Your next event is missing just one thing, a powerful voice to launch the day. Impactful female motivational speakers can boost attendance, engagement, and morale. However, it is crucial you hire the right motivational speaker for your audience.
For events that platform the voices of women, or with the mission of celebrating diversity, choose a motivational speaker that will resonate with your message. Moreover, academic studies have shown that audiences are most engaged when a motivational speaker not only shows passion and emotion, but also extensive knowledge. That’s why this year several subject matter experts have made our list of top female motivational speakers.
Top 20 Female Motivational Speakers (June, 2025 Update)
Barbara Corcoran
- Entrepreneurship
- Real Estate
- Venture Capital
Barbara Corcoran is best known as one of the “Sharks” on ABC’s 4-time Emmy award-winning hit reality show Shark Tank, of which she is also the executive producer.
What many don’t know is that Corcoran built the largest residential realty in New York with just a $1,000 loan.
Corcoran is one of the most-booked female motivational speakers with a background in real estate and venture capital.
Book Barbara Corcoran.
Leslie Maxie
- Olympian
- Meeting Host & Emcee
- Ageism & Work-life Balance
Leslie Maxie is an Olympian, lifestyle entrepreneur, and former sportscaster for ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC.
Her motto is “Excellence is not an accident” and she has shown audiences across the globe how they can achieve success using the Olympic Mindset.
In addition to being a record-holding athlete, Leslie Maxie is also a media consultant, having led media activations for BET and NASCAR, and manages the public relations of high-profile individuals.
Maxie is also the founder of Not Your Mama’s 50, a movement dedicated to supporting MidLove Sisters (Midlife and LOVING it).
Leslie Maxies’ speaking topics include Kicking Ass and Taking on Ageism and Ever Meta Women, two topics dedicated to empowering women in the workforce.
Book Leslie Maxie.
Want to book stunning talent at your event?
Tara Schuster
- Best-selling Author
- Former VP of Talent and Development at Comedy Central
- Workplace Culture
Tara Schuster is a former television executive and best-selling author of Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies.
While the VP of Talent and Development at Comedy Central, she was the executive in charge of critically acclaimed shows such as Key & Peele.
Today, she is a keynote speaker that draws from her experiences as a woman in Hollywood, the ups and downs of her career, and the discrimination she faced. Most importantly, Schuster’s mission is to give her audience the tools they need to find their authentic voice.
Tara Schuster’s name recognition and following make her a top motivational speaker for young professionals at entrepreneurship conferences and expos.
Book Tara Schuster.
Jade Simmons
- Best-selling Author & Renowned Classical Pianist
- Creator of Transformational Keynote Concerts™
- Leadership & Purpose
Jade Simmons is a captivating classical pianist and best-selling author celebrated for her groundbreaking approach to keynote speaking.
Blending music, storytelling, and strategy, she delivers immersive experiences that move audiences to take action and lead with purpose.
Through her signature “Transformational Keynote Concerts™,” Jade has inspired organizations across industries to innovate from within and unlock their boldest leadership potential.
Widely regarded as one of the Top Female Motivational Speakers, Jade brings unmatched energy, authenticity, and insight to every stage she graces.
Book Jade Simmons
Annika Sorenstam
- World Golf Hall of Famer
- Brand Ambassador
- Tailored Appearances
Annika Sorenstam, regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, is an icon for women the world over.
She is an LPGA and World Golf hall of famer, as well as an 8-time player of the year with 90 worldwide tournament wins.
Today, Fortune 500 companies hire Sorenstam for fireside chats and guest speaker appearances.
As a world-class athlete, Sorenstam is one of the most-booked female motivational speakers for smaller C-suite events.
Book Annika Sorenstam.
Mel Robbins
- Top-booked International Keynote Speaker
- Television Personality
- CEO
CEO, author, and TV host Mel Robbins is a prolific keynote speaker and digital media consultant for Fortune 500 companies.
After her TEDx talk went viral, Stop Saying You’re Fine: Discover a More Powerful You, Mel Robbins quickly became one of the most-booked female motivational speakers.
Her speeches are revolutionary, and she wants you to know: The secret to changing your life is five simple seconds.
Book Mel Robbins.
