Balancing the Scales: Unlocking Potential, Creating Possibility
I’m beginning to think about 2026 and this years theme for International Womens Day 8 March witt the theme Balancing the Scales: Unlocking Potential, Creating Possibility: I've enjoyed delivering many keynote presentations in past years, and I wanted to share what I'm planning because, well, I think it's going to be pretty special.
The Keynote: Balancing the Scales: Unlocking Potential, Creating Possibility
After years of building businesses, backing brilliant people, and watching what happens when we actually give everyone a fair go, I've pulled together a keynote that I hope will do more than just inform—I want it to energise you, maybe make you laugh a bit, and definitely have you thinking slightly differently by the time we're done.
And yes, I said laugh. Because if we can't have some fun while we're changing the world, what's the point?
What This Keynote Is Really About
Look, I could stand up there and talk about all the barriers women face. We know them. You've probably lived them. But that's not where I want to spend our time together.
Instead, I want to invite you to imagine—in a really energetic, informed way—what becomes possible when we take genuine steps to balance the scales. Not as a tick-box exercise (please, no), but as a real source of creativity, resilience, and actual business growth.
I'll be sharing stories from the trenches—the good, the challenging, and the "you won't believe what happened next" moments that have shown me what's possible when workplaces and communities embrace equity. Real stories, real outcomes, real impact.
What You'll Take Away
I promise this won't be a lecture. Here's what I'm hoping you'll leave with:
A fresh lens on potential - You'll see how equity isn't just nice to have; it's how we unlock potential that's been sitting right in front of us. For people, for teams, for entire organizations.
Stories that stick - I'll share examples of progress that prove balancing the scales isn't just possible—it's powerful. And probably more achievable than you think.
Things you can actually do - Practical steps to create cultures where people genuinely belong and can do their best work. No fluff, just real approaches that work.
The business case (because it matters) - The compelling economic and cultural benefits of championing inclusion. Because doing the right thing and doing good business aren't mutually exclusive.
Your own power to create change - Every leader—yes, that includes you—has the ability to be a catalyst for positive change. Today. Right now.
Some fun along the way - I mean, if we're going to change systems, we might as well enjoy the journey, right?
Why I'm Doing This
I've been fortunate enough to build businesses, work with incredible people, and see firsthand what happens when diverse voices aren't just heard but actually valued. And you know what? The results are remarkable.
When I speak at conferences—whether it's to corporate teams, industry groups, or community organizations—there's this moment I love. It's when I see people lean in, not because I'm saying something shocking, but because I'm saying something possible. Something they can actually imagine doing.
That's what I want to create in this International Women's Day keynote. Not overwhelming you with the enormity of systemic change, but energising you with the reality that you—yes, you—can be part of creating it.
Who This Is For
This keynote resonates with anyone who's tired of talking about diversity and wants to start doing something about it:
- Leaders who know their teams have more to give
- Organizations ready to move beyond lip service
- Women in business looking for inspiration and practical wisdom
- Anyone who believes inclusion makes us all stronger
- People who are ready to be part of the solution
- Teams who want to work in cultures where everyone can thrive
Basically, if you've ever thought "there has to be a better way," this keynote is for you.
A Bit About My Approach
If you've heard me speak before, you know I'm not one for standing behind a podium reading slides. I'm energetic, I'm engaged, and I'll absolutely tailor the content to what matters most to your audience and your themes.
I've built businesses, championed inclusion in settings where it wasn't always popular, and learned some lessons along the way (some the hard way, to be honest). I bring that real-world experience to every presentation, along with a healthy dose of optimism and a bit of wit.
Because here's what I've learned: when you combine inspiring stories with practical insights, and deliver it in a way that's engaging rather than preachy, people actually lean in. They start imagining what's possible. And that's when real change begins.
The Bigger Picture
International Women's Day 2026 isn't just a date on the calendar—it's a moment to create momentum. And that's exactly what this keynote is designed to do: transform that moment into lasting impact.
We'll explore:
- How innovation flourishes when diverse voices are genuinely heard
- The economic gains when women are fully included (the data is compelling, I promise)
- The cultural richness that comes from fairness
- Why systemic change is within reach—and how we each play a part
- Practical ways to champion inclusion with courage and optimism
Let's Make This Happen
If you're planning an International Women's Day event in 2026 and you want a speaker who will:
- Energise your audience (not put them to sleep)
- Share insights from actual experience (not just theory)
- Make people laugh and think
- Curate content specifically for your themes and audience
- Create that "buzz" that carries through the rest of your event
Then let's talk about bringing this keynote to your organization.
I'm genuinely passionate about this work. I've seen what happens when we create environments where everyone can contribute their full potential. It's not just good for society—it's brilliant for business.
