These remarkable women from around the world are blazing trails and breaking barriers. Whether you're seeking a powerful keynote speaker or a dynamic panellist, our curated list celebrates the brilliance and resilience of women who are making headlines and shaping the future.
According to the Women's Empowerment Index, women are only empowered to achieve 60% of their full potential. This staggering statistic highlights the importance of female empowerment. Discover the extraordinary stories and insights of the top female speakers available for hire who are ready to empower and uplift your audience.
1. June Sarpong
Co-Founder of the WIE Network
June Sarpong, a former Loose Women panellist, is not just a broadcaster and diversity advocate but also a relatable figure. The author of Diversify, she champions inclusivity and tackles workplace discrimination. June's engaging stories and experiences breaking barriers resonate deeply with business audiences, making her an inspirational speaker who motivates companies to embrace diversity and drive positive change.
2. Bonita Norris
Former Youngest British Woman to Summit Mount Everest
Bonita Norris, the youngest British woman to summit Mount Everest, is a true inspiration. She captivates audiences with her tales of overcoming seemingly impossible challenges. A skilled storyteller, Bonita engages business audiences with lessons on perseverance and self-belief, motivating them to tackle their challenges with the same determination and resilience she displayed in her expeditions.
3. Maggie Alphonsi
Seven-Time Six Nations Winner & World Cup Champion
Maggie Alphonsi, a retired English rugby player, is renowned for her achievements and ability to inspire. An award-winning athlete and commentator, she motivates business audiences with her insights on overcoming adversity, peak performance, and leadership. Maggie's engaging and humorous speaking style captivates and empowers attendees, making her ideal for any corporate event or function.
4. Billie Jean King
Former #1 World Tennis Player
Billie Jean King, tennis legend and feminist icon, delights audiences with her historic victory in the Battle of the Sexes. As an advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, her speeches teach business leaders to embrace diversity and inclusion. Billie's powerful story motivates organisations to drive meaningful change and empower all employees.
“Pressure is a privilege – it only comes to those who earn it.” - Billie Jean King
5. Martina Navratilova
Named Greatest Female Tennis Player by Tennis Magazine
Martina Navratilova, a tennis champion and LGBTQ+ advocate, shares her journey of sporting success and personal resilience. Her speeches highlight the importance of diversity and overcoming adversity, inspiring business audiences to embrace inclusivity and strive for excellence. Martina's impactful message motivates organisations to foster a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
“Martina was truly an outstanding speaker who not only naturally captures the audience with her knowledge, passion, strong sense of confidence, and charming attitude, but also stays on a message, purposefully and eloquently, throughout a speech.” - Official speaking testimonial from AARP
6. Malala Yousafzai
Youngest Ever Winner of the Nobel Prize
Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Prize laureate, has an inspiring story of courage and advocacy for girls' education. Despite facing life-threatening danger, she champions gender equality and education. Malala's powerful speeches motivate business audiences to support inclusive initiatives and drive social change, fostering a culture of empowerment and resilience within their organisations.
”We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” - Malala Yousafzai
7. Keren Elazari
Cyber Security Researcher & Analyst
Keren Elazari, a cybersecurity analyst and TED speaker, educates business audiences on the importance of secure networks and ethical hacking. Her engaging presentations highlight the role of hackers in strengthening cybersecurity. Keren's expertise and insights empower companies to adopt robust security measures and foster a culture of innovation and resilience.
8. Susie Wolff
First Woman to Compete in an F1 Event in 22 Years
Susie Wolff, a trailblazing former racing driver, inspires with her story of breaking gender barriers in motorsports. As an engaging speaker, she shares her journey of perseverance and success, encouraging business audiences to challenge stereotypes and pursue their goals relentlessly. Susie's insights promote diversity and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated industries.
9. Kanya King
Founder & CEO of The MOBO Awards
Kanya King, founder of the MOBO Awards, is a celebrated entrepreneur advocating for diversity in the arts. Her journey from re-mortgaging her home to creating a globally recognised brand inspires business audiences. Kanya's speeches highlight the importance of inclusion and resilience, leading organisations to support diverse talent and drive cultural change.
10. Nicola Adams
Great Britain's Most Successful Female Boxer
Nicola Adams, Olympic boxing champion, inspires with her groundbreaking achievements and advocacy for LGBT+ inclusion. Her speeches, rich with personal stories of overcoming adversity, teach business audiences to embrace diversity and strive for excellence. Nicola's journey encourages organisations to foster an inclusive environment and support employees in reaching their full potential.
