Penny Mallory’s story is one of courage, resilience and determination. From running away from home at 14 and surviving three years of homelessness in London, she went on to become a Champion Rally Driver, TV Presenter and Leading Authority on Mental Toughness. Her journey from chaos to control has made her one of the most compelling motivational speakers in the UK. Penny’s life is proof that we can transform hardship into power, and she now helps others do the same through her energetic and practical keynotes.
Penny made motorsport history as the first woman to drive a World Rally Car for Ford in the World Rally Championship, achieving what no other woman has since matched. This milestone didn’t come easily. It was the result of years of sheer persistence, relentless training, and an unshakable belief in herself when the odds were stacked high. That experience became the foundation of her philosophy on mental toughness – the mindset that allows people to thrive under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and perform at their best when it matters most.
Her speaking career is built on that principle. Penny has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands including Microsoft, Google Cloud, Santander, Coca-Cola, NatWest, and Jaguar, sharing her insights on confidence, resilience and high performance. She draws on her expertise in Psychologically Powered Performance, a method she developed to help individuals and teams unlock focus, determination and commitment. Her delivery is honest, entertaining and deeply human, weaving together humour, storytelling and psychology in a way that stays with audiences long after the event ends.
Beyond the stage, Penny is also a TEDx Speaker and the author of three books: ‘365 Ways to Develop Mental Toughness’, ‘World Class Thinking, World Class Behaviour’, and ‘Take Control of Your Life’. She has presented for Channel 4, ITV, BBC Breakfast and other national television programmes, bringing her signature mix of authority and warmth to the screen. Penny continues to push limits in everything she does – from boxing and marathons to climbing some of the world’s highest mountains – and is now training to row the Atlantic Ocean. Her message is simple but powerful: with mental toughness, anything is possible.
Most recently, Penny Mallory was inducted into the Top Speakers to Book for International Women's Day, celebrating her inspirational journey that allowed her to gain success in the motorsport industry.
