10 Global Female Business Leaders to Follow in 2025
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, female leaders are driving innovation and redefining success across industries. This post highlights some of the most inspiring women in business you’ll want to follow for insight, leadership, and bold ideas.
Why is it Important to Hire Female Business Leaders?
Following a female business leader is not only a show of support for fair representation but a smart business move. Despite women holding just 9% of CEO roles and 18% of CFO roles in FTSE 350 companies, data shows that gender-diverse organisations are 22% more likely to see improve profits. Alarmingly, the proportion of women in executive roles in corporate Britain declined last year for the first time in eight years. But female leaders often prioritise employee well-being and champion inclusive cultures that drive success. Their perspectives inspire progress and challenge outdated norms – making them vital voices in today’s business landscape.
Who are the Top Global Female Business Leaders to Follow in 2025?
At the Motivational Speakers Agency we work with some of the best female business leaders. Following the collection of vetted event poll data, from over 147 business-themed events between 2022 and 2024, Jack Hayes has collated the official top 10 female business leaders to follow in 2025:
- Jo Fairley
- Inga Beale
- Emma Grede
- Jo Malone
- Karren Brady
- Susie Wolff
- Zanny Minton Beddoes
- Randi Zuckerberg
- Carla Harris
- Helle Thorning-Schmidt
Jo Fairley
Jo Fairley is a celebrated female business leader best known for co-founding Green & Black’s, the first chocolate brand to carry the Fairtrade mark. Her success in transforming a small ethical business into a £100 million enterprise showcases her entrepreneurial talent. Beyond chocolate, Jo founded Judges Bakery, The Wellington Centre, and The Perfume Society, further cementing her reputation as a serial entrepreneur. Her extensive media contributions and numerous awards highlight her influence. As a speaker, Jo shares insights on leadership, sustainability, and women in business, making her an inspiring and authoritative voice for corporate audiences worldwide.
Official Feedback for Jo Fairley:
“Jo met the brief and event objectives 100%. She handled everything with the up-most professionalism and her comments were enlightening.” – Jergens Naturals
Inga Beale
Dame Inga Beale is an inspirational British business leader, renowned for being the first female CEO of Lloyd’s of London in its 328-year history. She broke barriers in the male-dominated insurance industry, advocating for diversity, inclusion, and LGBT+ rights. Openly bisexual, she topped the OUTstanding & FT Leading LGBT Executive List. With a career spanning global roles at firms like Prudential, Zurich, and GE, she champions equality and modern leadership. Now a sought-after speaker and non-executive director, Inga continues to shape the business world, making her a role model for women and underrepresented communities in finance and beyond.
Official Feedback for Inga Beale:
"Lovely discussion with authenticity and impact. I truly enjoyed Inga's style of engaging with her audience. She was genuine and inviting and encouraged each of us to take action" - FTI Consulting
Emma Grede
Emma Grede is a pioneering British businesswoman known for redefining fashion and entrepreneurship. As the CEO and co-founder of Good American and a founding partner of Skims, she champions inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability. From her East London roots to Forbes’ list of Richest Self-Made Women, Emma’s journey exemplifies determination and vision. She is hired as a speaker for her compelling insights on leadership, brand-building, and diversity. With real-world success and a passion for equity, Emma inspires audiences to challenge norms and lead with purpose. Her talks are both motivational and practical, making her a standout voice in today’s business world.
Emma Grede's Official Speaking Topics:
- Building Billion-Dollar Brands
- Innovation, Inclusivity, and Sustainability
- Diversity in Leadership
- Empowering Women in Business and Fashion
- Entrepreneurship
- Philanthropy and Supporting Minority-Owned Businesses
Jo Malone
Jo Malone is a trailblazing British businesswoman renowned for her innovation in the fragrance industry. Leaving school at 13 to care for her mother, and navigating life with severe dyslexia, Jo overcame early challenges with remarkable determination. She began crafting scents from home, which blossomed into the creation of Jo Malone London – now a global name in luxury fragrance. Her resilience and creativity later led to the founding of Jo Loves. Jo is celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit, storytelling, and branding expertise. Appointed CBE in 2018, she stands as a powerful female leader who inspires others through her journey of perseverance and success.
Official Feedback for Jo Malone:
"Touching, realistic and full of determination – good insights from an entrepreneur at a late stage." - News International
Karren Brady
Karren Brady is a leading female business figure, best known for breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of football. As the first woman to hold senior management roles at Birmingham City FC and later as Vice-Chairman of West Ham United, she’s proven her leadership in high-pressure environments. Karren is a sought-after speaker, hired for her compelling insights into business, resilience, and leadership. Audiences are inspired by her journey from trainee to Baroness, and value her practical advice on transforming struggling businesses. Her engaging presence and remarkable achievements make her a standout voice at corporate and public events across the UK.