11. Kate Darling
Research Scientist at the MIT Media Lab
Kate Darling, an expert in social robotics and robot ethics, enlightens business audiences on the future of technology. Her engaging presentations explore human-robot interactions and ethical considerations. Kate's insights help companies navigate technological advancements, fostering innovation and responsible AI integration while promoting an understanding of the emotional connections to robots.
12. Haddy Ndure
Presenter of Stories from The Continent
Haddy Ndure, a prominent journalist and presenter, advocates for African representation and female empowerment. Her engaging speeches cover diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, inspiring business audiences to embrace equitable practices. Haddy's insights motivate organisations to support underrepresented communities, drive meaningful corporate culture and social responsibility change.
13. Debra Searle
Atlantic Solo Rower & Number 1 Female Motivational Speaker
Adventurer and entrepreneur Debra Searle inspires with her solo Atlantic row and resilience. Her motivational speeches, which emphasise choosing a positive attitude and overcoming challenges, truly resonate with business audiences. Debra's captivating stories and strategies for success empower companies to foster a culture of perseverance, innovation, and achieving goals against the odds.
14. Sahar Hashemi
Founder & CEO of Coffee Republic
Sahar Hashemi, founder of Coffee Republic, is a pioneering entrepreneur and speaker. Her journey from law to launching the UK's first US-style coffee bar chain inspires business audiences. Sahar's insights on entrepreneurial habits and innovation encourage companies to embrace a startup mindset, fostering creativity, resilience, and customer-centric practices.
15. Maria Conceicao
First Portuguese Woman to Summit Mount Everest
Maria Conceicao is an adventurer and philanthropist who inspires audiences with her record-breaking feats and humanitarian work. Her speeches highlight the importance of overcoming adversity and pushing physical limits to support education in Bangladesh. Maria's powerful story motivates business audiences to pursue their goals, embrace challenges, and support social causes, fostering a culture of resilience and compassion.
16. Jessica Ennis-Hill
Three-time World Champion & 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist
Jessica Ennis-Hill, Olympic heptathlon champion, captivates audiences with her story of triumph over injury. Her speeches emphasise motivation, peak performance, and resilience, inspiring business audiences to overcome obstacles and achieve excellence. Jessica's relatable and positive presence encourages organisations to foster a culture of determination and healthy living.
17. Nadiya Hussain
Winner of the Sixth Series of The Great British Bake Off
Winner of the Great British Bake Off 2015, Nadiya Hussain motivates with her journey from a self-doubting baker to an award-winning author and broadcaster. Her story of overcoming anxiety to achieve her dreams boosts business audiences, making her an engaging after-dinner speaker who emphasises resilience, self-belief, and hard work.
18. Briana Scurry
First Female African American Footballer Inducted into the US Soccer Hall of Fame
Briana Scurry, a pioneering figure in women's soccer, captivates audiences with her story of breaking barriers as the first African American woman in the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Her speeches on diversity and inclusion inspire businesses to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion, highlighting her journey of overcoming adversity in sports and life.
"True Colors hosts the largest LGBT youth conference in the country. Briana’s story, which she shared at a keynote session, was an inspiration to youth and adult attendees, alike. We appreciated her candor, her realness and her ability to relate not only to such a large audience, but one-on-one as youth lined up to speak with her after." - Official speaking testimonial from True Colors
19. Mandy Hickson
Second Female to Fly a Fighter Jet & Commander of an All-Male Squadron
Mandy Hickson, a trailblazing RAF pilot, shares her extraordinary experiences flying Tornado GR4s on the front line. Her dynamic speeches on leadership, risk management, and teamwork, drawn from her military career, resonate deeply with business audiences, inspiring them to face challenges with courage and determination.
20. Makaziwe Mandela
Founder of House of Mandela & Social Justice Campaigner
Makaziwe Mandela, daughter of Nelson Mandela, is a social and political justice advocate. Her speeches inspire businesses with strategies to improve education, health, and female empowerment. Drawing from her extensive career in development and her father's legacy, Makaziwe offers actionable insights to drive positive change within organisations.
"It was incredible, what a phenomenal woman! Please extend our thank you’s to Dr Makaziwe Mandela once again." - Official speaking testimonial from Lexis Nexis Risk
21. Bianca Miller-Cole
Listed in the Top 50 Future Leaders for Financial Times HERoes
Bianca Miller-Cole, founder of The Be Group and finalist on The Apprentice, empowers businesses with her personal branding and entrepreneurship expertise. Her motivational talks teach audiences to harness their potential, emphasising the importance of resilience, innovation, and effective networking in achieving professional success.
