10 of the Best Online Female Motivational Speakers to Hire for Your Next Event

Female motivational speakers bring a unique and powerful perspective to online events—one shaped by resilience, authenticity, and lived experience. Yet despite their impact, women make up only about 31% of paid keynote speakers globally, with even fewer opportunities going to women of colour. By giving these voices a platform, organisations can foster more inclusive, inspiring, and relevant conversations that resonate deeply with diverse audiences.

Hiring a female motivational speaker isn’t just about representation—it’s a strategic decision that drives engagement and growth. Research shows that inclusive teams perform up to 30% better, and events that reflect diverse leadership are more likely to leave a lasting impression. Whether addressing topics like confidence, leadership, overcoming adversity, or wellbeing, these speakers have the power to transform your virtual event into something truly memorable and meaningful.

How do virtual motivational talks differ from in-person ones?

Virtual motivational talks differ notably from in‑person presentations in terms of accessibility, engagement format, and cognitive demand. Online sessions eliminate travel, venue, and accommodation costs—making them more affordable and accessible to global audiences. Research shows that virtual presentations are often rated as easier to follow (28 % more), more compelling (25 %), and more memorable (19 %) than in-person ones, likely due to tailored visual communication and focused delivery. However, they also come with downsides: participants may multitask more, which reduces focus, and prolonged screen time contributes to “Zoom fatigue,” driven by nonverbal overload and self‑view stress, which lowers engagement.

How can hiring a female speaker support our organisations DEI goals?

Hiring a female speaker directly supports your organisation’s DEI goals by promoting visibility, representation, and inclusion. Women bring unique lived experiences that resonate across diverse audiences and challenge traditional narratives around leadership and success. Their presence signals a commitment to equity and can inspire internal change. Research from LeanIn.org shows women leaders are more likely to champion DEI efforts, mentor underrepresented talent, and build inclusive cultures. Featuring a female speaker at your event not only elevates diverse voices but also reinforces your organisation’s values—driving more engaged teams, stronger decision-making, and a workplace where everyone feels seen and empowered.

Who Are 10 of the Best Online Female Motivational Speakers to Hire for Your Next Event?

The following speakers have been regarded by our Director, Jack Hayes as the best Black History Month virtual event speakers based on data collated across 112 events between 2022 and 2024.

• • Dr. Anu Arasu
  • Martine Wright
  • Dr. Jo Salter
  • Ann Daniels
  • Tracey Neville
  • Sam Quek
  • Victoria Pendleton
  • Carey Lohrenz
  • Immy Barclay
  • Inga Beale

  1. Dr. Anu Arasu

  Pioneering Functional Medicine Doctor & BHRT Expert, Founder of London Bioidentical Hormones & Trusted Media Contributor

  
  Dr. Anu Arasu is a leading UK physician and functional medicine expert, known for her pioneering work in hormonal health, longevity, and personalised wellbeing. Founder of London Bioidentical Hormones and author of *Bioidentical Hormones Explained*, she brings a science-led yet deeply human approach to performance and resilience. As a speaker, she empowers organisations to move from burnout to regeneration—making her an ideal choice for forward-thinking events focused on health, leadership, and sustainable success.

  2. Martine Wright

  Paralympic Volleyball Player & Survivor of the 7/7 Attack

  
  Martine Wright is a compelling British motivational speaker whose journey from the worst‑injured survivor of the 7/7 London underground bombings to captain of Team GB’s sitting volleyball Paralympic squad embodies extraordinary resilience. She lost both legs above the knee, survived on only 20% of her blood, and emerged to represent her nation at London 2012, earning the BBC Sports Personality Helen Rollason Award and an MBE for services to sport. Her talks—rooted in themes like adversity, teamwork, determination, and the iconic “Power of 7”—offer transformative insights ideal for events focused on diversity, inclusion, and peak performance.

  3. Dr. Jo Salter

  First Female Fast Jet Pilot in Royal Air Force & MBE Honoured & Inspiring Voice on Resilience & Transformation

  
  Dr. Jo Salter is a trailblazing British aviation pioneer, celebrated as the first female fast‑jet pilot in the RAF, flying the Tornado with 617 Squadron. Joining at 18, she earned her wings in 1992, breaking through gender barriers in a male‑dominated field. After leaving the RAF, she transitioned into high-impact leadership roles at PwC—including serving as Director of Global Transformative Leadership and most recently as a Global Advisory on Generative AI. As a speaker, Jo delivers compelling, high-energy keynotes on leadership, resilience, high performance, and navigating disruption. She blends riveting storytelling from her military and corporate experiences with humour and insight, making her ideal for audiences focused on empowerment, change, and inclusion.

  4. Ann Daniels

  Record Breaking Polar Explorer & the First Woman in History to Reach the North & South Pole With an All Women Team

  
  Ann Daniels is a world-record–holding British polar explorer and the first woman, with teammate Caroline Hamilton, to reach both the North and South Poles as part of an all‑women team. Having completed 13+ major expeditions, logged over 400 days and 3,000 miles across polar ice at temperatures as low as –50°C, she has survived polar bear encounters, storms, and frostbite. As a speaker, she delivers inspiring, machine-to-human lessons on leadership, teamwork, resilience, and climate insight—making her perfect for organisations aiming to catalyse high performance and inclusive leadership at any event.

