"We got Hayley to deliver a session for us for International Women's Day on Career Progression entitled "If you don't ask, you don't get". The talk was so motivational and engaging for all attendees and we have received some really positive feedback - would absolutely recommend!"
Mary McCluskey Wellbeing Manager
"Thank you for a fantastic International Women’s Day presentation! I think I can speak for all of us when I say that it was a success. In spite of being virtual, you managed to engage people. And the whole 228 attendees stayed the whole hour, which speaks for itself."
Meredith Sledd Lindquist Internal Communications
Why I Speak on International Women’s Day
As CEO of a global DEI Consultancy and an accredited Executive Coach, I’ve spent years working with leaders and organisations who genuinely want to create fairer, safer and more inclusive workplaces - but aren’t always sure where to start. International Women’s Day is a powerful moment. But it can also feel predictable. The same statistics. The same slogans. The same panel conversations.
My approach is different.
I combine psychology, evidence and real-world organisational insight to create keynotes that are engaging, challenging and grounded in what actually drives change. I don’t just talk about equality in theory – I explore what holds it back in practice, and what leaders can do differently.
My sessions are described as thought-provoking, honest and energising. People often tell me they leave with:
- A clearer understanding of the real barriers women face
- Greater confidence to challenge inequality
- Practical ideas they can implement immediately
- A renewed sense of responsibility, not just inspiration
I’ve worked with organisations across the private, public and third sectors – from global brands to charities and professional services firms.
Whether you’re hosting a company-wide event, a leadership session or a client-facing International Women’s Day event, I’ll work closely with you to ensure the keynote fits your culture and your ambitions.
IWD Keynote Themes
If You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get!
An energising and confidence-boosting session designed to help people take ownership of their career progression.
This is one of my most popular IWD talks, inspiring audiences to recognise their value, articulate their ambitions, and proactively seek the opportunities they deserve. Blending practical strategies with uplifting storytelling, I’ll empower your attendees to overcome hesitation, silence their inner critic, and adopt the simple but transformative habit of asking – for support, for stretch assignments, for visibility, and for what they truly want.
Whether used as part of your International Women’s Day programme or wider talent-development initiatives, this session leaves participants feeling motivated, capable, and equipped with clear actions they can take immediately to accelerate their growth and advocate for themselves with confidence.
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Biased, Who Me?
A light-hearted introduction to unconscious bias that resonates with employees at every level, this session explores what unconscious bias really is and why every one of us has it.
Together, we’ll unpack how these automatic assumptions are formed, how they can conflict with our values and the kind of colleagues or leaders we want to be, and how to recognise bias in ourselves.
This is a deeply practical session with plenty of focus on what we can actually do about unconscious bias - equipping your audience with realistic everyday actions to interrupt bias and play an active role in creating greater inclusion and wellbeing.
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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Combining personal insight, evidence and practical action, my IWD keynote on overcoming Imposter Syndrome looks at how normalising self-doubt is a common response to challenge, not a personal weakness. I’ll explain what imposter syndrome is (and isn’t) and why it disproportionately affects high performers and under-represented groups.
Your audience will gain understanding of ‘imposter feelings’ in a systemic context, looking at workplace norms, bias and representation. Throughout, I’ll offer practical strategies for building self-trust, alongside actions leaders and organisations can take to create psychologically safe, inclusive cultures.
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Moving from Unconscious Bias to Conscious Inclusive Leadership
This hugely popular keynote explores how bias shows up in everyday decisions – from who gets heard to who gets developed. I’ll demonstrate ways to move beyond awareness, and why simply “knowing” about bias isn’t enough to change outcomes.
With a focus on conscious leadership choices: slowing down decisions, questioning assumptions, and designing fairer systems around recruitment, progression and performance, this keynote challenges leaders to see inclusion as an active skill, not a mindset alone, and show how inclusive leadership strengthens trust, decision-making and performance.
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Developing a Gender Balanced Business
It’s well publicised that companies in Europe are increasingly having to work harder to ensure they have a pipeline of women to senior level.
The requirement on organisations to release their Gender Pay Gap across the UK and Europe has further highlighted the challenge.
Through case studies and using respected research, I’ll highlight the best practice of both men and women and the organisations they operate within.
Crucially, this is not a speech about ‘how to fix the women’, or ‘blame the men’. It’s about leveraging differences for the benefit of all. This session can be tailored to be women-only, or suitable for all in leadership positions.
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Clients
“Hayley recently delivered her inspiring session to over 3000 people at our annual conference. She really tailored her messaging to our colleagues and business and managed to make D&I practical and tangible. I know she has already received really great feedback from the audience, and we continue to hear how enlightening, thought provoking and interesting her session was.”
Steven Evans Global Head of Wellness & Inclusion
"Hayley spoke to our whole firm as part of our IWD events. Her talk was a fantastic mix of theory, practical tips and personal anecdotes and struck the perfect note. We've had some great feedback and it's created just the right platform for further conversations and work. I'd highly recommend Hayley to anyone looking for something similar."
Eleanor Tanner HR Director | Chief People Officer
Find Out More
Every organisation is different, so I tailor each keynote to your audience and objectives. I can speak to senior leaders, mixed employee audiences or women’s networks – and I’m experienced in both in-person and virtual events.
To really increase the impact of your IWD event, I can also help you build your keynote into a wider programme of activity. Many organisations use International Women’s Day as the catalyst for:
- Leadership workshops
- Inclusive recruitment reviews
- Policy and culture audits
- Ongoing psychological safety training
- Action plans with measurable outcomes
If you want an International Women’s Day speaker who'll challenge, inspire and equip your audience – not just motivate them for an hour – let’s talk. Get in touch to discuss your event, audience and objectives, and we’ll design a keynote that truly makes International Women’s Day matter.