22. Bernadette Collins
Former Head of Race Strategy for Aston Martin F1 team
Bernadette Collins, a leading figure in Formula One strategy, inspires all with her journey from graduate engineer to Head of Race Strategy at Aston Martin. As a keynote speaker, she shares insights on leadership, teamwork, and breaking gender barriers in motorsports, motivating audiences to pursue excellence in their careers.
23. Arianna Huffington
Founder of The Huffington Post
Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post and founder of Thrive Global, speaks passionately about redefining success and prioritising well-being in the workplace. Her engaging talks inspire business leaders to create a healthier, more productive work environment, emphasising the importance of sleep, resilience, and work-life balance.
24. Laura Kenny
Most Successful Female British Athlete in Olympic History
Laura Kenny, Britain's most successful female Olympian, inspires audiences with her remarkable journey in track cycling. Her motivational speeches focus on overcoming adversity, mental resilience, and achieving peak performance. Laura's story encourages businesses to foster a culture of determination and excellence, drawing parallels between sports and corporate success.
"Laura was incredibly fun and informative, always going the extra mile to ensure everyone had a memorable and enriching experience." - Official speaking testimonial from On Location
25. Rebecca Adlington
Double Gold Medal Winning British Swimmer
Rebecca Adlington, the double Olympic gold medalist swimmer, motivates audiences with her story of triumph and resilience. As an after-dinner speaker, she shares insights on achieving goals, overcoming adversity, and maintaining peak performance. Rebecca's journey from Olympic success to public advocacy inspires businesses to support their teams in reaching their full potential.
"Thank you so much for Friday, everyone loved your straight-talking, honest and interesting session. You understood the tone of the event perfectly and all the attendees remarked at how down-to-earth you were and lovely it was when you stayed for photos and chatted with everyone. Thanks again for all the dedication you showed, was much appreciated and the event was a real success." - Official speaking testimonial from RMP Enterprise
26. Randi Zuckerberg
Founder & CEO of Zuckerberg Media
Randi Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media, empowers businesses with her digital innovation and entrepreneurship expertise. Her engaging talks highlight the importance of creativity, diversity, and balancing technology with human interaction. Randi's experience at Facebook and beyond inspires audiences to embrace change and drive innovation in their organisations.
”The only way you're going to be successful is if you admit what you don't know and you ask for help.” - Randi Zuckerberg
27. Ann Daniels
First Women in History to Reach North & South Poles with All Women Team
Ann Daniels, a world-renowned polar explorer, captivates audiences with her incredible journey of becoming the first woman to ski to the North and South Poles. Her speeches on resilience, leadership, and teamwork in extreme conditions inspire business audiences to overcome challenges and achieve extraordinary success.
28. Nina Schick
Former NATO Secretary-General & AI Expert
Nina Schick, a leading expert in generative AI, educates business audiences on the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Her insightful talks cover AI ethics, digital authenticity, and the future of technology, encouraging organisations to harness AI's potential while navigating its challenges responsibly.
29. Yasmin Benoit
Creator of #ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike
Yasmin Benoit, a prominent model and asexual activist, advocates for diversity and representation. Her speeches on asexuality, aromanticism, and intersectionality show businesses the importance of creating inclusive environments. Yasmin's journey challenges stereotypes and promotes understanding, making her a powerful speaker on LGBTQ+ issues.
"Yasmin provided a clear, comprehensive and very practical insight into asexuality, dispelled a lot of myths and helped many of us across our organisation. It was a brilliant hour together." - Official speaking testimonial from Avanade
30. Natasha Graziano
Forbes' Number 1 Female Motivational Speakers Under 40
A motivational speaker and mindset coach, Natasha Graziano inspires audiences with her journey from homelessness to entrepreneurial success. Her speeches on manifesting goals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and achieving full potential resonate deeply with business audiences, encouraging them to adopt a successful mindset and transform their lives.
"From hearing you speak over the last few months, you have opened my mind and my heart to help reposition so many thoughts. You help me understand that love is energy, and that energy is not meant to be interpreted, just felt. Thank you for freeing my heart and helping me feel the greatness within all of us. I am forever grateful." - Official speaking testimonial from Fitness on the Go
31. Sian Proctor
First Black Female Astronaut to Pilot a Spaceship
Sian Proctor, an astronaut and geoscientist, shares her incredible experience as the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft. Her engaging talks on leadership, exploration, and imposter syndrome inspire audiences to push boundaries and pursue their dreams, fostering a culture of innovation and business resilience.
