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.

Most Decorated U.S. Female Olympian, 14x Olympic Medalist, 21x World Champion Swimmer, 16x World Record Breaker

Fees
    Please Inquire
Katie Ledecky is a 14-time Olympic Medalist and 21-time World Championship Gold Medalist, the most for any female swimmer. She has broken 14 World Records and 38 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, GRAVITAS, Former McKinsey Associate Principal, National Bestselling Author

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.

Motivational Leadership Expert, FBI’s First African American Female Special Agent Assistant Director

Fees
  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: Please Inquire
  • Asia: Please Inquire
Cassandra “Cassi” Chandler is an innovator, strategist, investigator, and leader who has broken barriers, led diverse teams, and built cultures of motivational leadership and inclusivity at some of the world’s most important organizations, including Bank of America and the FBI. In a career that has included many “firsts” across the U.S. government and financial services industries, she served as the FBI’s first African American female special agent assistant director as well as the Bureau’s first female national spokesperson and director of public and community affairs. In addition to defining the tools motivational leaders need to mindfully build more high-performing cultures, Chandler provides actionable insights on how to move the needle while leading with empathy.

Legendary Saturday Night Live Producer

Fees
  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*

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.

Former Secret Service Special Agent and Interrogator, Co-Host of Bravo TV’s “Spy Games”, NBC News Analyst

Fees
  • Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
For more than 12 years, Evy Poumpouras served as a Secret Service special agent in an action-packed career during which she was responsible for protecting the world’s most high-value assets. She was a member of the Presidential Protective Division for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and also protected Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush. Today, she is a widely recognized multimedia journalist, host, and producer who uses her skills in front of the camera and behind it to conduct headline-grabbing interviews and investigate the biggest stories in the media. She appears regularly on “TODAY,” MSNBC, and “Good Morning America” to share her sought-after expertise on national security, law enforcement, and crime. In addition to her role as NBC’s law enforcement and national security analyst, she is the host of Bravo TV’s competition series "Spy Games." Having mastered the arts of communication and psychology in a wide-ranging career that has taken her from the Secret Service to the TV screen and everywhere in between, Poumpouras offers unconventional strategies for crushing any challenge and living life fearlessly.

Game Changing Business Leader, Former 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.

Former CIA Officer, FBI Special Agent, Educator, and Author

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

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.

Adventurer, Author, First & Only Woman to Kayak the Amazon River from Source to Sea

Fees
  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US West: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • Europe: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • Asia: $20,001 - $35,000*
An adventurer, record-setter, and boundary-breaker, Darcy Gaechter is best known as the first woman - and member of the first team - to kayak the Amazon River from source to sea. The journey required her crew to paddle over 4,000 miles across the widest part of South America, a voyage that took 148 days to complete. She is also the author of The Kayaker’s Guide to Ecuador and Amazon Woman, an adventure memoir detailing her Amazon River expedition and the life challenges she faced to get there – the rights of which have been purchased to turn her story into a movie. Gaechter inspires audiences with her personal journey of overcoming obstacles and making the impossible possible – sharing useful tactics to take on even the most daunting of challenges and demonstrating how a strong belief in yourself and in your goal are key ingredients to any success.

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: $75,001 and up*
  • 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 public speaker who gives impactful 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 Woman Thunderbird Pilot, Combat Veteran, Fighter Squadron Commander, White House Fellow & Adviser, and Indomitable Spirit

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. 

Pioneering Female Sports Agent and CEO

Fees
  • Local: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Europe: Please Inquire
  • Asia: Please Inquire
Molly Fletcher is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She is a rare talent of business wisdom, relationship brilliance and unwavering optimism. As a CEO, she shares her unconventional and unique techniques that made her one of the first female sports agents in the high stakes, big ego world of professional sports and now a successful entrepreneur. As president of client representation for sports and entertainment agency CSE, Molly spent two decades as one of the world’s only female sports agents.

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 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.