Amplify Speakers
Women in Leadership Speakers
Women's leadership programs have a reputation problem. Too many sessions repeat the same advice about confidence without touching the structures that hold women back: who gets sponsored, who gets the stretch assignment, whose ideas get credited in the meeting.
The top women in leadership keynote speakers on the Amplify Speakers roster are Kelli Thompson, Michelle “MACE” Curran, Karen Laos, Nesha Pai and Chelsea Husum. Each brings real leadership experience of her own and speaks to what actually helps women advance, not just what sounds good on a panel.
The speakers here talk about both sides: what women can do to claim their place, and what organizations and managers must do so that effort pays off. That is the version that works in a mixed room as well as at a women's conference.
The Roster
Matching the Speaker to the Program
Women's leadership conferences and ERG events. Kelli Thompson, author of Closing the Confidence Gap and a women's leadership coach, gives women practical tools for confidence and career growth. Michelle "MACE" Curran, a former F-16 fighter pilot and USAF Thunderbirds lead solo, brings courage and confidence from one of the most male-dominated jobs there is.
Executive and high-potential programs. Karen Laos, a high-stakes communication specialist and creator of The Credibility Gap, works on how leaders are heard in the rooms where decisions get made. Cathy Christen, a culture architect and executive leadership strategist, focuses on scaling leadership and teams.
Finance, construction and other industries where women are outnumbered. Nesha Pai, a CPA and founder of Pai CPA, and Chelsea Husum, founder and CEO of American GPR & Coring, lead businesses in fields where women are still outnumbered.
Women entrepreneurs and business owners. Carey Conley, owner of Infinity Corporation, Kim Bode, founder of 8THIRTYFOUR, and Nita Marquez, inventor of DropCut technology, speak to vision, reinvention and visibility.
For a wider view
Browse all of our women keynote speakers across every topic, or our picks for Women's History Month.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does a women in leadership speaker talk about?
Common themes include confidence, executive presence, influence, negotiation, sponsorship, career strategy and leading in male-dominated fields. The strongest speakers also address what managers and organizations must change, not just what women should do differently.
Who are the best women in leadership speakers?
On the Amplify roster, Kelli Thompson, Michelle "MACE" Curran, Karen Laos, Nesha Pai and Chelsea Husum are frequent choices. We will match the speaker to your audience, industry and format.
Will a women in leadership keynote work for a mixed audience?
Yes, if you choose the right speaker. Talks that include the manager and sponsor side of the equation land well with men and women alike, and often reach the people who most need to hear them.
Can these speakers run a workshop as well as a keynote?
Many offer breakouts, workshops or fireside chats in addition to a keynote. Ask us, and see our workshop and breakout facilitators.
Are these speakers available for virtual events?
Many speakers on our roster deliver virtually as well as in person, and we will confirm for any name you shortlist. See our virtual keynote speakers page for how virtual bookings work.
BROWSE MORE SPEAKERS BY TOPIC
Women Keynote Speakers | Women's Conference Speakers | Confidence & Imposter Syndrome | Leadership Speakers | Women's History Month | Communication & Presence | All Topics
Planning a women in leadership program?
Tell us your audience, format and what you want to change. We will send a curated shortlist, usually within one business day.