"Dr Sian Proctor has presented at Scottsdale Community College’s TechTalks event on three occasions. Her presentations are engaging and always well-aligned with the theme of our event. Dr Proctor has a strong stage presence and is relatable to a wide array of audiences from students, to teachers, to scientists, she is able to pique their interest, hold their attention and inspire them." - Official speaking testimonial from Scottsdale Community College
32. Mary Earps
2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Golden Glove Winner
Mary Earps, England Lionesses and Manchester United goalkeeper, inspires with her journey to becoming one of the most successful female goalkeepers in the world. Her speeches on overcoming challenges, mental resilience, and achieving excellence motivate business audiences to support diversity and strive for success in their fields.
"Sometimes success looks like this, collecting trophies, sometimes it's just waking up and putting one step in front of the other. There's only one of you in the world, and that's more than good enough. Be unapologetically yourself.” - Mary Earps
33. Jill Scott
England's Second-Most Capped International Footballer
Jill Scott, a veteran footballer with over 16 years of experience, inspires audiences with her journey in women's football. Her speeches on teamwork, leadership, and overcoming adversity resonate with business audiences, encouraging them to embrace a resilient mindset and strive for excellence.
34. Kimberlé Crenshaw
Professor of Law at UCLA & Columbia Law School
Kimberlé Crenshaw, a renowned professor and civil rights activist, educates audiences on intersectionality and social justice. Her powerful speeches on diversity, equity, and inclusion inspire businesses to adopt inclusive practices and understand the complexities of race and gender, fostering a more equitable workplace culture.
“Absolutely and without a doubt, Kimberlé is in our top five best speakers to ever come to campus. We had over 550 people in the audience, with a telecast to our downtown campus with about 200 people at that location. She was so kind, generous with her time, shared their incredible wisdom and knowledge and, most importantly, offered everyone hope for what is next. During this very difficult time in our country, and on college campuses across the nation, we needed to hear Kim’s inspirational words to keep us all moving forward in our collective work towards equality and justice. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” - Official speaking testimonial from Grand Valley State University
35. Martine Wright
2005 London Terrorist Attack Survivor & Team GB Athlete
Martine Wright, a survivor of the 7/7 London bombings, shares her incredible journey from tragedy to triumph. As a Paralympic sitting volleyball player and motivational speaker, she inspires audiences with her story of resilience, determination, and overcoming adversity. Martine's speeches empower businesses to embrace challenges and achieve greatness.
36. Stella Rimington
First Woman to Become General of MI5
Stella Rimington, the first female Director-General of MI5, offers unparalleled insights into leadership and intelligence. Her speeches, drawing from her illustrious career in counter-terrorism and espionage, inspire audiences with lessons on risk management, strategic thinking, and resilience. Stella's experiences provide valuable perspectives for business leaders.
"She is an amazing lady and so very humble with it all. I think our guests were all enthralled and to be honest the only downside is that I think we all feel totally inadequate now!" - Official speaking testimonial from RGA UK
37. Phyll Opoku-Gyimah
Co-Founder & Executive Director of UK Black Pride
Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, known as Lady Phyll, is a leading political activist and co-founder of Black Pride. As Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust, she champions LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. Phyll's powerful speeches inspire audiences by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and the importance of safe spaces for marginalised communities.
"Thanks so much for all your help in bringing Lady Phyll to speak to Jazz on Thursday. It was an amazing presentation; we've had so much positive and reflective feedback from people about the session and how inspirational Lady Phyll is!" - Official speaking testimonials from Jazz Pharmaceuticals
38. Kate Muir
Creator & Producer of Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and The Menopause
A prominent women's health campaigner and filmmaker, Kate Muir brings the menopause conversation to the forefront. Her Channel 4 documentaries and best-selling books have transformed public awareness. Kate's talks break down taboos and provide invaluable insights into women's health, empowering corporate audiences to foster inclusivity.
39. Leanne Maskell
Bestselling Author of ADHD: An A to Z & The Model Manifesto
Leanne Maskell, an internationally renowned ADHD speaker and best-selling author, empowers individuals and organisations with her expertise. Founder of ADHD Works, she delivers insightful talks on neurodiversity to help businesses create inclusive environments. Leanne's inspiring journey from model to ADHD coach motivates audiences to harness their potential.
40. Thais Compoint
Founder & CEO of Déclic International
Thais Compoint, award-winning author and consultant, revolutionises corporate success through inclusive leadership. Founder of Déclic International, she offers transformative strategies for diverse workforce integration. Thais' TEDx talks and global influence make her a sought-after speaker, inspiring businesses to achieve sustainable success through diversity and inclusion programs.
