Nicola Barke

Nicola Barke has led a stellar career as a professional boxer, currently standing with an undefeated record. She is also credited as the UK’s First Female to ever compete in Lethwei and win a World Title. Having transitioned into a boxing career from one in ballet, Nicola is an emblem of female empowerment. Her story is inspiring – she struggled with narcolepsy as a child, tried to excel in ballet to please her parents, turned her focus to martial arts, and has worked extensively in the corporate world and is now a highly sought after keynote speaker. When hired as a speaker, Nicola addresses topics such as resilience, high performance, sports, motivation, and mental health.

After 16 years in the world of ballet, Nicola decided she wanted to try building a career in martial arts, particularly taekwando. Having begun practice only in 2009, Nicola surmounted to great heights in just 3 years. She was crowned British Champion in 2011 and World Champion in 2012. On a personal front, Nicola has been met with a host of challenges that could have completely altered the course of her career. Reeling from a car crash and a brain tumour diagnosis, she struggled with PTSD. If not for her resilience and determination to overcome adversity, Nicola would not be known as an undefeated record-holding boxer.

While she pursued her passions, Nicola rose the corporate ladder, working in several eminent roles at HSBC. Joining as a Sales & Service Manager for HSBC in 2015, she held prominent positions such as Global Digital Analyst, Transformation Manager and several others, before finally taking on responsibility as Global Transformation Manager at HSBC – a role she presently holds. She was tasked with overseeing funds of £30 million and heads a team of over 170 people across the technology and business factions.

Nicola is one of the world’s most successful athletes, with accolades and World Titles in Burmese Boxing in addition to a UK number 2 ranking in the super lightweight division and global top 25 ranking in the super lightweight division. Nicola is also a WLC Lethwei Super Lightweight Champion and a WBO British Lightweight Kickboxing Champion. In 2021, she signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, which is the UK’s largest boxing promoter – an incredible feat. Now as a keynote speaker, Nicola merges her corporate and athletic experience to help businesses learn the tenets of resilience, leadership and building confidence to achieve excellence. If you are looking for an accomplished and seasoned multi-sport world champion to address your audience, Nicola Barke is the best choice for you. Contact today!