Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller is a renowned motivational speaker whose remarkable career in British intelligence and public service inspires audiences around the world. Best known for her role as Director-General of MI5 from 2002 to 2007, she led the Security Service during a period of intense global tension. Her leadership following the 7th July 2005 London bombings showcased her calm authority, strategic thinking, and resilience under pressure.
Eliza’s journey began with key roles in international counter-terrorism, including work on the Lockerbie bombing investigation. During the first Gulf War, she was stationed in Washington as a senior liaison officer to the US intelligence community. On returning to the UK in 1992, she headed the newly formed Irish counter-terrorist section, created to tackle terrorism on the British mainland. She was promoted to the Security Service’s Management Board in 1993 and took charge of surveillance and technical operations before becoming Deputy Director-General in 1997.
Elevated to the peerage in 2008 as Baroness Manningham-Buller of Northampton, she has since made her mark across public life. She became a Crossbench Life Peer in the House of Lords and, in 2022, was appointed Chair of the Conduct Committee. In 2014, she was named a Lady Companion of the Order of the Garter, one of the UK’s highest honours, and in 2024, she made history again when King Charles III appointed her Chancellor of the Order, the first woman ever to hold the role.
Beyond her security career, Eliza has served in influential academic and scientific institutions. She joined the Court and Council of Imperial College London in 2009, later becoming its Chair. She was also a Governor of the Wellcome Trust and, since 2015, Co-President of Chatham House. In 2025, she was appointed an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society, further recognising her contribution to society.
Named one of Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2020, Baroness Manningham-Buller captivates audiences with her insights on leadership, crisis management, and ethical decision-making. Her motivational talks offer powerful lessons for business, government, and beyond, making her a truly exceptional speaker.
