
Marie Gleeson
Transform your team's ability to make decisions under pressure with Marie Gleeson, speaker and former Irish Navy Ship Captain. Marie works with diverse organisations to foster resilience, build high performing teams, and develop inclusive leadership, delivering transformational results for Microsoft, the Institute of Directors, the Northern Trust, and more.

Dublin, Ireland
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Marie Gleeson is an inspirational figure in the realm of leadership, known for her remarkable ability to blend her extensive military experience with her insightful perspectives on resilience and decision-making.
With over two decades of service in the Irish Navy, Marie’s journey from a young cadet in 1998 to the Commanding Officer of LE AOIFE, a prestigious position within the naval hierarchy, is a testament to her unwavering commitment and leadership capabilities. Her experiences navigating the tumultuous waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where she faced high-stakes challenges such as international drug interdictions and the tragic loss of a colleague at sea, have equipped her with a unique understanding of leadership under pressure.
Throughout her career, Marie has consistently shattered barriers as one of the first female officers in the Irish Navy, making her an authoritative voice on leadership in male-dominated industries. In her keynotes, Marie eloquently conveys the lessons learned from her military career, focusing on the importance of decision-making in high-pressure situations, the value of resilience in high performance arenas, and the necessity of support systems when facing adversity. Her authenticity and engaging delivery make her a sought-after speaker for audiences seeking inspiration and practical leadership insights.
Marie's work as a Leadership Consultant and Coach at NavMar Leadership also highlights her dedication to fostering leadership skills in others, focusing on the power of teamwork, diversity, and inclusion in businesses. She works with leaders and teams across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors delivering transformational results.
Invited to speak at prestigious events like the Pendulum Summit, Marie is a compelling keynote speaker who resonates with diverse audiences. Her talks, often laced with humour and passion, are not just about leadership; they are about overcoming adversity, breaking through barriers, and leading with authenticity and integrity. For anyone seeking a keynote speaker who embodies resilience and holds a deep understanding of the professional and personal challenges military and corporate environments bring, Marie stands out as an exceptional choice.
Drawing from her groundbreaking career as one of the first female officers in the Irish Navy, Marie Gleeson delivers powerful insights that translate military leadership principles into business success strategies, helping organisations develop resilience and take decisive action during uncertainty. Book Marie today to transform how your team navigates challenges and develops the next generation of confident, inclusive leaders who perform under pressure.
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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. 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.
We work with speakers across a variety of fee ranges, giving you the flexibility to choose someone who fits your event's needs. Virtual keynote fees in the UK and Europe typically start at £2,000, while in-person top-tier speakers can reach £25,000. In the US, virtual in-person fees range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the speaker and format, such as after-dinner talks, conference keynotes, Q&As, or podcasts. Comedians generally start at £1,500 or $2,000 for a 20-minute set.
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Partnering with PepTalk means elevating your events with our curated roster of top motivational speakers, industry experts, delivering punchy keynotes that leave a lasting impact. From talent selection, to contracts and logistics, we handle it all. We have global expert network, with over 3000 speakers from over 33 countries on our line-up.
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