Women Motivational Speakers

Are you looking for a motivational female speaker to inspire audiences at your next event?


We work with incredible female business leaders, military veterans, journalists, athletes, and more who "wow" audiences with gripping stories of beating the odds and finding success in even the most unlikely circumstances. These top female motivational speakers share their stories and move audiences to push past obstacles, set and meet major goals, and build the future they’ve always dreamed of. 


Also able to touch on gender issues, these inspirational female voices leave attendees feeling excited, energized, and adequately armed to tackle any challenge or roadblock with high-level insight and practical advice.

Let us know if you are interested in one of our speakers for your event.

Olympic Champion Swimmer; 10x Olympic Medalist, 21x World Champion, 14x World Record Breaker

Fees
    Please Inquire
Katie Ledecky is a 10-time Olympic Medalist (seven Gold, three Silver) and 21-time World Championship Gold Medalist, the most for any female swimmer. She has broken 14 World Records and 37 American Records in her career. Katie was the most decorated female athlete at both Tokyo and Rio Games and had the most decorated single Olympics performance ever by a U.S. female athlete in Rio. Katie’s success has earned her USA Swimming’s Golden Goggles Award as Female Swimmer of the Year an unprecedented eight times. A recent graduate of Stanford University, Katie is passionate about the importance of education, especially STEM and leadership programs for girls. Katie went home with more hardware at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics - two gold medals and two silver medals, making her the most decorated female swimmer in individual events of all time. She also made history by winning gold at the first ever 1500m women’s event.

Founder & CEO of GRAVITAS, National Bestselling Author of GRAVITAS (USA Today, No. 1 on Amazon)

Fees
  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Lisa Sun, founder and CEO of GRAVITAS, seamlessly blends stories from her data-driven insights from 11 years at McKinsey & Company and from her experience as an entrepreneur launching an innovative retail brand to offer talks that encourage audiences to choose self-confidence, work to harness their “superpower,” and use gravitas to advance personally and professionally. Sun explores why it’s vital to push past your potential, how to transform an idea into a movement, and why you’ve got to bet on yourself every single day. Sun has always had a passion for style, for inclusivity, and for helping people look and feel their best and was named one of Washingtonian Magazine's Best Dressed Women.

Renowned Business Leader, CEO of EXOS the Performance Coaching Company, Former President of Equinox, Former Global President of Gatorade, Former Marketing Director at Nike and the Virgin Group

Fees
    Please Inquire

Executive, activist, and entrepreneur, Sarah Robb O’Hagan is described by the media as everything from “Superwoman undercover” to the “Queen of the Jocks” to the ultimate example of where motivational business woman, mother, and fitness fanatic combine. Named among Forbes “Most Powerful Women in Sports” and recognized as one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business,” Sarah's career includes leadership roles at some of the world’s most iconic brands. She is the former CEO of Flywheel Sports, former President of Gatorade, former Director at Nike, and an internationally recognized re-inventor of brands. She is the founder of Extreme Living, a consultancy focused on bringing the best out of individuals and organizations.

Retired NASA Astronaut, Rocket Scientist, Electrical Engineer, & Third African American Woman in Space

Fees
  • Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
A NASA astronaut, Joan Higginbotham is a trailblazing electrical engineer who in December 2006, flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery to become the third African American woman to travel into space. Over the nearly 13-day mission, she joined the seven-member crew to continue construction of the International Space Station (ISS), embarking on four space walks and operating the station’s robotic arm. Sharing captivating insights from her 20-year distinguished career with NASA, Higginbotham inspires audiences with her personal journey of breaking barriers into space and beyond. Taking groups aboard the International Space Station and sharing her lessons-learned along the way, she highlights the keys to succeeding in her missions – including preparation, perseverance, and never giving up – and how these tactics can be applied to any endeavor.

Innovator and CEO, Uncharted

Fees
  • Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US West: $55,001 - $75,000*
  • Europe: $55,001 - $75,000*
  • Asia: $75,001 and up*
Jessica O. Matthews is the Founder & CEO of Uncharted, an award-winning energy and data technology company that develops infrastructure solutions for communities, facilities, and Internet of Things. The company was founded by Jessica when she was only 22 years old. Jessica’s research and career centers around the intersection of disruptive technology, renewable energy, human behavior, and the psychology of self-actualization. A dual citizen of Nigeria & the U.S., Jessica has a degree in Psychology and Economics from Harvard University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and is listed on over 10 patents and patents pending—including her first invention of the SOCCKET, an energy generating soccer ball, at the age of 19.

