In the early days of the speaker bureau, clients were routinely booking the same profile of keynote speaker: male and with a background in business or politics. Those days are gone, and the rise of the female business leader is real and we are absolutely here for it.
The facts don’t lie, and we still have a long way to go:
- just 32.3% of the UK’s smaller business leaders were female entrepreneurs in 2020 (British Business Bank)
- only 8.2% of Fortune 500 companies had a female CEO in 2021 (PRNewswire)
- In 2022, Women in the UK Launched 151,603 companies (Financial Times)
However, in all three examples above the arrow is pointing sharply upwards. Fortune 500 companies had only 6.6% female CEOs in 2019, and new businesses in the UK launched by women have more than doubled on an annual basis over the last two years.
Here at JLA, of course we book sportspeople, astronauts and scientists to give our clients wonderful seeds of ideas that they can take back and apply to their businesses. The fact still remains, however, that the most directly translatable business takeaways are those that come from individuals who have been there and done it.
As women rightfully continue to assume more senior positions, it is inevitable that we will have the pleasure of enjoying their wonderful insights on stage more and more.
So, that’s the trajectory, but who can we book now? Here are some of the amazing female business leadership speakers that we are working with already.
Amazing Female Business Speakers
Alex Mahon
CEO, Channel 4
Alex holds the distinction of being the first woman to take on the role of Chief Executive at a leading UK broadcaster. Following a career spanning television production and technology, she now heads an organisation renowned not only for its creativity and independent ethos but also for its trailblazing dedication to diversity and social responsibility. She delves into the principles of being an authentic, values-driven leader, even during challenging times, examines the impact of technology in upending traditional models, and dispels myths while addressing the realities of engaging with and meeting the needs of Generation Z.
View Alex Mahon’s full speaker profile.
Margaret Heffernan
Business Author & Former CEO
After managing a variety of digital and internet enterprises in the United States, Margaret has shifted her focus to examining why organisational leadership frequently falters. Overlooking emerging challenges, neglecting to nurture talent, fostering a culture of isolation, and encouraging internal rivalries are all prevalent issues that can be readily resolved. Drawing from the themes explored in her bestselling book Wilful Blindness and her widely praised TED talks, Margaret thoughtfully and clearly explores the qualities that define exceptional leadership.
View Margaret Heffernan’s full speaker profile.
Dame Inga Beale
Former CEO, Lloyd’s of London
After a distinguished career in senior global leadership roles across some of the world’s largest insurance firms, Inga stepped in to lead a 330-year-old financial institution in the heart of the City. Tackling entrenched traditions that had impeded progress, she spearheaded efforts to broaden the organisation’s presence in international markets and launched groundbreaking initiatives such as the Lloyd’s Innovation Lab and the Dive In Festival, a globally recognised event championing diversity and inclusion in the sector. She shares insights on reconciling heritage with innovation, the crucial need for workplace inclusion, and the role of trust and ethical practices in shaping modern business.
View Dame Inga Beale’s full speaker profile.
Natalie Campbell
Social Entrepreneur
As an entrepreneur and the co-CEO of the ethical water company Belu Water, Natalie has built a diverse career. From founding her own business to working with a global social innovation consultancy and driving fresh thinking at The Royal Foundation, she has consistently championed meaningful change. Alongside these ventures, she has also hosted her own show, Badass Women’s Hour, on TalkRadio. Natalie reveals how to challenge conventional business practices and embrace disruption to create a positive impact.
View Natalie Campbell’s full speaker profile.
These are just a small number of fantastic female business speakers we have available, if you are interested in booking one of them for your upcoming event or would like a few other options, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.