Available to book
Eliza Reid
Advance gender equality and inclusive leadership with Eliza Reid, speaker, bestselling author and former First Lady of Iceland. Eliza works with organisations to drive workplace diversity and create systemic change, delivering UN-recognised expertise and New York Times acclaimed insights.
Eliza Reid is a bestselling author, public speaker, and gender equality advocate who draws on nearly two decades living and working in Iceland’s civic and political landscape. As former First Lady of Iceland from 2016 to 2024, she offers rare insight into how influence, diplomacy, and advocacy shape societies from the inside. Eliza has written three books, including Secrets of the Sprakkar, a New York Times Book Review Editors' Pick exploring Iceland's approach to gender equality, and Death of a Diplomat, a USA Today bestseller optioned for television. She co-founded the Iceland Writers Retreat and served as a United Nations Special Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals. Her advocacy has earned recognition from former U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Governor General Mary Simon. Eliza helps organisations and individuals understand how to advance gender equality in practical ways, drawing from Iceland's successes and challenges. She helps leaders understand how credibility, relationships, and values translate into impact, informed by her experience representing Iceland on the international stage. Her approach combines storytelling with actionable strategies that audiences can implement immediately in their own contexts. Audiences leave Eliza's presentations with concrete tools for promoting gender equality in their workplaces, frameworks for influencing change, and techniques for using storytelling to advance social causes. She translates complex social issues into accessible concepts that resonate across sectors and cultures. Book Eliza to bring fresh perspectives on leadership, equality, and making a difference from someone who has navigated these challenges at the highest levels.
Topics, sessions and talks
In this session, Eliza Reid shares inspiring stories of extraordinary women from Iceland, including a fishing captain who is also a comedian and a group of women who swam the English Channel. Drawing from her bestselling book, Eliza emphasises the importance of gender equality for all and motivates attendees to continue their efforts in creating positive change in society.
Eliza Reid's upcoming memoir, set for publication in 2026, serves as the foundation for her talk. Growing up in small-town Canada, Eliza's spontaneous decision to win a date with her future husband, Guðni Jóhannesson, led her to become the First Lady of Iceland after a swift campaign. She shares behind-the-scenes experiences with global leaders, including moments with the Bidens and attending Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. Attendees will learn how to embrace unexpected opportunities and drive positive change.
In this workshop, Eliza Reid discusses the importance of individual stories and the wisdom they hold. Participants will learn to recognise and articulate their unique narratives, enhancing their organisational leadership and personal relationships. The session focuses on refining observation skills to appreciate the unfolding stories around them. Attendees will discover how to extract meaningful details from their experiences, using these insights to inspire and connect with others, ultimately driving positive change in their companies and communities.
Eliza Reid, a United Nations Special Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals since 2017, has delivered keynote speeches on travel and sustainability at various industry events. She adapts her talks for diverse audiences, often using Iceland as a case study to illustrate how tourism drives economic growth while presenting challenges and opportunities. Attendees will learn about Iceland's leadership in sustainable tourism and how travel fosters communication and cooperation, bridging divides among people.
Eliza Reid offers practical strategies and inspiring stories from her experience as Iceland’s former first lady and a leading advocate for gender equality, empowering audiences to drive real change no matter their role. Book Eliza now to equip your team with proven tools for advancing equality and leadership in any organisation.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Eliza Reid draws on personal narratives — from her own experience as First Lady of Iceland to profiles of Icelandic women featured in her books — to illustrate broader arguments about gender equality and leadership. She pairs these stories with frameworks and tools that audiences can apply directly within their own organisations.
Eliza Reid speaks on gender equality and Iceland's approach to advancing it, embracing unexpected opportunity and navigating life at the highest levels of public life, and storytelling as a tool for leadership and organisational change. She served as First Lady of Iceland from 2016 to 2024 and is the author of Secrets of the Sprakkar, a New York Times Book Review Editors' Pick.
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