Army Ranger School Graduate, Leadership and Peak Performance Expert

Fees
  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US West: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Asia: $20,001 - $35,000*

Lisa Jaster is one of only three women to graduate from the first integrated United States Army Ranger program, which is one of the most difficult combat training courses in the world, and she was the first female Army Reserve officer to become a Ranger. Lisa continues to demonstrate that barriers are meant to be broken and exemplifies how perseverance and hard work are absolutely essential to achieving your goals. Filled with humorous stories and motivational anecdotes, her talks leave audiences inspired to push past adversity no matter the cost and better their lives.

Founder, Kindness Factory; Resilience Expert

Fees
  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US West: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Asia: $20,001 - $35,000*

A testament to the power of the human spirit, Kath Koschel is a survivor who has overcome incredible odds and unimaginable tragedy to inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Koschel is formerly an elite cricketer and Ironman competitor whose world came crashing down when she broke her back twice in the span of five years and was told she’d never walk again. Instead, she faced the challenges head-on and defied all medical prognoses by teaching herself to walk again on three separate occasions. Driven by a passion to spread gratitude in the world, she founded Kindness Factory with the goal of encouraging one million acts of kindness and helping people find the light during dark times — just as she has done so many times.

Life Sciences Leader, Former EVP, Chief Medical Officer, & Chief Patient Officer at Pfizer, Inc.

Fees
  • Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
A pioneer in medicine and leadership, Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall has been on the frontlines of healthcare for more than four decades as a clinician, researcher, and leader in the biopharmaceuticals and life sciences industries. Dr. Lewis-Hall is an incredible storyteller with a flair for well-timed humor who shares with audiences her powerful story and inspiring path to becoming a leader in the healthcare industry. Her talks motivate audience members to embrace pressure and determine their own destinations, just as she did on her path to being the first in her family to attend college, becoming a physician and, subsequently, a biopharmaceutical executive. Dr. Lewis-Hall’s message of perseverance, tenacity, equity, inclusion, and transparency is one that resonates with all audiences and diverse backgrounds.

Boxing Champion, Elite Athlete, Fitness & Nutrition Expert, TV Host, Beauty & Lifestyle Brand CEO, Actress, Advocate for Children, Author, &Speaker

Fees
  • Local: $75,001 and up*
  • US East: $75,001 and up*
  • US West: $75,001 and up*
  • Europe: $75,001 and up*
  • Asia: $75,001 and up*

Laila Ali is a world-class athlete, fitness & nutrition expert, TV host, cooking enthusiast, founder of the Laila Ali Lifestyle Brand and mother of two. The daughter of late beloved global icon and humanitarian, Muhammad Ali, she is a four-time undefeated boxing world champion, whose stellar record includes 24 wins (21 of which were "knockouts") and zero losses. Laila is heralded as the most successful female in the history of women's boxing continues to motivate people across the globe.

Vice Chairman, Global Wealth Management & Senior Client Advisor At Morgan Stanley

Fees
  • Local: $55,001 - $75,000*
  • US East: $55,001 - $75,000*
  • US West: $55,001 - $75,000*
  • Europe: Please Inquire
  • Asia: Please Inquire

Carla Harris is Vice Chairman of Wealth Management and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley. She was Chair of the Morgan Stanley Foundation from 2005 to 2014, and sits on the boards of several community organizations. In August 2013, Carla was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council. She is a gospel recording artist and a popular motivational speaker who gives inspirational career guidance to corporate audiences based on her book, “Expect to Win.” Carla joined Morgan Stanley in 1987 after completing an AB in economics from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

First African American Female Combat Pilot

Fees
  • Local: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Europe: $55,001 - $75,000*
  • Asia: Please Inquire
Combat tests you. Being a beat cop tests you. Life tests you. Three brothers and being the only girl...tests you. Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour has been tested her whole life. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of “firsts” including America’s first Black woman combat pilot. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. After her military service, FlyGirl revved up her career in the private sector as an entrepreneur, consultant to business, and author of Zero to Breakthrough, The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter. As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. She helps individuals and organizations Get Gutsy and build a sustainable inner force and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals.

