Karren Brady

One of the most inspirational businesswomen in the UK, Karren Brady entered the male-dominated world of football when she was just 23 years old. In an industry rife with sexism Karren has more than held her own and now acts as the Vice-Chairman of one of the country’s biggest clubs, West Ham United. She has also made her mark on the TV world, working as Lord Alan Sugar’s aide on the popular BBC series The Apprentice. Karren also has experience as a journalist, politician, and virtual speaker who uses her platform to inspire women to succeed in business. 

Karren’s career took off in 1993 when aged just 20 years old, and with no experience in the business of football, she was named Managing Director of Birmingham City. In this role, she encountered sexism from players, fans, and in the boardroom but refused to be demoralised. More than 20 years later and she is still in the game, this time with West Ham United who she became Director of in 2010. In her role as a virtual speaker, Karren regularly recalls these experiences, explaining to audiences how she overcame career hurdles in her own unique, yet understated style. 

For more than a decade she has also worked as Lord Alan Sugar’s trusty aide on the Apprentice helping to uncover the next generation of entrepreneurs. Her undeniable business acumen and years of expertise saw her honoured by the House of Lords in 2014 with a life peerage. Taking the title of Baroness Brady, she has offered her views on a whole host of political and business issues, things she is also able to discuss as a virtual speaker. Having overseen unprecedented success in the worlds of business, sport, and politics Karren brings all of this insight to her virtual speaking events.