Mary Portas

Mary Portas is one of the UK’s most influential voices on business transformation, leadership and inclusive culture. As the Founder of Portas and Co-Chair of the Better Business Act, Mary has built a reputation for challenging outdated corporate models and championing purpose-driven organisations. Known widely for her television work on Mary Queen of Shops and Mary Portas Secret Shopper, she combines commercial expertise with a deeply human approach to leadership. Her work consistently centres on creating workplaces that value people, making her a compelling and credible diversity and inclusion speaker.

Mary’s career began in retail, where she developed her expertise working with leading brands and honing a sharp understanding of consumer behaviour. Rising quickly through the industry, she became a key figure at Harvey Nichols before establishing her own consultancy. Through her work, she advised globally recognised brands such as Swarovski, Louis Vuitton and Mercedes-Benz, helping them rethink their strategies and connect more meaningfully with diverse audiences. This foundation in commercial leadership shaped her belief that inclusive cultures are not only ethical but essential for long-term success.

Her influence extends far beyond consultancy. Mary authored the government-commissioned The Portas Review, a landmark report that reshaped conversations around the future of the British high street and community-led growth. She has received industry recognition, including the D&AD Gold Award, reflecting her impact on the creative and commercial sectors. As a broadcaster, her television programmes brought transparency to business practices, while her Beautiful Misfits podcast continues to platform unconventional thinkers and underrepresented voices. Mary has also delivered a TEDx talk titled Welcome to The Kindness Economy, in which she discussed the connection between human kindness and commerce. Alongside her role as Co-Chair of the Better Business Act, Mary remains at the forefront of movements advocating for responsible, inclusive capitalism.

Mary’s authority as a diversity and inclusion speaker is grounded in both professional insight and lived experience. As a passionate LGBT advocate and part of one of the first lesbian couples in the UK to marry under the new legislation, she speaks with authenticity on representation, identity and belonging. Her keynote talks challenge organisations to move beyond performative diversity, instead embedding inclusion into leadership, culture and strategy. By linking inclusion directly to innovation, employee wellbeing and commercial performance, Mary equips audiences with practical, people-first approaches that drive meaningful and lasting change.