Female speakers changing the future of the keynote speakers industry are:
- Katy Leeson
- Dr Jo Salter MBE
- Jenna Meek
- Susie Wolff
- Kirsty Murphy MBE
- Emma Tolhurst
- Brigadier Nicky Moffat CBE
- Harriet Beveridge
- Penny Power
- Malala Yousafzai
- Michelle Visage
- Emma Grede
- Keely Hodgkinson
- Kate Muir
- Laïla El-Métoui
- Sarah Armstrong-Smith
Female keynote speakers are reshaping the industry by bringing lived experience, commercial expertise, activism, resilience and fresh leadership thinking to the stage. From aviation and motorsport to entrepreneurship, inclusion, sport, health and media, these women are changing what audiences expect from keynote speaking: practical insight, authenticity and real-world impact.
Katy Leeson
Katy Leeson is changing the keynote speaking industry by making leadership feel honest, human and practical. As the former Managing Director of Social Chain, she helped scale the agency from a fast-growing start-up into a global marketing force, working alongside Steven Bartlett and leading teams through rapid change. Today, as Co-Founder of Blank Space Content Studios, growth coach and marketing consultant, Katy brings rare credibility to conversations around imposter syndrome, female leadership, workplace mental health and next-generation management. Her straight-talking style cuts through theory, giving audiences relatable strategies they can apply immediately.
Katy Leeson's Key Achievements:
- 2025 - Co-Founder of Blank Space Content Studios
- 2022 - Chief Executive Officer of Relentless Group
- 2017 - UK Managing Director of Social Chain
- 2015 - Head of New Business & Marketing for MediaCom North
Dr Jo Salter MBE
Dr Jo Salter MBE is a pioneering keynote speaker whose story redefines leadership under pressure. As Britain’s first female fast jet pilot, she broke barriers in one of the most demanding and male-dominated environments in the world, flying the Tornado GR1 on frontline missions. Her later work with PwC, including global leadership and GenAI advisory roles, gives her a powerful business perspective too. Jo is changing the speaker industry by combining cockpit-level resilience with boardroom transformation insight. She helps audiences understand courage, adaptability, inclusive leadership and how to perform when decisions truly matter.
Dr Jo Salter MBE's Key Achievements:
- 2024 - Global Advisory GenAI for PwC
- 2022 - Appointed MBE in the New Year Honours for Services to Aviation
- 2021 - Director of Global Transformative Leadership for PwC
- 2015 - Director of People & Organisations for PwC
- 1994 - Pilot in the 617 Squadron, Britain's first female fast jet pilot
Jenna Meek
Jenna Meek is shaping the future of keynote speaking by bringing a modern founder’s perspective to the stage. As CEO and Co-Founder of REFY, she has helped build one of the UK’s fastest-growing beauty brands, known for minimalist products, inclusive branding and strong digital growth. Before REFY, Jenna founded SHRINE at just 20, later exiting the company after building partnerships with major global brands. Her keynote value lies in her ability to explain entrepreneurship in real terms: product development, social media, consumer behaviour, brand identity and resilience. She speaks to ambitious audiences who want practical lessons from a young, proven business leader.
Jenna Meek's Key Achievements:
- 2026 - Guest Dragon on Dragons' Den
- 2022 - Named on the Forbes 30 Under 30
- 2020 - Co-Founder & CEO of REFY Beauty
- 2016 - Founder of The Gypsy Shrine
Susie Wolff
Susie Wolff is changing the keynote speaking industry by turning motorsport leadership into a global conversation about equality, performance and opportunity. A former professional racing driver, she became the first woman in 22 years to take part in a Formula One race weekend session. Now Managing Director of F1 Academy, Susie is helping create a stronger pathway for female racing talent. Her story gives audiences more than inspiration; it shows how representation, confidence and long-term commitment can change an industry. As a speaker, she brings authority, warmth and a clear message about breaking barriers with purpose.
Susie Wolff's Key Achievements:
- 2025 - Published her memoir "Driven"
- 2023 - Managing Director of the F1 Academy
- 2021 - CEO of Venturi Formula E Team
- 2017 - Appointed MBE for Services to Women in Sport
Kirsty Murphy MBE
Kirsty Murphy MBE is reshaping keynote speaking through her powerful combination of aviation excellence, resilience and emotional honesty. As the first and only female Red Arrows pilot, she built her career in an environment defined by precision, pressure and trust. Her RAF service, later work with the UK Space Agency, and consultancy experience give her a rare perspective on leadership, risk and transformation. Kirsty is changing the industry because she speaks with both strength and vulnerability, openly addressing setbacks, anxiety and burnout. Her keynotes help audiences understand how to perform under pressure while staying human.
