Baroness Karren Brady

Vice-Chairman of West Ham United Football Club, One of Britain’s Most Powerful Women & Aide To Lord Alan Sugar on ‘The Apprentice’

Baroness Karren Brady’s Biography:

Baroness Karren Brady is one of Britain’s most influential business leaders and a highly sought-after speaker, celebrated for her sharp insight, wit, and ability to inspire audiences from all walks of life. Known for her straightforward and engaging delivery, Karren connects with listeners through her candid reflections on leadership, resilience, and success. Whether addressing global corporations or government events, she speaks with clarity and authenticity, offering practical wisdom drawn from her own groundbreaking career in business, sport, and media.

Karren began her career in advertising before making history in 1993 when, at just 23, she became Managing Director of Birmingham City Football Club. Her appointment made her the first woman to hold such a position in top-flight football, and she went on to transform the struggling club into a profitable enterprise. Her early years in football not only demonstrated her commercial acumen but also her ability to lead in male-dominated industries with confidence and determination.

Today, Karren continues to inspire as Vice-Chairman of West Ham United, where she has overseen major developments, including the club’s historic move to the London Stadium. In addition, she serves as Chairman of Taveta and holds numerous board and ambassadorial roles, including with Barclays Life Skills and Wellbeing for Women. She has also shared her expertise as a Non-Executive Director for Channel 4 and as a member of Sport England.

Her achievements are numerous and wide-ranging. Elevated to the House of Lords in 2014 as Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge, she was also appointed CBE for services to entrepreneurship and women in business. A Sunday Times bestselling author, she has penned several successful books, including ‘Strong Women’ and ‘Playing to Win’. Karren continues to be a prominent figure on television, most notably as Lord Sugar’s aide on The Apprentice, and remains a vocal advocate for women in leadership and equality in the workplace.

Why Hire Karren Brady?

Karren Brady is one of the UK’s most respected voices on leadership, entrepreneurship, and business success. Her talks blend practical advice with humour and honesty, offering audiences a rare insight into what it takes to excel in demanding and competitive environments. Drawing on her trailblazing journey through business, media, and public life, Karren’s story is one of determination, resilience, and innovation. Her ability to communicate complex lessons about leadership and achievement in an engaging and relatable way makes her a standout presence on any stage.

Karren has delivered impactful speeches for a wide range of organisations, including Costa Coffee, Land Rover UK, HSBC, Barclays, and numerous UK Government conferences. She has also appeared on The Diary of a CEO podcast, where her openness and wisdom on entrepreneurship, success, and balance in life resonated with millions. Regularly invited to headline leadership and corporate events, her authenticity and energy inspire audiences to think differently about ambition and success. Her speaking style is both motivational and practical, empowering listeners to embrace challenges, drive change, and lead with confidence. Whether addressing senior executives or young entrepreneurs, Karren leaves every audience with a renewed sense of purpose and belief in their potential.

Baroness Karren Brady’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Baroness Karren Brady’s incredible career:

• 2025 – Opened The Foundry, a pioneering business and innovation hub supporting entrepreneurs and future leaders.
• 2024 – Continued as aide to Lord Alan Sugar on the 18th series of The Apprentice, strengthening her reputation as one of Britain’s leading business figures.
• 2022 – Featured on The Diary of a CEO podcast, sharing powerful insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and balance in life.
• 2017 – Appointed Chairman of Taveta, overseeing strategic business operations across multiple sectors.
• 2014 – Elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge and appointed CBE for Services to Entrepreneurship and Women in Business.
• 2013 – Recognised by BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the United Kingdom.
• 2012 – Published ‘Strong Women: The Truth About Getting to the Top’, a Sunday Times bestseller and influential guide for aspiring leaders.
• 2010 – Appointed Vice-Chairman of West Ham United, leading the club’s commercial expansion and historic move to the London Stadium.
• 2006 – Named Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Woman of the Year in the category “Woman Who Has Changed the World.”
• 1993 – Appointed Managing Director of Birmingham City Football Club at just 23 years old, becoming the first woman to hold such a position in top-flight football.