Hi, I’m Jane Farnham, founder of Great British Speakers, and very much an advocate for supporting Inspirational Women in all creative fields and businesses.
International Women’s Day is on the 8th March 2022 and the theme of this year’s event is #BreakTheBias – looking into how we can work together to create a more gender-equal workplace, free of gender bias, stereotypes and discrimination; how we can create an environment diverse and inclusive, where differences are celebrated, valued and excepted.
Jane Farnham Founder Director, Great British Speakers
Since we launched Great British Speakers it’s been really encouraging to see just how influential our inspirational female talents have been to our clients, and to the success as a speakers bureau.
As we have grown, we’ve introduced more extraordinary female talents to our teams, such as the founder of the Women’s Equality Party Sandi Toksvig, tech entrepreneur Alex Depledge, property travel icon Carol Smillie and Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes to name a few.
It’s probably quite unfair to single any one individual out, but below are just a few women who have made an impression on me personally over the last few years!
Here’s just some of our inspirational female speakers for International Women’s Day 2022.
Sandi is an activist for gender equality. In 2014 she co-founded the Women’s Equality Party.
Sandi was born in Copenhagen, Denmark and brought up around the world in Europe, Africa and the United States. her television career has included celebrated series such as Call My Bluff and Whose Line Is It Anyway?
In 2016, Sandi took over from Stephen Fry as host of BBC2’s hugely popular quiz show QI and was a popular host of the Great British Bake Off 2017-2019.
Jo Malone has been described as an “English scent maverick” and the woman responsible for creating some of the world’s most-loved fragrances.
Originally a facial therapist, Jo fell in love with fragrance whilst working from her discreet skin care clinic which she set up from her London home. Discovering an instinctual talent for creating scented products by hand in her kitchen, word of her exceptional potions quickly spread and soon Jo was unable to keep up with demand.
From these artisan beginnings, Jo launched her first brand, Jo Malone London which gained cult status around the world.
In 1999, Jo sold the business to Estée Lauder Companies and remained Creative Director until she left in 2006.
Karen Blackett OBE, UK Country Manager for WPP and Chairwoman of MediaCom UK & Ireland, is a renowned and proven business leader with a track record in creating vibrant cultures, energising teams and consistently delivering business growth and success.
Named by Vogue as one of the 25 Most Influential and Inspirational Women of 2018 and ranked top of the EMpower 100 Ethnic Minority Executive Leaders list, Karen was appointed the national Race Equality Business Champion by the UK Prime Minister in October 2018.
She is also one of 40 Business Ambassadors for the Department of International Trade; Board member for the Creative Industries Federation; Advisory Board member of Hyden Talent; a Non-Exec Director for Creative England and a member of WACL (Women in Advertising and Communications London).
Josie is one of Britain’s best-loved actresses and comediennes. She first became a household name in WHO’S LINE IS IT ANYWAY? for Channel 4, and is a founder member of The Comedy Store Players with whom she still performs.
Ellie is obviously one of the most well known British sporting figures and a hugely influential personality.
The golden-girl of British sport and a 5 time Paralympic Champion Ellie was the youngest ever person to be awarded an MBE. She was then awarded an OBE in 2013 for services to Paralympic sport.
Konnie Huq is one of Britain’s most loved presenters. She was Blue Peter’s longest serving female presenter from 1997-2008 and since then has gone on to present shows including The Xtra Factor, King of the Nerds and London Talking to name a few.
Konnie is passionate and happy to talk about many subjects. Especially Science, climate change, Economics and anything to do with making the world a better place.
Konnie is married to comedian Charlie Brooker and can be booked to host together.
Internationally acclaimed science writer, public speaker and TV personality, Dr Emily Grossman is an expert in molecular biology and genetics, with a Double First in Natural Sciences from Queens’ College Cambridge and a PhD in cancer research. Emily also trained actress and now combines her skills as a science broadcaster, educator and writer.
In 2013, Emily took part in the BBC Expert Women’s Scheme. She was selected as one of 30 women from a pool of over 2000 applicants.
By sharing her personal experiences as a woman in STEM, Emily hopes to engage more people in the fascinating world of science, to change the perception of what it is to be a scientist and to inspire more people, especially girls, to study science and is also a great choice of speaker for British Science Week.
Tessa Hartmann CBE is an award-winning branding and communications expert who has crafted her trade with over 25 years working in the dynamic world of fashion, lifestyle and entertainment PR.
With offices in Glasgow and London, this powerhouse Scot has an incredible entrepreneurial spirit with a fierce go-getting attitude; which is perhaps why after having set up the Scottish Fashion Awards some 12 years ago, she was honoured in HM The Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours list with a CBE for her contribution to fashion and textiles in 2016.
Browse all our Inspirational Speakers for International Women’s Day HERE.
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If you’re not quite sure on the perfect speaker for your International Women’s Day event, then directors Jane and Steve will work closely with you and help you create a shortlist of options based on your brief and budget.
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