Breaking the Bias: Lessons from Women in Male-Dominated Fields

As International Women’s Day 2025 rolls around, it’s the perfect time to celebrate women who’ve smashed stereotypes, broken barriers, and proven that male-dominated industries are far better with a little balance (or, let’s be honest, a lot more women).Women in male-dominated fields have navigated environments where the odds—and often the attitudes—weren’t exactly in their favour.

At The Speakers Agency, we work with an array of inspiring women who’ve not only succeeded in these fields but have rewritten the rules along the way. Their stories are powerful, relatable, and packed with lessons that anyone—whether you’re in a corporate boardroom or juggling life’s daily chaos—can learn from.

Here’s a closer look at some of these extraordinary women and the wisdom they bring to the table.

Jo Salter: Flying High in the Boys’ Club

When Jo Salter became Britain’s first female fighter jet pilot, she wasn’t just breaking glass ceilings—she was soaring right through them at Mach 1. Jo entered an environment where the closest thing to diversity was a slightly different shade of khaki, yet she held her ground with grit, grace, and a cracking sense of humour.

Jo’s talks are as engaging as they are inspiring. From navigating high-stakes missions to managing team dynamics under pressure, she offers lessons on confidence, resilience, and staying cool when the heat is on. Plus, her stories from the cockpit are guaranteed to leave you both awestruck and laughing.

Clare Balding: Taking the Lead in Sports Broadcasting

Let’s be real: sports broadcasting wasn’t exactly crying out for female voices when Clare Balding started. But Clare didn’t just step into the arena—she owned it. Now one of the most respected voices in the industry, Clare has shown that expertise, wit, and authenticity are far more important than fitting into a “boys’ club” mould.

Clare’s speeches are a lesson in leadership, communication, and resilience. Whether she’s sharing tales of covering the Olympics or her early days breaking into the industry, her warmth and humour make her lessons on overcoming challenges stick with you long after the applause fades.

Susie Wolff & Bernie Collins: Steering Change in Motorsport

The motorsport world isn’t exactly known for its inclusivity (or its calm and quiet environments), but Susie Wolff and Bernie Collins have made sure their voices are heard—above the roar of engines, no less. Susie, a former Formula One development driver, and Bernie, an F1 race strategist, have carved out space in a sport that’s more accustomed to pit stops than progress.

Their insights into precision, teamwork, and challenging the status quo resonate with all male-dominated industries. Whether it’s strategising for a race or running a high-pressure corporate project, Susie and Bernie’s experiences show that being underestimated can be your greatest strength—if you know how to flip the narrative.

Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller: Breaking Bias at MI5

When Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller became Director-General of MI5, she was running the show in one of the most secretive, high-stakes environments in the UK. From handling post-9/11 threats to redefining leadership in intelligence, she’s proven that calm under pressure is an art form.

Eliza offers keynote speeches on trust, strategy, and making tough calls—skills that apply as much to corporate teams as they do to covert MI5 operations. And while she might not spill all MI5’s secrets, you’ll leave her sessions with the kind of insights that make you feel like a master strategist yourself.

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock: Shooting for the Stars

Astrophysics might sound like the ultimate “boys’ club,” but Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock has proven that curiosity, passion, and a telescope can take you places most people only dream of. As a space scientist and TV presenter, Maggie’s work is all about breaking down barriers—whether they’re gender-based or simply about making science accessible and fun.

Maggie’s energy is infectious. She’s the kind of speaker who makes you believe you can conquer anything, whether it’s an astronomical challenge or just a stubborn work project. Her story is a reminder that when you aim for the stars, even the sky isn’t the limit.

Roma Agrawal: Building a New Blueprint

Roma Agrawal doesn’t just think big—she builds big. As a structural engineer who helped design The Shard, Roma has made her mark in a field where women are still the minority. Her career is proof that innovation thrives when diverse perspectives are part of the blueprint.

Roma’s talks blend insight and a whole lot of practical advice. From collaborating on massive projects to overcoming bias in the workplace, she offers a fresh take on building teams (and skyscrapers) that stand the test of time.

Penny Mallory: Rallying for Success

Penny Mallory isn’t just a rally driver—she’s the first woman to compete in the World Rally Championship. Talk about steering your way through obstacles! Penny’s journey from a difficult childhood to world-class motorsport proves that grit and determination can take you anywhere.

Her speaking style is straight-talking, no-nonsense, and packed with inspiration. For anyone feeling stuck or doubting their potential, Penny’s story will have you ready to tackle the toughest terrain—whether that’s a rally stage or your next big challenge.

These incredible women have succeeded in environments where they were often the only ones like them. But their success isn’t just their own—it’s a blueprint for all of us:

• Challenge the norm: Question outdated ideas about who belongs where.
• Build resilience: Success isn’t about never failing—it’s about getting back up, again and again.
• Lead with purpose: Whether you’re flying jets or building skyscrapers, leadership is about bringing others along for the journey.

International Women’s Day is a chance to reflect, celebrate, and take action. By featuring speakers who’ve broken barriers and smashed stereotypes, you can host an event which inspires change.

To book one of these phenomenal women for your IWD event, get in touch today. Let’s make this year unforgettable—for all the right reasons.