Choosing a keynote speaker for a UK event often starts with a simple question about what you’d like the room to take away. Some organisers want fresh thinking on leadership, while others are looking for a story that reminds people what is possible. Many conferences also want a mix of both.
Whatever the occasion, there’s a women speaker whose story or expertise can bring something new to the room. Here are eight to explore, grouped by topic so you can see how each might connect with your audience.
Women Speakers on Leadership
Leadership keynotes can suit anything from board away days to management conferences. These two speakers approach the subject from very different careers.
Mandy Hickson: A former RAF fighter pilot who draws on her time flying Tornado jets to talk about high-pressure decision-making, teamwork and performing when the stakes are high.
Tanni Grey-Thompson: A multiple Paralympic gold medallist and member of the House of Lords, who speaks about leadership, determination and creating opportunities for others.
Women Speakers on Technology and Innovation
Audiences often enjoy hearing how new ideas take hold, whether in engineering or in the way businesses are designed. These speakers explore innovation from two distinct angles.
Ellen MacArthur: The record-breaking sailor who went on to found the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, speaking about the circular economy and how businesses can rethink the way products are made and used.
Yassmin Abdel-Magied: An engineer, author and broadcaster whose talks look at technology, belonging and who gets to shape the future of the industries we work in.
Women Speakers on Business and Entrepreneurship
Stories from founders and brand builders can give audiences a close-up view of how an idea becomes an organisation. Both speakers below have spent their careers building brands people recognise.
Jo Malone: The entrepreneur behind Jo Malone London and, later, Jo Loves, who talks about creativity, building a business from scratch and starting again.
Mary Portas: A retail and brand expert, broadcaster and author, known for her work on high streets, customer experience and bringing more kindness into business.
Women Speakers on Resilience
Resilience keynotes tend to work well for company-wide events, where organisers would like to encourage a broad audience. These speakers share personal experiences that audiences often find stay with them long after the event.
Martine Wright MBE: A survivor of the 7/7 London bombings who went on to represent Great Britain in sitting volleyball at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, speaking about recovery, perspective and positivity.
Women Speakers on Culture and the Workplace
Conversations about culture often come up in strategy sessions and people-focused events, particularly when organisations are adjusting to new ways of working.
Lucy Adams: A former BBC HR director who speaks about workplace culture, trust and how organisations can approach people management in a changing world.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Event
Many of these speakers cross over into more than one topic. A leadership speaker may also bring a resilience story, and a business speaker may have plenty to say about culture. It can help to think about the mood you’d like the audience to leave with, whether that is energised, informed or ready to talk through new ideas.
Format is another option to explore. Several speakers are equally comfortable with a traditional keynote, a fireside chat or a moderated conversation, which can suit smaller or more discussion-led events.
Find a Women Keynote Speaker for Your UK Event
Leading Authorities works with event planners across the UK to understand what they’re looking for and suggest speakers who might be a good match. Whether you have a few names in mind or are at the very beginning of your search, we’d be happy to talk it through.
To discuss your next event:
- Call us at +44 20 3038 4689
- Email [email protected]
- Fill out our contact form
FAQs:
Who are some inspiring women speakers for UK events?
Leading Authorities works with women speakers across leadership, technology, business, resilience and culture, including Mandy Hickson, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Ellen MacArthur, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Jo Malone, Mary Portas, Martine Wright MBE and Lucy Adams.
What topics do women keynote speakers cover?
Topics range from leadership and innovation to entrepreneurship, resilience and workplace culture. The most relevant subject usually depends on the purpose of the event and who will be in the audience.
How far in advance can I book a women keynote speaker in the UK?
Many planners begin their search six to twelve months ahead, which tends to give more flexibility with availability. If your event is sooner, a speakers bureau can help explore the options that are open.
Can women keynote speakers tailor their talks to my event?
Many speakers can adapt their content to an organisation’s industry or conference themes, sometimes with a briefing call beforehand. A speakers bureau can confirm what is possible for each speaker.
What is the difference between a motivational speaker and a leadership speaker?
Motivational speakers usually draw on personal stories to energise an audience, while leadership speakers tend to focus on practical ideas for leading and supporting teams. Some speakers bring a little of both.
How do I choose a women keynote speaker for a corporate event?
A helpful starting point is what you’d like the audience to take away, whether that’s new ideas, a different perspective or a boost in energy. From there, a bureau can suggest speakers whose experience connects with those goals and share feedback from similar events.
