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People & Culture Strategist

Ruth Penfold

Shape high-performing workplace culture and leadership with Ruth Penfold, People and Culture Strategist. Ruth works with organizations to build authentic leadership, psychological safety, and sustainable team performance. Former Chief People Officer at Shazam, Onfido, and bp Launchpad, she delivers actionable frameworks through her Women Who Lead programme.

Trusted by Codebase, Pfizer, Shazam, Onfido, bp Launchpad

Ruth Penfold, Speaker | People & Culture Leader
Ruth Penfold

Ruth Penfold

New York City, United States

Typical fee range

$6k–10k

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

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New York City, United States

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$6k–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Ruth Penfold's biography

At a glance

  • People and Culture leader transforming organizational leadership strategy
  • Founder of Bloom and creator of Women Who Lead
  • Expert in closing the Authenticity Gap in workplace culture
Ruth Penfold is a People and Culture leader who transforms how organizations approach leadership, combining two decades of experience with a methodology centred on authenticity and human connection. As the founder of Bloom and creator of Women Who Lead, Ruth has shaped high-performing teams at technology innovators, including Shazam, Onfido, and bp Launchpad, where she served as Chief People Officer. Her work bridges corporate expertise with modern understanding of leadership psychology and somatic intelligence. Ruth helps organizations close what she calls the "Authenticity Gap" - the disconnect between who people are and who they believe they must be at work. Her approach integrates practical leadership strategies with nervous system awareness, enabling companies to build cultures where innovation thrives through trust rather than burnout. This methodology proves particularly valuable for teams navigating rapid growth or significant change. Audiences leave Ruth's presentations with concrete tools for creating psychological safety in high-pressure environments, practical frameworks for sustainable leadership that honour natural energy cycles, and strategies to transform authenticity from a personal value into a competitive advantage. Book Ruth when you need a speaker who delivers not just inspiration, but actionable wisdom that transforms how your organization approaches leadership and culture.

Ruth's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Building Human-Centred Cultures That Scale
Ruth Penfold explores how to design organizations that expand without losing their soul. Drawing on her experience at high-growth companies, she unpacks how trust, safety, and self-awareness can drive innovation and performance. Through practical insights and real-world examples, she demonstrates how culture becomes a living system — one that grows with its people rather than at their expense.
Leadership And The Nervous System At Work
In this session, Ruth Penfold reveals how understanding the body’s responses can transform leadership. She explains how stress, uncertainty, and rapid change affect the nervous system, and how leaders can cultivate calm, clarity, and connection even under pressure. With accessible somatic tools and grounded wisdom, she helps audiences rediscover balance and build workplaces that foster sustainable performance.
Women’s Leadership And The Authenticity Gap
Ruth Penfold examines the unique pressures facing women in leadership and how societal expectations often create a disconnect between personal truth and professional identity. She shares practical strategies to close this Authenticity Gap, build self-trust, and lead without self-abandonment. Combining empathy and evidence-based insight, she empowers women to lead from wholeness, redefining success on their own terms.
Leading Through Change And Uncertainty
Drawing on decades in fast-moving industries, Ruth Penfold explores what it means to lead adaptively in times of transition. She discusses how leaders can hold stability while embracing evolution, balancing strategy with self-awareness. Her calm yet dynamic approach helps audiences understand how authenticity, presence, and psychological safety create resilience when everything else is shifting.
Trust, Safety, And Ownership In Modern Teams
Ruth Penfold delves into the foundations of thriving teams in an era of hybrid work and rapid change. She explains how psychological safety and shared ownership unlock performance and innovation. With clarity and candour, she offers leaders a roadmap to build workplaces where honesty is welcomed, collaboration deepens, and people are empowered to bring their best to the collective.

Why we recommend booking Ruth

Ruth Penfold transforms organizational culture by bridging the Authenticity Gap, drawing from two decades of experience shaping high-performing teams at Shazam, Onfido, and bp Launchpad. Book Ruth to gain actionable wisdom that creates psychological safety in high-pressure environments while turning authentic leadership into your competitive advantage.

Check Ruth's availability

Trusted by Codebase, Pfizer, Shazam, Onfido, bp Launchpad

Testimonials

Thank you for delivering this insightful and humble training to our business. Ruth absolutely rocked our session with her awesome energy and empathy. I haven't seen such a participative session in a very long time - which is not an easy task especially virtually.

Martin

Codebase

Bloom created a session for the Rise, by Barclays community on the topic of avoiding burnout and working sustainability. This was a superbly ran session: with a contagiously positive energy, providing guided tips and resources. I highly recommend Bloom to anyone interested in transforming their relationship to work.

Nura

Rise by Barclays

One of the unique and differentiating values that Ruth brings to the table is her common sense gained from 20+ years in People + Talent, which added to her understanding of psychology makes her a wonderful coach and facilitator to work with.

Helene

Pfizer

Featured Projects

Ruth Penfold - Women Who Lead podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Ruth Penfold for my next event?

What is Ruth Penfold's speaking style like?

Ruth Penfold structures her sessions around a central framework she terms the Authenticity Gap, using it as a diagnostic lens through which she presents somatic tools, nervous system awareness, and practical leadership strategies drawn from her experience at high-growth technology companies.

What topics does Ruth Penfold specialise in?

Ruth Penfold speaks on building human-centred cultures at scale, nervous system awareness in leadership, and the authenticity gap facing women in leadership roles. She brings two decades of People and Culture experience, having served as Chief People Officer at bp Launchpad and held senior roles at Shazam and Onfido, and is the founder of Bloom and creator of the Women Who Lead programme.

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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

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Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

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.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

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.

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.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

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.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

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.

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.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.