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Helena Morrissey is a celebrated leader, author, and campaigner, renowned for her dynamic influence in the financial sector and unwavering commitment to gender equality. As a female motivational speaker, Helena is sought after for her ability to blend strategic insight with a compelling personal narrative. Audiences are drawn to her clarity of thought, authenticity, and practical approach to leadership and inclusion. Her trailblazing work in advancing diversity, particularly within boardrooms, underpins the powerful and engaging message she delivers from the stage.
Helena began her career in finance, rising steadily through a male-dominated industry to become Chief Executive Officer of Newton Investment Management in 2001, a role she held for fifteen years. During this time, she also chaired the Investment Association, further solidifying her position as one of the City’s most respected voices. Her vision for more equitable corporate leadership led her to launch the 30% Club in 2009, a pioneering initiative advocating for better gender balance on company boards. Her influence continued to grow as she took on high-profile board roles and lent her voice to transformative campaigns.
In recent years, Helena has taken on numerous senior leadership roles, including Chair of the Board of Directors at Fidelis Insurance Group, Altum Group, and Barnett Waddingham. Her contribution to public life was recognised with a Damehood in 2017 and a seat in the House of Lords in 2020. She is also a published author of two books, “A Good Time to Be a Girl” and “Style and Substance”, both of which explore female empowerment in the workplace. In 2022, she was named one of the 25 most influential figures in the City over the past 25 years by “Financial News”, further cementing her legacy of impact and influence.
Helena is hired as a speaker because she offers more than just inspiration – she provides a clear roadmap for change. Her talks resonate with organisations seeking to foster inclusive cultures, drive performance through diversity, and empower the next generation of leaders. With a message grounded in real-world experience and transformative leadership, she motivates audiences to think differently and act with purpose.
Helena Morrissey is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“Helena’s stage presence encapsulated our audience, whilst engaging them with her story, and making them feel that she was one of them. Empowering, real, and a great story teller. Women in Data were thrilled to have Helena contribute at our event on the empowerment stage and would not hesitate to invite her back again to hear more.”
“Helena is an inspirational speaker. She delivers her message with clarity and passion in a way that really resonates. Even when discussing complex and challenging issues, her story telling skills and practical advice make it accessible and engaging. When she spoke before an internal EY audience of over 1000 people she held the room in the palm of her hand. Her open and honest style had an impact on the crowd that was palpable on the day and the feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive.”
“WINN UK had the privilege of welcoming Dame Helena Morrissey as our keynote speaker for the WINN UK annual event 2019 yesterday (20 November). Helena spoke passionately on the topic of “Why finance needs more women”. A wide audience of women and men from Natixis London Branch and other UK affiliates, as well as external guests, were inspired by the event. We look forward to continuing the positive and effective work WiNN does into 2020 and beyond”- WINN UK”There was a great buzz, fantastic attendance, Dame Helena was a winner!”
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