B2B Marketing Expert, Director of Communications at Verballistics, Founding Partner of Gecko Ridge & Author of ‘The Secret Army Book’
Gina Balarin’s Biography:
Gina Balarin is a communications strategist, author and keynote speaker best known for her work in helping organisations harness the power of storytelling to drive meaningful engagement. Gina is a founding partner of Gecko Ridge and currently the Director of Communications at Verballistics. Over her career, Gina has built a reputation for translating complex communication challenges into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Through her leadership roles and consultancy work, Gina has become a trusted voice in marketing, content strategy and corporate communications. Her ability to combine practical expertise with engaging delivery is why she is consistently hired as a keynote speaker who can both inspire and equip audiences.
Gina’s career began in marketing and events, working as Marketing and Events Manager for the Grahamstown Foundation before progressing into roles such as Marketing Communications Manager at Insource LTD and Head of International Marketing at Peter Prett Associates. She developed a strong foundation in digital and community engagement as Web, e-Communities and Publications Lead at CfBT Education Trust. Her career continued to advance with senior roles, including Head of Marketing Communications at Atrium Innovation and Head of Content at Concur Technologies. She later became Marketing Director of OmPrompt, followed by consultancy roles with Kriya, Verballistics and Basware, where she specialised in customer marketing and content strategy.
Gina’s thought leadership is reinforced by her published work, including the book ‘The Secret Army Book‘, which showcases her insights into communication, influence and organisational culture. She is recognised for her ability to connect strategy with human behaviour, often sharing her perspectives through speaking engagements, industry discussions and professional networks. Her contributions to marketing and communications have positioned her as a respected voice in the sector, with her ideas frequently sought after by businesses aiming to improve engagement and clarity in their messaging.
Why Hire Gina Balarin?
Beyond her professional roles, Gina’s strength as a keynote speaker lies in her ability to blend expertise with relatability. Her popular TEDx talk, Confessions of a Liar – Marketing in the era of authenticity, highlights her ability to draw on years of hands-on experience across multiple industries and deliver talks that are both practical and thought-provoking. Her sessions are known for their clarity, energy and actionable insight, making complex topics accessible without losing depth. This combination of credibility, storytelling skill and engaging delivery makes Gina an outstanding choice for organisations seeking a keynote speaker who can genuinely influence thinking and drive meaningful change.
Gina Balarin’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Gina Balarin’s remarkable career in aerospace:
- 2024 – Director of Communications at Verballistics
- 2022 – Founding Partner of Gecko Ridge
- 2017 – Published ‘The Secret Army Book’
- 2017 – Customer Marketing Consultant for Basware
- 2016 – Marketing Consultant at Verballistics
- 2016 – Content Marketing Consultant for Kriya
- 2015 – Marketing Director of OmPrompt
- 2012 – Head of Content at Concur Technologies
- 2010 – Head of Marketing Communications at Atrium Innovation
- 2009 – Web, e-Communities and Publications Lead at CfBT Education Trust
- 2007 – Head of International Marketing at Peter Prett Associates
- 2006 – Marketing Communications Manager at Insource LTD
- 2005 – Marketing and Events Manager for the Grahamstown Foundation
Videos
Gina Balarin’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Gina Balarin has spoken at our organisation many times, and each time she leaves the audience feeling happier and more inspired than before they heard her. I have no hesitation in recommending her for professional speaking opportunities, as she has proven herself, time and again, to be a credible, powerful and persuasive speaker with a thorough grasp of marketing, business and how to motivate teams, leaders and customers alike.”Paul Taylor – Global Sales, Basware
“Gina’s business training and presentation for my Athena Network meeting was excellent. She inspired our group and educated them about the power that each of them have to make a difference, using the members of their “Secret Army” to support them. If you want to feel uplifted after a presentation, Gina is the lady who always delivers and you always learn something new when Gina presents or speaks.”Debbie – The Athena Network
“I was fortunate enough to hear Gina speak about Marketing & the Power of People at a networking event. Gina’s 20 mins presentation was clear, brilliantly thought out, punchy and amusing. Gina’s sparky, friendly character shone through throughout the talk. She illustrated her learning points brilliantly, using different tones of voice, keeping the talk at a pace that kept her audience with her for the duration. I was so impressed, I asked Gina to speak at my subsequent Athena Network launch event, where she had the same impact. I have no doubt she would make an enlightening, engaging, informed and amusing after-dinner speaker. Highly recommended.” – Lindsay McLoughlin, The Athena Network
“It was such a brilliant experience hearing you speak. Talk about inspirational and someone ready to genuinely motivate and inspire other women, with practical tips in life!! Thank you so much, I honestly appreciated your reaching out and talking to me after the event as well… you honestly, helped me overcome some elements of self doubt and fear that had started building up inside me.” – Joanita
“Gina was invited to speak at our Inspiring Women event as our closing speaker. She targeted her talk to the audience perfectly, she was instantly engaging and grabbed the attention of the whole audience straight away. Her talk was entertaining but touching at the same time and I would highly recommend her as a speaker at any event.” Susannah, Department for Work and Pensions
Speaking Topics
Gina Balarin’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Customer marketing – exact topic to be agreed with the client
- Marketing – content marketing, storytelling – exact topic to be agreed with clients
- Relationship counselling for sales and marketing
- Women in leadership
- Marketing for non-experts – exact topic to be agreed with client
- Inspiring change: using the power of your customers’ voices
- Inspiring women: who’s in your secret army? (this can also be delivered for mixed audiences)
- The secret army: leadership, marketing and the power of people (this can be delivered in various combinations)
How Much Does Gina Balarin Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Gina Balarin?
Gina Balarin’s speaking fees typically reflect his exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.