”The first barrier to inclusion is affinity bias, The fact that we tend to favour people who are just like us.” - Thais Compoint
41. Amy Cuddy
Named the World Economic Forum Young Global Leader
Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist and best-selling author, is renowned for her Power Posing technique. Her impactful TED Talk, Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are, has inspired millions. Amy's engaging speeches on non-verbal communication and confidence empower business audiences to enhance their leadership and negotiation skills.
“A confident person — knowing and believing in her identity — carries tools, not weapons. We convince by our presence, and to convince others we need to convince ourselves.” - Amy Cuddy
42. Carey Lohrenz
Named the World Economic Forum Young Global Leader
Carey Lohrenz, the first female F-14 Tomcat Fighter Pilot, inspires audiences with her experience in the US Navy. Her best-selling books and motivational speeches on leadership and high performance under pressure resonate with corporate clients. Carey's insights empower teams to excel in today's fast-paced business environment.
"Wow! You were so inspiring and gave me great takeaways I can use with my team: Staying Focused on What Matters, Be Flexible, Adapt, Overcome, and Find my Third Way! You were captivating! So fascinating and yet relatable to MY world! Thank you" - Official speaking testimonial from Starbucks Coffee Company
43. Jo Salter
First Female Fighter Jet Pilot
Jo Salter, the first female fast jet pilot, shares her pioneering journey in the Royal Air Force. As Director of Global Transformative Leadership at PwC, she combines her leadership and analytical thinking to inspire audiences. Jo's speeches motivate businesses to embrace innovation and resilience.
44. Alexandra Palt
Eco-Advocate & Chief Sustainability Officer of L'Oréal
Alexandra Palt, Chief Sustainability Officer of L'Oréal, leads the company's sustainability initiatives. Her speeches on corporate responsibility and sustainable practices inspire businesses to achieve environmental and social goals. Alexandra's commitment to sustainability and women's rights makes her a powerful advocate for positive change in the corporate world.
45. Victoria Pendleton
Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist & Nine-time World Champion
Victoria Pendleton, a multi-gold medal Olympian, captivates audiences with her journey in cycling and equestrian sports. Her motivational speeches on peak performance, resilience, and overcoming adversity inspire businesses to foster a winning mindset. Victoria's experiences offer valuable lessons on achieving excellence and maintaining mental and physical well-being.
”Professional, open and humorous, all in the right measure." - Official speaking testimonial from Logistik Ltd
46. Katie Piper
Acid Attack Survivor & Campaigner
Katie Piper, an inspirational activist and author, shares her journey of overcoming adversity after surviving a life-changing acid attack. Her motivational speeches on resilience, self-love, and redefining beauty standards empower audiences. Katie's foundation work and public speaking teach others to transform challenges into opportunities for personal growth.
"Katie was fantastic - incredibly engaging, kind and open with the audience. During the Q&A, there were so many questions we had to cut it short! The attendees of the conference were delighted to have seen her speak and it was a pleasure working with her" - Official speaking testimonial from YOURgb Events Ltd
47. Sam McAlister
Journalist Who Interviewed Prince Andrew in 2019
Sam McAlister, a former criminal barrister turned acclaimed journalist and Interview Producer for BBC Newsnight, is renowned for securing the 2019 Prince Andrew interview. Author of Scoops and Executive Producer for Netflix's Scoop, Sam offers compelling insights into media and communications, making her an exceptional choice for your next speaking event.
48. Zelda La Grange
Former Private Secretary to Nelson Mandela
Zelda la Grange, former Private Secretary to Nelson Mandela, champions racial equality and advocates for social justice. Her bestselling book, Good Morning, Mr. Mandela, and impactful TEDx Talk, Walking the Walk: Standing Up Against Racism, provide profound insights into leadership and transformation. Zelda's speeches inspire audiences worldwide.
49. Jo Fairley
Co-founder of Green & Black's Chocolate
Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Black, is a pioneering entrepreneur known for her commitment to ethical business practices. Her extensive experience in sustainable business and organic food production makes her a sought-after speaker. Jo's talks, drawn from her remarkable career, inspire businesses to embrace sustainability and innovation.
50. Charlie Martin
First Professional Transgender Racing Driver
Charlie Martin, the first professional transgender motorsports racer, is breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. As an LGBTQ+ and diversity advocate, Charlie uses her platform to promote acceptance and understanding. Her inspiring story and commitment to inclusion make her an impactful speaker for corporate and community events.
Hire Inspiring Female Speakers Today!
Did you know you can hire any of the incredible women featured on our official list? Use our online booking form or call 0207 1010 553 to reach a sales team member. Our professional booking agents are on hand to streamline the booking process and secure your ideal female speaker.
