Dr. Ros Barber is a speaker dedicated to empowering women to lead confidently and clearly. With a background in corporate culture (Amex, BT, BP), a decade in academia, and over two decades of speaking experience, she helps women step forward, challenge outdated norms, and drive meaningful change in their organisations.
Ros has spoken extensively on books, creativity, and literary history, appearing on numerous podcasts and BBC Radio 4’s Front Row and Woman’s Hour, as well as BBC Radio 3’s Free Thinking and The Verb. Now, she brings her expertise in communication and mindset transformation to varied audiences. She is particularly interested in equipping women with the tools to navigate leadership challenges, eliminate self-doubt, and create a workplace culture where they—and the teams they lead—can thrive.
Connect with Ros on LinkedIn to catch her latest updates as she works on getting this new project off the ground.
Book a 15-minute discovery call if you are interested in booking Ros for an event.
Talks offered
1. The Confidence Code: How Women Can Lead with Impact, Influence, and Authority
“Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.”
Despite their talent, intelligence, and experience, many women in leadership struggle with imposter syndrome and self-doubt. They hesitate to speak up, downplay their achievements, and hold back from stepping into their full leadership potential. But confidence is not about waiting to feel ready—it’s about knowing how to own your voice, presence, and power.
In this keynote, Dr. Barber shares transformative strategies for overcoming self-doubt, building executive presence, and stepping into leadership with authority.
Key takeaways:
✅ Practical tools to silence self-doubt and amplify confidence
✅ How to navigate corporate politics and be heard at the table
✅ The secret to commanding presence without changing who you are
(also available as an interactive workshop, half day or full day)
2. Breaking the Bias: Transforming Workplace Culture to Retain and Elevate Women Leaders
“A workplace culture that doesn’t work for women doesn’t work for business.”
Companies invest millions in diversity initiatives, yet women still struggle to reach the top. High turnover, lack of mentorship, and unconscious bias continue to hold women back. But culture change isn’t about policies—it’s about everyday actions that create an environment where women thrive.
Dr. Barber reveals the real reasons women leave—and what companies must do to change it.
Key takeaways:
✅ How to identify and eliminate hidden biases in your organisation
✅ Strategies to retain and elevate female talent at every level
✅ How to create a culture where women don’t just survive, but succeed
3. Burnout to Brilliance: Thriving in Leadership Without Losing Yourself
“If success comes at the cost of your well-being, is it really success?”
Women leaders are burning out at record rates. The pressure to overperform, the struggle for work-life balance, and the constant need to prove themselves is leading to exhaustion. But leadership should not come at the expense of personal well-being.
In this keynote, Dr. Barber provides science-backed strategies for leading with energy, balance, and purpose—without sacrificing ambition.
Key takeaways:
✅ How to set boundaries and lead without burnout
✅ The mindset shift that allows women to succeed without overworking
✅ Practical strategies for sustainable, high-impact leadership
(also available as an interactive workshop, half day or full day)