Kirsty Murphy MBE's Key Achievements:
- 2025 - Aviation Senior Consultant for Connected Places Catapult
- 2021 - Appointed MBE
- 2021 - Chief of Staff, Head of Secretariat & Project Delivery Manager for the UK Space Agency
- 2013 - Fast Jet Training Capability Manager for the Royal Air Force
- 2009 - First female Red Arrows Pilot
Emma Tolhurst MCIPD
Emma Tolhurst, MCIPD, is changing the keynote speaker industry by placing employee experience and workplace culture at the heart of business performance. With almost 24 years at Accenture, including senior roles in people communications, employer brand and global engagement, Emma understands how large organisations connect, motivate and retain people. Her work across consulting, HR, communications and culture gives her talks depth and practical relevance. Emma helps leaders move beyond surface-level engagement and build workplaces where people understand the purpose of change. Her keynote expertise is especially valuable for organisations navigating transformation, communication challenges and cultural growth.
Emma Tolhurst MCIPD's Key Achievements:
- 2024 - Executive Advisor of Employee Engagement for Woodrow
- 2021 - Executive Director of Brand-Led Employee Experience at Landor & Fitch
- 2019 - Global People Communications Lead at Accenture
- 2013 - Employer Brand Director at Accenture
Nicky Moffat
Brigadier Nicky Moffat CBE is influencing the keynote speaking industry by translating military leadership into clear, practical lessons for business. During her 27-year Army career, she led thousands of soldiers and worked in high-pressure government and defence environments. Since leaving the Armed Forces, she has advised organisations across sectors on leadership, culture and team performance. Nicky’s keynote style is story-led, tailored and highly applicable, helping audiences reflect on what good leadership looks like in their own roles. She is changing the industry by proving that leadership talks should be grounded, bespoke and useful long after the event ends.
Brigadier Nicky Moffat CBE's Key Achievements:
- The highest-ranked woman in the British Army
- 2021 - Military Advisor & Choreographer for Fundació del Gran Teatre del Liceu
- 2012 - Appointed CBE for Services to the Armed Forces
- 2012 - Head of Pay & Strategic Manning for the UK Ministry of Defence
- 2012 - Founder of What Good Leadership Looks Like
- 2009 - Director of Personnel Administrative Capability
Harriet Beveridge
Harriet Beveridge is helping reshape keynote speaking by blending elite performance, neuroscience, psychology, business experience and comedy. With more than 20 years in business, a background in management consulting and an MSc in Neuroscience and Psychology, she brings academic rigour without losing warmth or humour. As a TEDx speaker, performance coach and Edinburgh Fringe comic, Harriet creates sessions that feel energising, intelligent and memorable. She is changing the industry by making performance science accessible and enjoyable. Her audiences leave with practical strategies for focus, mindset and motivation, delivered in a way that feels fresh rather than formulaic.
Harriet Beveridge's Key Achievements:
- 2025 - Achieved an MSc in Neuroscience & Psychology of Mental Health with Distinction
- 2019 - TEDx Make Em Laugh
- 2015 - Author of "Turnip-Led Weaning: Outrageous Parenting Advice from a Spoof Nanny"
- 2015 - Executive Director of Talking Talent
- 2011 - Co-Author of "Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?"
Penny Power OBE
Penny Power OBE is shaping the keynote speaking industry through her lifelong focus on community, connection and humanity in business. As the founder of Ecademy, one of the first online business communities, she helped define how professionals connect digitally before social networking became mainstream. Her work as an author, entrepreneur and speaker centres on trust, belonging and mental wellbeing in the workplace. Penny is changing keynote speaking by challenging purely transactional views of business and reminding leaders that people drive sustainable success. Her talks are especially powerful for organisations seeking stronger relationships, healthier cultures and authentic digital engagement.
Penny Power OBE's Key Achievements:
- 2020 - Chat Show Host of Business Blondes TV
- 2014 - Founder of Business is Personal
- 2013 - Founding CEO of The Business Cafe
- 2011 - Founding Director of Digital Youth Academy
- 1998 - Founder of Ecademy
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is one of the most influential speakers in the world because her story carries global moral force. As the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner and a fearless advocate for girls’ education, she has turned personal trauma into international action. Through the Malala Fund, she continues to campaign for access to education and equality for girls worldwide. Malala is changing the keynote industry by showing the power of purpose-led speaking at its highest level. Her presence elevates events, but her real impact lies in inspiring audiences to think differently about courage, education and responsibility.
Malala Yousafzai's Key Achievements:
- 2024 - Recipient of the Champion of the International Rule of Law Award by the American Society of International Law
- 2017 - Youngest person ever to address the House of Commons in Canada
- 2015 - Subject of the documentary "He Named Me Malala"
- 2014 - Co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, the youngest person in history at 17
- 2012 - Survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban
Michelle Visage
Michelle Visage is changing the keynote and after-dinner speaking industry by bringing authenticity, entertainment and cultural influence to the stage. Known globally as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she has built a career across music, radio, television, theatre and publishing. Michelle’s influence extends beyond celebrity; she represents confidence, self-expression and acceptance. Her speaking style is bold, warm and engaging, making her a powerful choice for events that want energy and personality. She helps audiences connect with themes of resilience, identity and creative reinvention, while bringing the instant recognition and charisma of a true entertainment icon.
