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Speaker, author & political activist

Catherine Mayer

Transform gender equality initiatives with Catherine Mayer, speaker, author and political activist. Catherine works with organisations to advance female representation and leadership, delivering impactful insights as Women's Equality Party co-founder and acclaimed TED speaker.

Trusted by Women's Equality Party, TED

Catherine Mayer, Speaker | Author, Activist, Leader
Catherine Mayer

Catherine Mayer

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Catherine Mayer's biography

At a glance

  • Co-founder and President of Women's Equality Party
  • Co-founder of Primadonna Festival
  • Author of Attack of the Fifty Foot Women: How Gender Equality Can Save the World!
Catherine Mayer is an author, journalist, commentator, and political activist. She is the co-founder and President of the Women's Equality Party, where she advocates for increased representation of women in politics. Catherine also co-founded the Primadonna Festival, which celebrates writing, music, and ideas, focusing on women's contributions. Her books include "Amortality: The Pleasures and Perils of Living Agelessly," "Charles: The Heart of a King," and "Attack of the Fifty Foot Women: How Gender Equality Can Save the World!" These works have received critical acclaim and explore themes ranging from changing attitudes towards ageing to the benefits of gender equality. As a speaker, Catherine is known for her ability to foster a better understanding of female representation. Her TED Talk, "We Should All Be Hags," challenges the stigma surrounding female ageing and encourages society to celebrate women at every stage of life. This talk has gained significant attention, amassing over a thousand views. Catherine's extensive experience as a journalist and as the founder of the think tank Datum Future brings professionalism to her engagements. Her after-dinner speeches aim to empower individuals to take control of their societal purpose. In addition to her activism and writing, Catherine has authored a memoir about being widowed during the pandemic and learning to embrace life amidst loss. Her work consistently highlights her passion for celebrating women and their achievements, making her a prominent figure in the fight for gender equality.

Catherine's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Gender Equality's Impact: Catherine Mayer's Journey And Call To Action
Discover the profound influence of gender equality alongside Catherine Mayer, the co-founder of the Women's Equality Party. Embark on her remarkable journey as an activist and author, unveiling the profound effects of female representation in both politics and society. Catherine's invaluable perspectives defy stereotypes and ignite a call to action for a fairer and more balanced world.
The Future Of Media In The Digital Age
During a 30-year career, Catherine Mayer saw first-hand how digital technologies initially enabled news organisations to flourish and then destroyed the economic models supporting them. Catherine discusses and assesses the repercussions not just within the industry but for democracy and our understanding of the world, as well as forecasting developments in new media.
How To Have Conversations In A Polarised World
We are more divided than ever before, and not just on subjects that directly touch on our lives. How can we hope to reach a consensus in the workplace if we’re passionately polarised on Meghan and Harry or whether cancel culture even exists? Catherine Mayer looks at the drivers of such polarisation, unpicks the way that these arguments are often proxies for other issues such as race and inequality, and looks at what works and what definitely doesn’t to defuse potential hostilities and bring people together.
Why True Inclusion Is More Than Ticking Boxes
Organisations know they need to improve the diversity of their workforces - but they often don’t know why. Catherine Mayer unravels the confusion surrounding diversity and diversity programmes, highlights the dangers of creating echo chambers or cultures that suppress dissident opinions and demonstrates the value of more inclusive cultures.
How Unlocking Female Potential Benefits Us All
In this session, Catherine Mayer looks in more detail at the subject of female participation in the economy and the workplace. Why is it that organisations struggle to retain women and how can they improve that record? And, why the rewards of doing so are huge.

Why we recommend booking Catherine

Book Catherine Mayer as a speaker to inspire your team with her expertise in gender equality, political activism, and acclaimed authorship. Her dynamic presentations challenge stereotypes, celebrate women's achievements, and empower individuals to drive societal change. Perfect for fostering a more inclusive and motivated workplace.

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Trusted by Women's Equality Party, TED

Testimonials

As a result of Catherine being on the panel, we were able to create the level, strength and quality of debate we really aspired to – and have an enjoyable, fun evening along the way. The feedback from our guests was that she had taken our panel to a new level.

Very inspiring and engaging... we liked the way she spoke from the heart and gave her personal story. She sets a tone of openness and trust which was exactly what the session needed.

Catherine was an absolutely fabulous addition on the night – razor sharp, great sense of humour, real and extremely engaging. She is right at the top of her game and therefore able to be challenging but without alienating the audience.

Featured Projects

Catherine Mayer - Divide and Rule book cover
Catherine Mayer - Attack Of The 50 Ft. Women: How Gender Equality Can Save The World! book cover
Catherine Mayer - Good Grief book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Catherine Mayer for my next event?
Email catherine.mayer@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Catherine's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Catherine Mayer's speaking style like?
Catherine Mayer draws on her 30-year career as a journalist and her founding of the think tank Datum Future to frame sessions around evidence-based analysis, using her direct experience of media industry collapse and political activism to trace cause-and-effect relationships between systemic forces and real-world outcomes.
What topics does Catherine Mayer specialise in?
Catherine Mayer speaks on gender equality and female representation, the transformation of media in the digital age, and navigating polarisation in divided societies. She is co-founder and President of the Women's Equality Party, a role she has held alongside a 30-year career in journalism and the authorship of works including Attack of the Fifty Foot Women: How Gender Equality Can Save the World!
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

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What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

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Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

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When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.