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Speaker, advocate & diversity expert

Sophie Williams

Transform workplace inclusion with Sophie Williams, speaker, anti-racism advocate and diversity expert. Sophie works with organisations to implement data-driven equality strategies and navigate race-gender intersectionality, delivering actionable frameworks featured in The Guardian and through her bestselling books.

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Sophie Williams, Speaker | Advocate, Author, Expert
Sophie Williams

Sophie Williams

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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Sophie Williams's biography

At a glance

  • Anti-racism advocate and author
  • Expert in diversity and inclusion
  • Founder of Culture Heroes nonprofit
Sophie Williams is an anti-racism advocate, author, and former advertising executive who transforms organisations through her expertise in diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality. Her approach combines data-driven insights with practical strategies for meaningful change. Sophie has authored three influential books, including The Glass Cliff: Why Women in Power Are Undermined - and How to Fight Back and Anti Racist Ally. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, Bustle, and Cosmopolitan, and she co-founded Culture Heroes, a nonprofit organisation that increases non-white representation in the creative industries. Through evidence-based presentations and workshops, Sophie helps businesses address critical challenges in workplace equality. She specialises in navigating the complex intersections of race and gender, providing organisations with frameworks to identify systemic barriers and implement sustainable inclusion practices that improve both culture and performance. Audiences leave Sophie's sessions with clear, actionable steps for building equality regardless of their position, practical language to discuss difficult topics confidently, and data-backed strategies to drive measurable change. Her authentic communication style makes complex concepts accessible to everyone. Book Sophie when you need more than inspiration, when your organisation is ready for the practical tools to transform good intentions into meaningful action.

Sophie's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

The Glass Cliff
Sophie Williams addresses gender inequity in leadership, exploring the reasons behind the scarcity of successful female leaders. She provides insights into the systemic barriers that hinder women's advancement and discusses actionable strategies for fostering equality in leadership roles. Attendees will learn how to identify and challenge these barriers, as well as practical steps they can take to support and promote gender equity in their own organizations.
Millennial Black
Sophie Williams explores the lived experiences of Black women in UK and US workplaces, highlighting the barriers they face and offering actionable strategies for businesses to overcome these challenges. By addressing these issues, organizations can better harness the often overlooked talent of Black women. Attendees will learn about the systemic obstacles present in the workplace and gain insights into fostering a more inclusive environment that values diversity and enhances overall performance.
Anti-Racist Ally
Sophie Williams addresses the barriers created by racism in both personal and professional spheres. Her sessions encourage open discussions around language and terminology, aiming to dismantle fears and empower individuals to advocate for positive change. Attendees will gain practical, actionable tips and tools to foster inclusivity and make a meaningful impact both in the workplace and beyond.

Why we recommend booking Sophie

Sophie Williams transforms organisations through evidence-based diversity strategies, helping teams navigate the complex intersections of race and gender with practical frameworks that improve both culture and performance. Book Sophie for your next event to gain actionable tools that will convert good intentions into meaningful, measurable change within your organisation.

Check Sophie's availability

Trusted by Manolo Blahnik, Department of International Trade, Vevo

Testimonials

Sophie's session was actually the highlight of the 3 day session ... we'll be in touch to book Sophie again, soon!

Google

We really loved having Sophie at the conference, it was a highly relevant and insightful session and was incredibly well received by the audience who told us they found it impactful and thought provoking. We would highly recommend Sophie as a speaker and look forward to working with her in the future. We received some great feedback from our delegates who said it was a "Really positive approach to difficult issues and how to take action. The explanation of difficult topics were so helpful!

NHS Confederation’s Health and Care Women Leaders Network

By far the best presentation of the day - and indeed the conference. Very thought provoking and educational, in terms of understanding key concepts and indeed definitions. Sophie’s talk was a tour de force. It was a brilliant balance of facts and popular culture, which bought the topics to life and allowed us to engage with some tough content in an accessible way. We were given a framework to think about these topics differently and many attendees experienced an “epiphany” moment or two! We would thoroughly recommend Sophie for any audience wanting to explore these topics in an engaging, rigorous and honest way.

Department of International Trade

Featured Projects

Sophie Williams - Millennial Black: Rethinking Colour And Culture In The Workplace book cover
Sophie Williams - Anti-Racist Ally book cover
Sophie Williams - Welcome To Successville podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Sophie Williams for my next event?

What is Sophie Williams's speaking style like?

Sophie Williams uses evidence-based presentations that combine data-driven research with structured frameworks, equipping attendees with practical tools and language to identify systemic barriers and implement inclusion practices within their organisations.

What topics does Sophie Williams specialise in?

Sophie Williams speaks on gender inequity in leadership, the workplace experiences of Black women, and anti-racism allyship. She has authored three books on these themes, including The Glass Cliff: Why Women in Power Are Undermined and How to Fight Back, and co-founded Culture Heroes, a nonprofit focused on increasing non-white representation in the creative industries.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

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.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

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.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

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.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

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.