Women's Networks & Events

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Keynotes for Women’s Networks & Events

Women’s networks have a vital role to play in helping build confidence, develop leadership capability and navigate the realities of career progression. Hayley’s keynote sessions combine evidence-based insight with practical strategies that audiences can apply immediately, whether they’re looking to overcome self-doubt, accelerate their career, strengthen their leadership impact or create more inclusive workplaces.

Drawing on her experience as CEO of a global DEI consultancy, accredited Executive Coach and endurance athlete, Hayley brings a unique perspective that blends leadership expertise, personal experience and real-world practicality. Her sessions are engaging, interactive and thought-provoking, leaving audiences motivated, informed and equipped with actions they can take long after the event has finished.

"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 Hayley Barnard - Primark logo

"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 Hayley Barnard - Infront logo

What You’ll Get

With Hayley, you’ll get more than just an inspirational keynote speech. Her unparalleled experience as a global consultant, executive coach and training designer means she brings a wealth of practical, actionable tools to every speech. Her passion is empowering audiences to make a lasting difference, so every talk combines research, lived experience and strategic application.

Whether speaking to emerging leaders, established professionals or organisation-wide women's networks Hayley creates an environment that’s engaging, inclusive and energising. Your audience will leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges women can face in the workplace, and the tools to increase their impact, confidence and wellbeing.

Every session is packed with:

  • Practical tools and strategies that can be applied immediately in work and career development
  • Research-backed insights into leadership, career progression, bias, confidence and inclusion
  • Real-world case studies and examples drawn from Hayley’s work with global organisations
  • Interactive discussion and reflection that encourages participation and meaningful conversation
  • A motivational and relatable perspective shaped by Hayley’s experiences as a CEO, Executive Coach and endurance athlete

Hayley’s known for combining warmth, humour and honesty with strategic insight. Her sessions challenge audiences to think differently whilst providing clear, practical guidance on what to do next.

Popular Keynote Themes

If You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get!

Unlocking Your Potential Through Courageous Leadership
In this powerful keynote, Hayley draws on her journey as a corporate CEO and endurance athlete, most notably, her swim across the English Channel, to inspire women to step into their full potential. She explores how imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, and systemic biases can hold us back - and more importantly, how to break through them. With practical strategies and personal insight, Hayley shows how asking for what you want isn’t just bold, it’s necessary. This talk will empower attendees to challenge limiting beliefs, own their ambition, and lead with unapologetic confidence.


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The Science of Career Acceleration

What Women Need to Know About Climbing the Ladder
Based on leading research and real-world examples, this engaging session decodes the gender dynamics of career advancement. Hayley reveals why traditional career strategies often overlook the nuances of female progression, and what women can do to tilt the odds in their favour. She explores actionable insights on visibility, strategic networking, and negotiating promotions, while also highlighting what progressive organisations are doing to level the playing field. This is a must-attend session for women who are ready to take the next leap in their careers, and for leaders committed to helping them get there.


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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Combining personal insight, evidence and practical action, this keynote on overcoming Imposter Syndrome looks at how normalising self-doubt is a common response to challenge, not a personal weakness. Hayley explains 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, Hayley will offer practical strategies for building self-trust, alongside actions leaders and organisations can take to create psychologically safe, inclusive cultures.
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Inclusive Leadership in Action

Breaking Bias and Building Belonging
Description: Unconscious bias remains one of the most pervasive barriers to true inclusion, and it disproportionately affects women’s experiences at work. In this eye-opening session, Hayley unpacks the science behind bias and its impact on decision-making, leadership perception, and workplace culture. But awareness alone isn’t enough. Hayley offers clear, research-backed strategies to challenge bias, champion inclusive practices, and foster psychological safety. This talk is designed not just for women navigating bias against them, but for every female leader striving to be an architect of inclusive change in their own leadership practice.


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Clients

Hayley Barnard - Microsoft logo
Hayley Barnard - Western Digital logo
Hayley Barnard - Diageo logo
Hayley Barnard - Trustpilot logo
Hayley Barnard - Specsavers logo
Hayley Barnard - Virgin Media logo
Hayley Barnard - GSK logo
Hayley Barnard - Boston Scientific logo
Hayley Barnard - Mazars logo
Hayley Barnard - Colgate logo
Hayley Barnard - Essity Bank logo
Hayley Barnard - Glanbia logo

“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 Barnard - Specsavers logo

"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 Hayley Barnard - Diageo logo

Continuing the Conversation

To really increase the impact of your event, Hayley and her team can also help you build your keynote into a wider programme of activity. Many organisations use keynote events as a catalyst for:

Find Out More

Whether you're planning an International Women’s Day event, a women’s leadership programme, a staff network session or a conference keynote, Hayley will tailor her content to your audience, objectives and organisational context. From overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence to accelerating careers and creating more inclusive leadership cultures, every session is designed to leave audiences feeling informed, motivated and ready to take action. To discuss your event, check availability or explore keynote options, get in touch with the team. We'd love to help you create an engaging and memorable experience for your audience.