Michelle Visage's Key Achievements:
- 2024 - Host of "RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under"
- 2021 - Judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under"
- 2019 - Presenter of "Michelle Visage's Fabulous Divas"
- 3x Primetime Emmy Award winner
- 2x Producers Guild of America Award winner
Emma Grede
Emma Grede is reshaping keynote speaking by bringing together entrepreneurship, fashion, inclusivity and commercial success. As Co-Founder and CEO of Good American, a founding partner of Skims and Co-Founder of Safely, she has helped build brands that challenge outdated ideas about representation and consumer demand. Her work in size inclusivity, brand partnerships and retail access gives her a strong voice on modern business leadership. Emma is changing the industry because she speaks from the centre of high-growth, culture-shaping companies. Her insights help audiences understand how inclusive thinking can drive innovation, loyalty and serious commercial results.
Emma Grede's Key Achievements:
- 2026 - Author of "Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life"
- 2025 - Guest Dragon on Dragons' Den
- 2021 - Co-Founder of Safely
- 2019 - Co-Founder of Skims
- 2016 - Co-Founder & CEO of Good American
Keely Hodgkinson MBE
Keely Hodgkinson MBE is changing the keynote speaking industry by bringing the voice of a young, elite athlete to conversations about resilience, ambition and pressure. An Olympic gold medallist in the 800m, she has already achieved global success while overcoming significant physical challenges, including hearing loss and injury setbacks. Her story resonates because it combines youth, discipline and world-class performance. As a speaker, Keely inspires audiences with lessons on perseverance, focus and self-belief. She is especially powerful for younger audiences, leadership events and organisations looking to understand what sustained excellence looks like from the next generation.
Keely Hodgkinson's Key Achievements:
- 2026 - World Indoor Champion
- 2026 - Broke the Women's Indoor 800m World Record
- 2025 - Appointed MBE
- 2024 - Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year
- 1x gold, 1x silver Olympic medallist
- 4x European Champion
Kate Muir
Kate Muir is reshaping keynote speaking by bringing women’s health, menopause and hormone education into mainstream corporate conversation. As a journalist, author, filmmaker and campaigner, she has helped change public understanding through documentaries, books and policy work. Her talks combine research, humour and direct storytelling, making complex and often ignored health issues accessible for business audiences. Kate is changing the industry because she gives organisations the language and confidence to address menopause, contraception, gender health gaps and workplace support. Her work proves that keynote speaking can create cultural change, not just conversation.
Kate Muir's Key Achievements:
- 2025 - Author of "How to Have a Magnificent Midlife Crisis"
- 2024 - Author of "Everything You Need to Know About the Pill"
- 2023 - Creator & Producer of "Davina McCall's Pill Revolution" for Channel 4
- 2020 - Founding Member of The Menopause Charity
Laïla El-Métoui
Laïla El-Métoui is changing the keynote speaker industry by bringing intersectional inclusion, lived experience and policy insight together with exceptional clarity. As Founder and CEO of Pride in Education and LelmEducation, and Chair and Founder of Proud London Councils, she has become a trusted voice on equity, belonging and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Her work spans race, disability, sexuality, education and organisational change, giving her keynotes depth and urgency. Laïla moves audiences beyond surface-level diversity statements and towards meaningful action. She is shaping the future of speaking by making inclusion practical, accountable and deeply human.
Laïla El-Métoui's Key Achievements:
- 2025 - Core Member of the LGBTQI+ Community Forum for the Greater London Authority
- 2020 - Founder & CEO of lemeducation
- 2020 - Founder & CEO of Pride In Education
- 2018 - Founder & Chair of Proud London Councils
Sarah Armstrong-Smith
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is reshaping the keynote speaking industry by bringing cybersecurity, crisis management and human-centred leadership into sharp focus. As former Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft EMEA, she guided organisations through complex digital transformation and risk. Her experience handling major incidents, including the Millennium Bug, gives her rare authority on resilience under pressure. Sarah is changing the industry by making technical topics accessible and relevant to every audience. Her keynotes bridge the gap between technology and people, helping organisations understand cyber risk, leadership accountability and why human behaviour remains the biggest security challenge. As she puts it, "Cyber resilience should be recognised as a strategic enabler, not merely a technical safeguard."(Forbes).
Sarah Armstrong-Smith's Key Achievements:
- 2025 - Board Member of the UK Government Cyber Advisory Board
- 2024 - Author of "Understand the Cyber Attacker Mindset"
- 2022 - Author of "Effective Crisis Management"
- 2020 - Chief Security Advisor EMEA for Microsoft
- 2019 - Group Head of Business Resilience & Crisis Management for the London Stock Exchange Group
- 2017 - Head of Continuity & Resilience, Enterprise & Cyber Security for Fujitsu
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