanks to Penny, she was a pleasure to work with." – Kayleigh, D2N2 Growth Hub

4. Baroness Karren Brady

Vice-Chairman of West Ham United FC, Former Managing Director of Birmingham City FC, Aide to Lord Alan Sugar on "The Apprentice", Small Business Ambassador for the UK Government, Named One of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Britain

Baroness Karren Brady is one of Britain’s top female entrepreneurs due to her outstanding achievements in business, notably as Managing Director of Birmingham City and Vice-Chairman of West Ham United. A self-made leader with remarkable resilience, she became the youngest UK plc Managing Director at 27. Her expertise spans business transformation, government advisory roles, and media appearances like The Apprentice. Recognised among the UK’s most powerful women, Karren is a passionate advocate for women in business. Hired as a speaker for major brands and events, she inspires audiences with her sharp insight, real-world experience, and motivational storytelling.

Official Testimonial for Baroness Karren Brady:

“‎As one of the UK's leading hospitality brands, we recently engaged Karren to deliver a keynote speech at our annual conference in Manchester for circa 2,200 delegates. Karren’s speech was totally ‘on-message’ and really resonated with our team members. Karren’s appearance created a real WOW for our team members at Costa Coffee.” Costa Coffee

5. Debbie Wosskow

Co-Chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce, Co-founder of Mantra PR, Co-founder of Maidthorn Partners, Co-founder of AllBright & Executive Chair of The Better Menopause

Debbie Wosskow OBE is a leading British entrepreneur celebrated for her innovative ventures and advocacy for gender equity in business. With multiple successful exits, including Love Home Swap, and a history of raising over £250 million for female-led enterprises, she’s widely regarded as an expert in innovation and inclusive economic growth. Her ventures, such as AllBright and The Better Menopause, showcase her commitment to empowering women. A captivating keynote speaker, Debbie combines real-world success with strategic insight, making her a trusted voice on scaling businesses, gender equity, and leadership – earning her accolades like an OBE and the Freedom of the City of London.

6. Justine Roberts

Founder Of Mumsnet & Listed In The Top 500 Most Influential CEOs In The World

Justine Roberts is the innovative founder of Mumsnet, a ground-breaking platform that transformed parenting support. Her expertise stems from building a trusted online community offering practical advice across family life, launched in 2000 amidst a tough digital climate. Her resilience and vision helped Mumsnet grow to 14 million monthly visitors, cementing her reputation as a digital pioneer. Recognised as one of the UK’s most powerful women, Justine’s leadership also extends to Gransnet. Her influence and business insight make her a highly popular speaker choice, inspiring audiences globally with her entrepreneurial journey and impact on modern family life.

Official Testimonial for Justine Roberts:

“[...] we have had so many compliments about Justine and the content, she really was inspiring!” – Melissa, Toolbox Group

7. Deborah Meaden

Entrepreneur Best Known For Her Appearances On Dragons' Den

Deborah Meaden is widely regarded as a top female entrepreneur due to her remarkable success across multiple industries, including fashion, leisure, and retail. Best known for her role on Dragons' Den, she brings decades of experience and insight into business growth and investment. Her transformation of Weststar Holidays into a £116 million success story highlights her strategic vision and leadership. With a diverse portfolio and deep understanding of consumer trends, Deborah is a highly rated speaker at conferences and events. Her engaging style, business acumen, and inspirational journey make her an ideal choice to motivate audiences and share valuable industry insights.

Official Testimonial for Deborah Meaden:

“Very friendly, great with the audience, and totally engaging.”– Linn Systems

8. Katy Leeson

Co-Founder of Blank Space Content Studios, Former CEO of Relentless Group & MD of Social Chain

Katy Leeson is hired as a leading female entrepreneur because she pairs lived leadership experience with strong commercial credibility. As former Managing Director of Social Chain, she helped scale the agency from 30 staff to a global marketing business, working closely with Steven Bartlett. She is now Co-Founder of Blank Space Content Studios, advising brands on content, growth, and audience connection, while hosting a top-ranked business podcast. Her career spans senior roles across media, sport, and fashion, giving her a real-world perspective. On stage, she is direct, human, and practical, speaking openly on imposter syndrome, mental health, and modern leadership.

