At Gordon Poole Agency, we’ve curated a selection of some of the most talented speakers the UK has to offer, with a range of specialties to suit the needs of any event. Choosing a speaker that works for you is an important decision, and our team is dedicated to making it as easy as possible for you!
Whether looking for the best after-dinner speakers, or a top celebrity expert, our range of speakers highlights what we have to offer – but we’d like to shine a spotlight on some of the inspirational women we represent. Read on to find out more about our top female speakers, and why you should consider booking them for your next event.
Ann Daniels, Polar Explorer
If you’re looking for a motivational speaker to inspire and captivate your audience, look no further than Ann Daniels. A Guinness World Record holder, Ann is notable for being the first woman in history to reach the North Pole and the South Pole as a member of an all-women team, accompanied by her teammate Caroline Hamilton. Only a few can claim to have walked both poles of the earth, and Ann’s polar expeditions have helped scientists understand ecological problems impacting the Arctic. A mother of triplets, Ann’s career spans over two decades, and she is uniquely qualified to deliver rousing speeches on teamwork, resilience, and the environment.
Alex Polizzi, The Hotel Inspector
Famed for hosting hit television show, The Hotel Inspector, Alex Polizzi began her career training in the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, before working under acclaimed chef Marco Pierre-White and eventually striking out on her own to open Millers Bakery with her husband. In 1998, she opened the Hotel Tresanton, and the rest is history! As one of our celebrity expert speakers, Alex can share her secret to success when it comes to customer service, entrepreneurship, and her experience with travel and tourism with your guests.
Blaire Palmer, Leadership Expert
Blaire Palmer is an expert on the future of leadership. A trailblazer from the start, she spent the 90s working as a producer on the BBC’s Today programme before training as one of the UK’s first corporate coaches. A bestselling author, Blaire is on hand to help guide leaders and help businesses thrive, made possible by her experience, insight, and adaptability to the ever-changing working landscape. From topics such as hybrid working to diversity and inequality, Blaire isn’t afraid to tackle sensitive topics head-on, making her a popular and engaging keynote speaker for any corporate event.
Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE
After arriving in the UK in 1960, Baroness Floella Benjamin became a household name presenting the BBC’s children’s series Play School. Today, she has founded her own successful television production company, authored over 30 books, and been recognised by many awarding bodies for her outstanding work in broadcasting. Her book ‘Coming to England‘ is of particular note, being used by schools and universities in the study of the Windrush journey and diversity in the UK. After being awarded an OBE in 2001, in 2010 she became the first Trinidadian woman to be elevated to the House of Lords. A celebrity speaker with a career spanning the worlds of acting, broadcasting, publication and politics, Baroness Floella is sure to inspire any crowd.
Book Baroness Floella Benjamin
Jo Fairley, Chocolate Entrepreneur
If you haven’t heard of Jo Fairley, you’ll certainly have heard of her brainchild – alongside her husband, Jo is the co-founder of Green & Black’s chocolate, the world’s leading organic chocolate. However, her expertise span far wider than that of a chocolatier. Jo’s other business ventures include The Beauty Bible and The Perfume Society, and she is an award-winning author and journalist to boot. Jo is the perfect pick for events requiring a keynote speaker with experience creating, launching, and sustaining a successful brand, with valuable lessons in entrepreneurship to impart.
The Apprentice’s Baroness Karren Brady
Thanks to her work on BBC’s The Apprentice, Baroness Karren Brady has become a household name, known for her business acumen. The vice-chairman of West Ham FC, Baroness Brady is often referred to as the first lady of football – and for good reason! Her guidance has taken the club to new heights, becoming one of the fastest-growing brands in the football world. Straight-talking and witty, Baroness Brady is in high demand as a motivational speaker, providing a recognisable face and invaluable advice and anecdotes when it comes to women in business, leadership, change management, or sport and business.
Penny Mallory, Mental Toughness Authority
As one of the first women to compete in a World Rally, Penny Mallory is no stranger to competition. Her unique take on motivational speaking centres around the concept of mental toughness, or using Psychologically-Powered Performance to affect positive change and bring out the best in you. After overcoming hardship to achieve success, Penny’s inspiring story of courage, strength, and resilience has made her an incredibly popular motivational speaker and coach for any event.
Sarah Furness, Former Helicopter Pilot
Former RAF combat helicopter pilot Sarah Furness has completed tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, penned a bestselling book on her experiences, and is sharing her knowledge with the world. Her insights into leadership, how to be resilient, and the secret to performing under pressure are sure to be the highlight of any event, both entertaining and inspiring, with valuable lessons at the core.
Get Advice from Gordon Poole
At Gordon Poole, we are proud to represent a diverse range of inspiring and successful women speakers. While we have listed some of our top speakers, this list is by no means extensive, and we have many other incredible women to choose from. If you’re planning an event or conference, or looking for an after-dinner speaker, why not get in touch with our team to discuss your needs, we’d be happy to help you find the perfect match.