International Women’s Day · 8 March 2027
International Women’s Day speaker, Claire O’Connor
Founder & CEO of babyballet®, EWiF Inspirational Woman of the Year 2026, and a speaker on self-belief, women in business and leading with ADHD. Keynotes, workshops, panels and virtual talks for International Women’s Day events, women’s networks and leadership teams.

IWD 2027: Progress Parity
The International Women’s Day 2027 campaign theme is Progress Parity. It asks us to recognise progress, share what works and keep moving forward. Here is how Claire’s talk fits.
01
Recognise progress
Claire left ballet at fourteen believing she wasn’t good enough. She went on to build babyballet® in 115 locations internationally and was named EWiF Inspirational Woman of the Year 2026.
02
Share what works
She shares honestly what helped her through imposter syndrome, overwhelm and leading a franchise network through Covid.
03
Keep moving forward
Why it’s not what happens to you, it’s how you react, and why you don’t have to wait until you feel ready.
Passionate about helping women succeed, Claire shares what she learned so that others don’t have to wait as long as she did.
Take Centre Stage in Your Own Way
For International Women’s Day 2027, women’s networks, founders and leadership teams.
Claire built an international brand while doubting she belonged in the room. In this talk she shares what worked for her: how she handled imposter syndrome, overwhelm and leading through a crisis, and why it’s not what happens to you, it’s how you react. Audiences leave with practical ways to control the controllables, back their own decisions and stop waiting until they feel ready.
Building a Brand with ADHD
For International Women’s Day, Neurodiversity Celebration Week and wellbeing networks.
Claire was diagnosed with ADHD at fifty. She shares what her diagnosis explained, how a fast-reacting brain helped her lead through the pandemic, and the tools she uses to turn ideas into finished work. Audiences leave with a better understanding of how ADHD can show up in women at work, and practical ideas to use themselves or to support colleagues.
Recognition
- EWiF Inspirational Woman of the Year 2026
- EWiF Overall Woman in Franchising 2021
- Finalist, Outstanding Entrepreneur, Northern Power Women Awards 2025
- Over £1.1 million raised for charity
Claire has spoken for the EWiF Women in Franchising Awards, GoCardless, The Baby Show Dubai and the Children’s Activities Association.
What audiences say
“Claire’s raw honesty when she speaks is brilliant. She is a legend.”
Pip Wilkins, CEO, British Franchise Association
“One of the best presentations I have ever seen because it was 100% authentic. Claire made every single person in the room believe that, with hard work and passion, they could achieve the same things.”
Louise Bruce, PR and Digital Marketing Professional
“Claire was articulate, engaging, and informative. She was well-prepared but still natural, and the feedback from the team was terrific.”
Hamish Wood, Senior Leader, GoCardless

Book Claire for International Women’s Day
Keynotes, workshops, panels and virtual talks. Email Claire to check availability for your IWD event.
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