Karren Brady's Official Speaking Topics:
- How to get entrepreneurial spirit
- How to be the best you can be
- How to build a world class culture
- How to turn a failing business into a world class brand
- The top ten key ingredients you need to be a success
Susie Wolff
Susie Wolff is a remarkable female business leader, renowned for her groundbreaking achievements in the male-dominated world of motorsport. As the Managing Director of the F1 Academy, she is leading efforts to nurture young female talent and provide opportunities in racing. Susie's journey, from winning awards in go-karting to becoming the first woman to participate in a Formula One race weekend in over two decades, proves her exceptional skill and determination. Her work with initiatives like Dare to be Different, alongside her career milestones, serves as a powerful inspiration for women aspiring to succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Official Feedback for Susie Wolff:
“Susie Wolff was really very inspirational. She has engaged our audience and was one of the favourite speakers and topic of the day.” - Accenture Event
Zanny Minton Beddoes
Zanny Milton Beddoes is a pioneering female business leader who has made history as the first woman to serve as Editor in Chief of “The Economist”. With over 21 years of experience, Zanny's expertise in economics and finance is unparalleled, having held significant roles at institutions like the IMF and advised Poland's Minister of Finance. Her leadership at “The Economist” saw a remarkable 20% increase in online subscriptions. As a motivational speaker, Zanny shares her journey of breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, inspiring future leaders with her insights on leadership, perseverance, and the power of change in business.
Official Feedback for Zanny Minton Beddoes:
"Zanny Minton Beddoes excelled at our event in London. Absolutely outstanding! To say Zanny knocked it out of the park would be an understatement" – CableLabs
Randi Zuckerberg
Randi Zuckerberg is an inspirational female business leader, known for her dynamic career in media and technology. As the CEO of Zuckerberg Media, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial skill, particularly through her work with Facebook, where she played a pivotal role in the platform’s early development. Randi is also a four-time bestselling author and an advocate for digital literacy and safety. Her extensive experience in tech and media, coupled with her passion for empowering women in business, makes her a sought-after speaker. Randi motivates audiences with insights on topics like cryptocurrency, future consumers, and the evolving digital landscape.
Randi Zuckerberg's Official Speaking Topics:
- Our Disrupted World: The New Rules of Engagement
- Dot Complicated: What I Learned on the Front Lines of Social Media
- Future Consumers
- Women in Business
- Pick Three: You Can Have It All (Just Not Every Day)
- Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency
Carla Harris
Carla Harris is a distinguished business leader with over 30 years of experience at Morgan Stanley, where she held significant roles such as Vice Chairman of Wealth Management. She is known for her expertise in leadership, diversity, and personal development, and has been recognised as one of the "50 Most Powerful Black Executives" by Fortune. A former Chair of the National Women’s Business Council, Carla advocates for women and diversity in leadership. A best-selling author and TED speaker, her engaging talks offer actionable insights on career advancement. Carla’s unique blend of corporate acumen and passion for empowerment makes her an exceptional speaker.
Carla Harris's Official Speaking Topics:
- Leadership & Career Success
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business
- The Power of Relationships & Mentorship
- Overcoming Challenges & Resilience
- Authentic Leadership & Personal Branding
Helle Thorning-Schmidt
Helle Thorning-Schmidt is a prominent Danish leader and business figure, renowned for her achievements in politics and social change. As Denmark’s first female Prime Minister, she spearheaded progressive reforms in education and social welfare. With a background in European politics, she also served as Leader of the Social Democrats and a Member of the European Parliament. Post-politics, Thorning-Schmidt became CEO of Save the Children, positively impacting millions of children worldwide. Her influential roles in global organisations, including the Facebook Oversight Board and the WHO, highlight her ongoing dedication to governance, social justice, and empowering global communities, making her an inspiring leader.
Official Feedback for Helle Thorning-Schmidt:
"Helle in particular has an incredible presence - we had senior partners queuing up for selfies with her." - Deloitte LLP
Book a Global Female Business Leader for Your 2025 Event
Hire a female business leader for your next speaking event to bring diverse perspectives and inspire the audience with unique insights on leadership and innovation. With proven experience in navigating today’s dynamic business landscape, our speakers offer invaluable lessons to all attendees.
If you are interested in booking an female business leader, don’t hesitate in getting in touch today! Contact one of our dedicated booking agents on 0207 0787 876 or by completing our online contact form.
This exclusive article on the top Global Female Business Leaders to Follow was written by Jack Hayes using vetted data from 147 business-themed events between 2022 and 2024 and research collected from Forbes and Reuters.