First Woman Thunderbird Pilot, Combat Veteran, & Fighter Squadron Commander

Fees
  • Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $55,001 - $75,000*
  • Asia: Please Inquire

A 21-year veteran of the United States Air Force, Colonel Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Ret.) wanted to fly military jets from the moment she saw them at her first air show when she was five years old. She achieved that goal – and then some. A leader, a combat veteran, the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, an instructor, a White House Fellow, and an inductee into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame, Nicole’s Air Force career exceeded her wildest dreams and now shares her motivational & inspirational story for audiences everywhere. 

Motivational Speeches on Various Subjects

Bring fresh energy and exciting ideas to your next event by hiring one of these fantastic female motivational speakers. Our speakers are sure to leave your attendees with a new perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. 

These inspirational women speakers touch on everything from how to push past failure and “never let the quit in" and why you must always act as though you already sit in the seat you aspire to have, to how to avoid being discouraged by chasing a dream that no woman ever has achieved before.

Here are a few other topics you can hear from these accomplished speakers:

  • Setting and achieving your goals
  • Getting peak performance through discipline
  • Choosing self-confidence
  • Changing your mindset
  • Understanding your strengths
  • Overcoming burnout
  • Managing stress
  • Going against your plan
  • Leading by example
  • Determining your own destination
  • Pushing past your limits
  • Finding success as a woman

These talented speakers bring the female perspective and unique insights from their success in often male-dominated roles. They also bring positive energy and passion for success and helping others. Another benefit of female motivational speakers is the strong emotional connections they build with audiences, creating more impactful effects.

Hear From Accomplished Speakers

Beyond introducing fresh ideas through diverse and engaging topics, Leading Authorities speakers bureau has a roster of award-winning, innovative women. They bring leadership expertise and experience as the first women to accomplish incredible feats in their fields. Our roster includes:

More specifically, our female motivational speakers include the first female Army Reserve Ranger, the first female four-star General, the first female president of a national sports franchise, the first transgender Navy SEAL, a Paralympic athlete, a world-renowned journalist who took on a major news network, the most successful female boxer in history, the first female Thunderbird pilot, female CEOs, and more. Their incredible achievements and impactful stories for staying motivated will leave an indelible impression on your group.

The Types of Events They Cover

Our female motivational speakers are the perfect capstone for any event. They bring energy and real-life experience to encourage listeners and provide practical strategies for success. Here are a few events they might speak at:

  • Conferences: These women can speak at personal development or leadership conferences. They also bring expertise in particular industries to suit your needs. 
  • Corporate events: Whether you seek to build better teams at a company retreat or encourage continued growth at your annual meetings, we have a speaker that suits your needs. 
  • Educational events: Use the expertise of successful women across fields to encourage student populations to set goals, overcome obstacles, or achieve career objectives. 
  • Leadership retreats: Women in positions like business CEOs or military leadership know what it takes to drive innovation and make difficult decisions on behalf of their teams.
  • Special events: As your organization celebrates events like Women's History Month, hear and learn from the stories of incredible women. 

Our Event Speaker Expertise

At Leading Authorities speakers bureau, we have over 30 years of experience in wowing audiences with talented speakers and the perfect solution for any challenge. We are in the people business, with a team of event professionals who provide personalized service to find the ideal speaker for your event. They can work with extremely specific requests and quick turnarounds for last-minute cancellations from other firms. Our people also include our roster of talented, professional speakers. 

With a main office in Washington, D.C., and a second office in London, we can serve any event nationally or internationally. We give you the best access to leading women who can advance your event. 

Invite a Female Motivational Speaker to Your Event

At Leading Authorities speakers bureau, we’ll help you find a speaker who can most closely relate to your specific audience. We will also take your budget, theme, goals, and more into consideration when creating a customized speaker list for you.

For more information on booking one of these accomplished speakers or a specific speaker not listed above for your next meeting or event, contact our team today. We specialize in placing hard-to-find and in-demand keynote speakers from around the world, who may not be listed on our website.

You can also email us, call 1-800-SPEAKER, or live chat with a member of our team right now.