Official Testimonial for Katy Leeson:

"Katy is so lovely, approachable and open-minded. I highly recommend Katy." - Lindsey Kane

9. Rita Clifton

Deputy Chair of John Lewis Partnership, Bestselling Author of "Love Your Impostor" & "Brands & Branding", Chair at Forum of the Future & Visiting Fellow at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Rita Clifton is renowned for her trailblazing career in branding and leadership. With over 35 years of experience, including her transformative role as CEO of Interbrand, she has shaped global brand strategy and inspired future leaders. Recognised as the ‘Brand Guru’ by the Financial Times and appointed CBE, Rita’s expertise is unmatched. She is hired as a speaker for her dynamic insights on brand-building, leadership, and navigating business challenges. Her engaging delivery, real-world experience, and proven success with top brands like Google and Barclays make her a perfect keynote and after-dinner speaker choice worldwide.

Official Testimonial for Rita Clifton:

“You went down a storm with the crowd. They loved it... so insightful and fresh.” – Google

10. Gina Buckney

Global Transformation Director, Former Head of UK Customer Services for BT, Self-Help Author, Corporate & TEDx Speaker

Gina Buckney is recognised for her exceptional work in corporate transformation and workplace wellbeing. With 20 years of experience, she leads Your People Power, offering science-led programmes backed by Harvard and UC research. Her career in male-dominated sectors fuels her mission to drive gender equality and diversity. As a two-time TEDx speaker and author, Gina shares impactful insights drawn from her rapid rise to senior roles by age 27. She is hired globally to inspire others with her compelling story, proven expertise, and practical strategies for creating healthier, more inclusive, high-performing workplaces.

Official Testimonial for Gina Buckney:

“Gina is an incredible speaker and really lifts the aura of the room with her presence. Gina really broke down the gender bias and opened up interesting conversations within the workplace. It's important to see and hear role models like Gina to highlight how important diversity is and how her real-life examples have made her the successful, ambitious woman she is. I think having Gina as part of a wellbeing programme is key for any company that is looking to take care of their employees. Thank you, Gina for an eye-opening session”. – Steve, Director, Talent Acquisition and Development, Chemetall

11. Emma Grede

Fashion Industry Innovator, Co-Founder of Good American & Skims, Championing Inclusivity & Business Diversity

Emma Grede is recognised as a business leader for her transformative work in inclusive fashion and her co-founding of billion-dollar brands like Good American and Skims. With roots in East London, she rose from humble beginnings to become a leader in innovation and body positivity in the fashion industry. Her early launch of ITB Worldwide showcased her marketing acumen and talent for strategic partnerships. Emma is regularly invited to speak thanks to her expertise in entrepreneurship, brand-building, and inclusivity. Her dynamic presence and insights into business leadership make her an inspiring voice for diverse and forward-thinking audiences.

12. Michelle Dewberry

First Winner Of The Apprentice, Television Presenter On The Pledge & Tech Consultant For Blue-Chip Companies

Michelle Dewberry is known for her resilience, business acumen, and inspirational rise to success. The first female winner of The Apprentice, she went from administrative work to network analyst through self-taught skills, then launched successful ventures including Daily Chic and LikeBees.com. With experience spanning telecoms, consultancy, and journalism, Michelle is a respected expert in entrepreneurship and digital business. Her impressive journey, media presence, and passion for social issues like employment make her a prevalent speaker, regularly appearing on Sky News and at government panels, where she offers invaluable insight and motivation to audiences nationwide.

Benefits of Hiring a Female Entrepreneur Speaker

Hiring a female entrepreneur speaker offers a wealth of benefits. Our official curated list of trailblazers bring fresh perspectives, real-world experience, and powerful stories of resilience, innovation, and success. They inspire audiences by breaking barriers and challenging outdated norms, while offering practical insights into leadership, adaptability, and business growth. Their presence empowers audiences, promotes diversity, and encourages inclusive thinking – making a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.

Hire a Female Entrepreneur Speaker Today!

If you are interested in hiring an inspiring female entrepreneur speaker, contact Champions Speakers today! Give one of our booking agents a call on 0207 1010 553 or complete our contact form to begin the booking process.

This exclusive article on the top female entrepreneurs to hire was authored by Sophia Reed, and has been vetted by exclusive research conducted by Champions Speakers across 293 events between 2022 and 2024, and vetted information from Prowess and World Vision UK. 

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