  5. Tracey Neville

  Netball Coach Who Lead England to Commonwealth Games Victory in 2018 & Was Awarded an MBE

  
  Tracey Neville MBE is a celebrated former England netball international who earned 81 caps between 1996 and 2008, winning bronze at both the 1998 Commonwealth Games and 1999 World Netball Championships. She went on to become a transformational coach—leading Manchester Thunder to Netball Superleague titles in 2012 and 2014, then guiding England as head coach from 2015 to 2019, culminating in a landmark gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and World Cup bronze in 2019. As a speaker, Tracey draws upon her elite-level experiences in performance, leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Her insights into coaching high-performing teams, navigating adversity, and overturning expectations make her ideal for organisations seeking inspiration, inclusion, and sustained excellence in high-pressure environments.

  6. Sam Quek

  Olympic Gold Medallist Awarded an MBE For Services to Hockey

  
  Sam Quek MBE is a former defender for England and Great Britain’s women’s field hockey teams, earning over 125 international caps and playing a pivotal role in winning gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics—Britain’s first-ever women’s Olympic hockey title. Following her athletic success, she transitioned into a high-profile broadcasting career as a presenter for BBC, Channel 4, BT Sport, and more, and became the first permanent female team captain on BBC’s A Question of Sport. As a speaker, Sam combines captivating storytelling from elite sport with her media expertise and advocacy for gender equality. Her talks on teamwork, leadership under pressure, and representation in male‑dominated arenas inspire diverse audiences—making her an exceptional choice for events centred on inclusion, high performance, and empowering future leaders.

  7. Victoria Pendleton

  Two-Time Olympic Gold Medallist & Mental Health Advocate

  
  Victoria Pendleton CBE is one of Great Britain’s most decorated female athletes, with two Olympic gold medals (Beijing 2008 sprint; London 2012 keirin) and nine world championship titles, making her the most successful female British cyclist ever. She broke world team sprint records and earned honours including MBE and CBE, later transitioning into challenging high-risk pursuits like competitive horse racing—completing the Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase, despite no prior experience. As a speaker, Victoria delivers captivating keynotes on mindset, mental resilience, marginal gains, and reinvention under pressure. Her story—confronting sexism, overcoming doubt, and redesigning her life trajectory—resonates deeply with audiences seeking inspiration, diversity in leadership, and peak performance transformation.

  8. Carey Lohrenz

  The First Ever Female F-14 Tomcat Pilot

  
  Carey Lohrenz is the first woman in U.S. Navy history to qualify as an F‑14 Tomcat fighter pilot, earning her wings in 1993 and flying on combat-ready missions from aircraft carriers in male‑dominated environments. Since leaving the Navy in 1999, she’s become a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author—publishing Fearless Leadership and Span of Control—and a sought-after keynote speaker on leadership, risk, resilience, and high performance. Her talks translate extreme military training into real-world tools for managing pressure, reducing error, and cultivating peak team culture—making her a compelling choice for organisations seeking transformative insight.

  9. Immy Barclay

  One of the Most Successful Female Sports Presenters in the World

  
  Immy Barclay is a globally recognized British sports and travel presenter celebrated for her dynamic presence across motorsport, tennis, golf, and high-profile brand events. Now in her third season presenting for Formula 1, she has hosted launches and international broadcasts for Ferrari, Mercedes‑Benz, Yamaha, and Qatar Airways, and conducted live interviews with elite athletes like Tiger Woods and Valentino Rossi Fluent in English and Italian, and capable of presenting from script in Spanish, French, and Portuguese, she adapts seamlessly to international audiences. As a speaker and host, Immy brings unmatched energy, professionalism, and storytelling skill to virtual and live events alike. Her ability to engage diverse audiences through multilingual delivery, live Q&A sessions, and branded content makes her a standout choice for online conferences, empowering organisations that value diversity, high performance, and global reach.

  10. Inga Beale

  The First Female CEO of Lloyd’s London & Barclay’s Lifetime Award Recipient

  
  Inga Beale DBE is a pioneering British business leader and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, celebrated as the first female CEO in Lloyd’s of London’s 328-year history. During her five-year tenure (2013–2018), she led cultural and digital transformation, launched the global ”Dive In” inclusion festival, and significantly improved diversity at the organisation, achieving nearly 37% women in leadership roles. As a speaker, she delivers compelling keynotes on transformation, inclusive leadership, cultural change, and LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion—rooted in personal experience and business expertise, making her an ideal choice for events focused on equity, high performance, and cultural evolution.

  Book a Female Motivational Virtual Speaker Today!

  If you are interested in hiring an inspiring female motivational speaker for your online event, contact the Virtual Online Speakers Agency today! Give one of our booking agents a call on 0203 9317 391 or complete our online contact form to begin the booking process. To explore more trending keynote speakers, visit our full listings today.

  This exclusive article on 10 of the Best Black Speakers for Your Black History Month Online Celebration in 2025 was authored utilising official event poll data from over 112 virtual online events between 2022 and 2024, and vetted information from industry event platforms, client testimonials, and speaker bureaus.