The 15 Best Inspiring Female Motivational Speakers

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As a mother, partner, life coach, and entrepreneur, I have always looked to the world’s influential women for motivation. While today’s world has seen advances in gender equality and overall empowerment, women face unique everyday challenges that we sometimes need support to overcome.

I am excited to share my list of the 15 top female motivational speakers that I often turn to for inspiration and motivation in my own personal journey.

My goal with this list is to share the best female motivational speakers with diverse backgrounds. My hope is that this will help you find inspiration and motivation regardless of the season of life you find yourself in.

I have also provided a link to my favorite inspirational video clip for each of the top female speakers so that you can see them in action!

1. Brené Brown

Brené Brown is known for her work on shame, vulnerability, and leadership. She is the author of 6 New York Times bestsellers, including my absolute favorite book The Gifts of Imperfection. 

Brené Brown has a special place in my heart. The Gifts of Imperfection was a book that left a lasting impact on my ability to love and embrace myself despite my imperfections. This book is filled with incredible quotes that make it a must read for anyone who wants to make positive change in their own self-acceptance.

Check out our Gifts of Imperfection book summary to learn more!

My Recommendation: Brené Brown’s TEDx talk The Power of Vulnerability is one of the most popular TED talks of all time.

2. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey became one of the most powerful women in the world after building an extensive media empire through her talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

As one of the world’s top black female motivational speakers and a NY times best selling author, Oprah has made self-help, literature, spirituality, health, and social issues accessible to millions.

My Recommendation: This Oprah Winfrey motivational speech collection.

3. Rachel Hollis

Rachel Hollis is commonly known as the best-selling author of Girl, Wash Your Face and Girl, Stop Apologizing. As a motivational speaker, Rachel connects with her audience members on a personal level by addressing common challenges and insecurities that people face in their everyday lives. 

Rachel inspires others to pursue their passions, become successful entrepreneurs, and create the life they desire. She often shares practical tips and strategies to help her audience grow as business leaders.

My Recommendation: How to Reset Your Life from Rachel’s YouTube Channel.

4. Cassandra Worthy

Cassandra Worthy’s TEDx Talk ‘What If’ proves that she is one of the most effective female motivational speakers. She shares a truly life-changing message of embracing growth through change.

This inspiring message helps audiences understand that even the most painful failures provide us with opportunities and choices that can help us grow. 

My Recommendation: Cassandra Worthy’s TEDx Talk What If? is one of my favorite inspirational videos that I come back to regularly.

5. Amy Purdy

Amy Purdy is a unique female athlete who has shared her powerful and inspiring personal experience. At the age of only 19, Amy lost both of her legs to bacterial meningitis. 

Despite this major setback, Amy persevered and managed to become a Paralympic snowboarder, actress, and model. Her resilience in overcoming her physical challenges makes her one of the top role models for anyone battling a seemingly impossible challenge. 

My Recommendation: Amy Purdy’s TED Talk “Living beyond limits”.

6. Iyanla Vanzant

Renowned as an American television personality and best-selling author, Iyanla Vanzant offers a distinctive viewpoint shaped by her personal struggles and victories. From enduring a challenging childhood of abandonment, abuse, and the hardships of poverty to navigating the complexities of single motherhood, Vanzant’s early life experiences allow her to speak deeply on the topics of healing and personal development.

My Recommendation: Iyanla Vanzant’s inspirational video The Best Thing You Can Do Is Give Yourself A Break.

7. Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins is known for her podcast, social media presence, and as the bestselling author of The 5 Second Rule. In this book she shares the powerful insight that acting on a creative idea within 5 seconds is the key to motivating yourself and getting started. She argues that all it takes is 5 seconds to talk yourself out of an idea in order to stay in your comfort zone.

My Recommendation: Mel Robbins’ TEDx talk “How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over“.

8. Valorie Burton

Valorie Burton is a life coach and founder of the Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute. She is the author of several books, including the bestselling Successful Women Think Differently.

