The Future Is Female: Inspirational Women Leaders Changing the World

What does leadership look like in 2025? More than ever, it looks like women breaking barriers, rewriting the rules, and lifting others as they rise. From science labs to boardrooms, classrooms to newsrooms, amazing women are making decisions that shape our communities, economies, and cultures.

At The Speakers Agency, we’re proud to work with an incredible group of female inspirational speakers. Each has a story that goes beyond the stage. Whether they’ve defied expectations, overcome adversity, or changed public opinion, these women bring something powerful to every audience they meet.

And when you book them for your event, especially around International Women’s Day, you’re opening up space for stories that matter.

The data is clear: when women lead, organisations thrive. Companies with diverse leadership teams tend to outperform their peers, both financially and culturally. In education, health, technology, sport, and the creative industries, female voices are leading innovation and shifting perspectives.

But numbers aside, the personal stories behind those successes are what really resonate with audiences. They challenge assumptions.

That’s why we believe strongly in helping clients find the right female speakers. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because over the past twenty years in business, we have found it makes for a more engaging, inspiring event.

Here are just a few of the women on our roster who are inspiring audiences up and down the UK and beyond.

Deborah Meaden

Industry: Business, Finance & Sustainability
Background: A self-made entrepreneur and investor best known for Dragons’ Den, Deborah Meaden brings a sharp eye for business, a clear moral compass, and a touch of dry humour.
Impact: Whether she’s discussing responsible investment or giving

Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE

Industry: Science, Education & Media
Background: Maggie went from struggling at school with dyslexia to becoming a celebrated space scientist and broadcaster. She’s the host of The Sky at Night and has inspired thousands of young people to see themselves in STEM.
Impact: At events, she shares not just facts about space, but what it means to find your place in the world when you feel like an outsider. Her blend of curiosity, warmth, and clarity is ideal for education, tech, and inclusion-focused audiences.

Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE DL

Industry: Culture, Politics & Social Justice
Background: Floella’s career spans children’s television, publishing, politics, and activism. She moved to the UK from Trinidad as a child and speaks powerfully about identity, belonging, and kindness.
Impact: Whether she’s addressing schoolchildren or CEOs, her storytelling leaves people deeply moved and motivated to do better. One client described her as “the voice of conscience we didn’t know we needed.

Jo Salter MBE

Industry: Military, Leadership, Technology & Innovation
Background: Jo made history as Britain’s first female fast jet pilot. She later transitioned into the corporate world, where she now speaks on leadership, gender inclusion, and high-performance teams.
Impact: Jo’s talks are full of humour, high-stakes stories, and genuine insights about being a woman in a male-dominated environment. Her sessions are particularly popular with audiences looking to explore teamwork and courageous decision-making.

Aimee Fuller

Industry: Sport, Adventure & Media
Background: Olympic snowboarder turned broadcaster and adventurer, Aimee has travelled the world and competed at the highest level of sport.
Impact: Aimee brings contagious energy and authenticity. She’s perfect for events that want to energise teams or encourage attendees to get out of their comfort zone, mentally or physically.

International Women’s Day (IWD), held every March, is more than a date in the calendar. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward gender equity.

Whether you’re hosting a small internal event or a company-wide celebration, inviting an inspirational woman to speak brings those values to life. Their stories challenge assumptions. They connect personal experience with broader cultural change.

Looking for ideas? You can explore our full line-up of International Women’s Day Speakers for more options.

Getting started is easy. Just:

1. Tell us about your event – What’s the theme? Who’s the audience? What’s your budget?
2. We’ll shortlist ideal speakers – Tailored to your brief and goals.
3. You pick your perfect match – And we’ll handle the rest, from availability to contracts and briefings.

If you’re not sure who you need yet, we’ll guide you. Our team has years of experience placing the right speaker with the right event. It’s what we’re here for!

Want a speaker who doesn’t just tick a box, but truly connects with your audience?

Get in touch with The Speakers Agency and let us help you find the perfect voice for your next event.