Dr. Tasha Eurich
- Organizational Psychologist & Best-selling Author
- Founder of The Eurich Group
- Self-awareness & Workplace Culture
Tasha Eurich is a leadership psychologist and New York Times best-selling author of “Insight.”
She combines rigorous research with real-world insight to help leaders gain critical self-awareness.
Tasha’s science-backed methods have helped Fortune 500 companies improve performance, engagement, and morale.
Her engaging talks secure her place among the Top Female Motivational Speakers who shape the future of effective leadership.
Book Tasha Eurich
Michelle Gielan
- Positive Psychology Researcher & Author
- Former CBS News Anchor
- Happiness & Productivity
Michelle Gielan is a former national news anchor turned happiness researcher.
As the founder of the Institute for Applied Positive Research, she helps companies rewire employee mindset and boost productivity.
Her research has been featured in major media outlets and shows how optimism can fuel business success.
Michelle ranks high among Top Female Motivational Speakers for empowering teams with science-backed happiness strategies.
Book Michelle Gielan
Dr. Jody Carrington
- Clinical Psychologist & Author
- Founder of Kids These Days
- Mental Health & Connection
Dr. Jody Carrington is a renowned child psychologist and leading voice on trauma and emotional regulation.
She’s the best-selling author of “Kids These Days” and speaks to educators, parents, and professionals about reconnecting in disconnected times.
Jody’s magnetic storytelling and humor break down barriers, making tough conversations possible and productive.
She’s among the Top Female Motivational Speakers for school systems, family services, and frontline workers.
Book Jody Carrington
Julie Wainwright
- Entrepreneur & Author
- Founder and Former CEO of The RealReal
- Innovation & Resilience
Julie Wainwright is the resilient entrepreneur who built The RealReal into a billion-dollar luxury resale company.
Her leadership journey—marked by public failure and astonishing comeback—motivates entrepreneurs to persevere through setbacks.
Julie shares strategic insights on innovation, sustainability, and leading with vision.
She’s widely recognized as one of the Top Female Motivational Speakers for startup founders and women in business.
Book Julie Wainwright
Juliet Funt
- Efficiency Strategist & Author
- Founder of WhiteSpace at Work
- Work-Life Balance & Focus
Juliet Funt is a leading authority on reclaiming time and focus in high-performance workplaces.
She founded WhiteSpace at Work to help teams beat burnout and boost creativity.
Juliet’s practical, research-based strategies have transformed organizations like Nike, Spotify, and PepsiCo.
She stands out among Top Female Motivational Speakers for her practical tools and dynamic stage presence.
Book Juliet Funt
Molly Grantham
- Award-Winning News Anchor & Author
- Three-Time Emmy Winner
- Storytelling & Courage
- Organizational Psychologist & Best-selling Author
- Founder of The Eurich Group
- Self-awareness & Workplace Culture
Molly Grantham is a beloved Charlotte news anchor and Emmy Award-winning journalist.
She’s authored two books chronicling stories of strength, community, and resilience.
Molly’s personal journey—including advocacy for cancer and parenting while reporting—deeply resonates with diverse audiences.
Her compelling presence makes her one of the Top Female Motivational Speakers for nonprofit galas, educational events, and media forums.
Book Molly Grantham
Emily Harrington
- World-class Adventurer
- TED Talk Speaker
- Featured on HBO
Emily Harrington is a 5-time US National Champion rock climber and proudly stands as an outspoken woman in the sport of rock climbing.
Her athletic achievements regularly attract international press, and she has been featured in HBO’s Edge of The Earth series.
Harrington gives keynote speeches that inspire audiences with timeless lessons about fear, success, and teamwork.
Her TED Talk Finding Fear is a viral hit and is a popular choice for sales-motivation events as well as annual awards banquets.
Book Emily Harrington.
Barbara Butcher
- Forensic Expert & Author
- Former Assistant Chief of the NYC Medical Examiner’s Office
- Resilience & Trauma
Barbara Butcher is a trailblazing forensic expert and best-selling author of “What the Dead Know.”
She was the second woman ever to hold the title of Medicolegal Investigator in NYC, solving over 5,500 death cases.
Barbara shares compelling lessons from the morgue that help audiences process grief, reduce burnout, and develop resilience.