Valorie Burton is one of the best female keynote speakers who delivers workshops and seminars at conferences, corporate events, and other events. She shares practical strategies and insights to help individuals and organizations overcome challenges and achieve goals.

My Recommendation: This interview with Valorie Burton where she discusses failure, courage to make change, and more.

9. Robyn Benincasa

Robyn Benincasa is a renowned motivational speaker and world-class adventure racer. Robyn has competed in some of the toughest endurance races around the world. 

As a motivational speaker and leadership expert, she draws on her experiences as an adventure racer to deliver dynamic and inspiring presentations on topics such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and peak performance.

My Recommendation: Robyn’s keynote speaker demo.

10. Bonita Norris

Bonita Norris is a British mountaineer, adventurer, and author who is known for being the youngest British woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest at the age of 22 from May 2010 until May 2012.

Norris shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges, setting ambitious goals, and achieving extraordinary feats. Her messages inspire audiences to pursue their own dreams with determination and resilience.

My Recommendation: “Will this Climb Kill Me?”

11. Katie Ledecky

With 7 gold medals (at the time of me writing this!), Katie Ledecky is widely regarded as one of the greatest swimmers and olympic athletes of all time. A recent graduate of Stanford University, Katie is also known for her attitude and approach toward setting and working toward big goals.

My Recommendation: “Take the Lead, Keep the Lead“, a feature on Katie’s accomplishments and approach to setting and achieving goals.

12. Terri Trespicio

Terri Trespicio is a top female keynote speaker known for her engaging and insightful presentations. She delivers talks on personal branding, creativity, entrepreneurship, and finding purpose and passion in work.

My Recommendation: Terri’s TEDx Talk “Stop Searching for Your Passion“.

13. Gabrielle Bernstein

Gabby Bernstein is a NY Times best selling author known for her motivational speaking and spiritual teachings that focus on mindfulness, meditation, and personal growth. She has openly shared her journey from a life of addiction, fear, and self-doubt to one of spiritual growth, healing, and empowerment.

Gabby teaches the power of forgiveness and the importance of self-love and self-care. She also highlights the practice of mindfulness, meditation, and living from a place of love and authenticity.

My Recommendation: “The Universe Has Your Back” from Oprah’s SuperSoul Sessions.

14. Felecia Hatcher

Felecia Hatcher is a sought-after speaker who addresses topics such as entrepreneurship, diversity in tech, innovation, and youth empowerment. She has spoken at numerous conferences, universities, and events, advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial and tech industries.

Felecia Hatcher’s work has been recognized with various awards and honors, including being named a White House Champion of Change for STEM Access & Diversity.

My Recommendation: Who are you Uninterrupted? from Felecia Hatcher’s YouTube channel.

15. Molly Bloom

Molly Bloom is known for her involvement in a $100 million illegal gambling ring, the story which was adapted into the film Molly’s Game.

Following her legal troubles, Molly Bloom transitioned into entrepreneurship and motivational speaking. She offers coaching, speaking engagements, and workshops on topics such as resilience, risk-taking, and entrepreneurship.

My Recommendation: Molly Bloom’s keynote speech about failure and getting back up again.

Who Are Your Favorite Female Motivational Speakers?

My top motivational speakers have always been the ones whose experiences resonate with me the most. I love listening to someone talk as if they are talking directly to me about what I am going through.

My hope for you is that you are able to find the perfect speaker on this list to help motivate and inspire you. Find your favorite female motivational speakers from this list and let them help you conquer your limiting beliefs, reach your big crazy goals, and help you through life’s toughest seasons.

My favorite way to use the wisdom of my favorite speakers is to start my day listening to them. Whether it’s an inspirational video or a podcast, it is so easy to make time to listen to something inspiring while you get ready for your day!

If you are looking for more inspiration, check out our list of the top 15 motivational speakers!

Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family on social media! If you know someone who could use any of these female motivational speakers, this blog post could be just what they need!

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