Her commanding presence and compassionate storytelling place her among the Top Female Motivational Speakers in healthcare, education, and crisis response sectors.
Book Barbara Butcher
Annie Duke
- World Series of Poker Champion
- Best-selling Author
- Decision Making
World Series of Poker champion and national best-selling author Annie Duke is a top keynote speaker in high-performance decision making.
She has won more than $4 million in tournament poker, and is the only woman to have won the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions and the NBC National Poker Heads-Up competition.
Duke’s keynote speeches highlight the psychological analysis required for rational decision making.
Book Annie Duke.
Carey Lohrenz
Carey Lohrenz is one of the first fully-qualified female naval aviators to fly the F-14 Tomcat in the U.S. military.
She is also the author of two best-sellers : Fearless Leadership: High-Performance Lessons from the Flight Deck and Span of Control: What to do When You Are Under Pressure, Overwhelmed and Ready to Get What You Really Want.
Her credentials make Lohrenze one of the best female motivational speakers hired by companies that value the service of U.S. military veterans, and the lessons in leadership they embody.
Book Carey Lohrenz.
Erin Merryn
- Activist and Mind Behind Erin’s Law
- Advocate for Children
- Women’s Empowerment
Erin Merryn is an author, activist, and advocate for children who are the victims of child abuse. Merryn experienced sexual abuse throughout her childhood, and she devoted her life’s work to helping other children get the support they need.
In 2008, Merryn began writing to legislators, asking them to require personal body safety to be taught to children in school. For the next seven years, Merryn traveled across the United States to pass what is now known as Erin’s Law. In 2015, President Obama would sign Erin’s Law and provide the federal funding necessary to teach children personal body safety.
Today, Erin Merryn is an international keynote speaker, inspiring millions of people across the globe. She has been featured on Inside Edition, the Oprah Winfrey Show, and several other television spotlights.
Book Erin Merryn.
Yvonne Cagle
- NASA Astronaut
- Strategic Relationships Manager for Google
- United States Military Veteran
Yvonne Cagle is a retired Air Force colonel and astronaut. She currently works with NASA to help solve the issues that astronauts face during longer stays in space.
Cagle has also served as the Strategic Relationships Manager for Google and other SIlicon Valley Programmatic Partnerships.
She loves to inspire young professional women to strive for their greatest dreams.
“What’s your moonshot?” – Yvonne Cagle
Book Yvonne Cagle
Jade McCarthy
- Legendary ESPN Sportscaster
- SiriusXM NFL Radio Host
- Lifestyle & Faith-based Keynote Speaker
Jade McCarthy is a SiriusXM NFL Radio host, lifestyle influencer, and former ESPN sportscaster.
McCarthy had been an anchor for ESPN’s SportsCenter for 5 years when, in 2017, ESPN announced massive layoffs for their on-air personalities. She would be told about her lay-off moments before going live, suddenly ending her career with ESPN.
McCarthy seized this moment to re-evaluate and transform her career, focusing on her faith, family, and helping other women achieve a work-life balance.
She now hosts Sports Spectrum’s Transformed, a podcast where she interviews sports stars and celebrities about transformational moments in their careers. Furthermore, McCarthy never left the world of sportscasting, and still hosts weekly shows on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Jade McCarthy, from the perspective of a mother and accomplished professional, speaks on the topics of work-life balance and disruption.
Book Jade McCarthy..
Diana Nyad
- International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
- TED Talk Speaker
- Professional Sportscaster
Diana Nyad is an International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, professional sportscaster, TED Talk speaker and the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without the aid of a shark cage.
In the 1970s she was regarded as the world’s greatest long-distance swimmer. Following her break-out success, she became a prolific sportscaster and journalist for Fox Sports, ABC, and The USA Network. Additionally, she was a regular contributor to NPR’s All Things Considered and CBS News’s Sunday Morning show.
Nyad speaks on her experience as a world-class marathon swimmer, and the skills she honed while training for her swim from Cuba to Florida.
Hiring Top Female Motivational Speakers
The Mollie Plotkin Group is honored to represent top female motivational speakers in every industry.
Contact us for more information, and we’ll connect with you immediately to start planning your next conference, meeting, or expo.
