Nicola Barke

Nicola Barke is a pioneering keynote speaker on diversity and inclusion, renowned for her ability to inspire audiences with her powerful story and actionable insights. As the UK’s first female athlete to win a World Title in Lethwei, she has shattered stereotypes in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Her transition from ballet, where she trained for 16 years, to martial arts highlights her boldness in challenging conventions. Nicola’s personal challenges, including narcolepsy as a child and overcoming PTSD after a car crash and brain tumour diagnosis, have shaped her perspective on resilience and inclusivity, making her a uniquely compelling advocate for change.

Her corporate accomplishments are equally impressive. Nicola held several influential positions, including Global Transformation Manager at HSBC, where she managed £30 million in funds and led over 170 professionals across technology and business sectors. Nicola championed diversity throughout her corporate career, advocating for greater representation and fostering collaboration among individuals from varied backgrounds. Her ability to bridge the corporate and athletic worlds allows her to deliver nuanced and effective strategies for building inclusive environments.

A globally ranked martial artist and undefeated professional boxer, Nicola’s list of achievements is extraordinary. She is a two-time British Kickboxing Champion, a Taekwondo World Champion, and a WLC Lethwei Super Lightweight Champion. Nicola also contributed to the broader conversation on gender equality as a panellist for the 2024 LawInSport event, where she discussed the future of women’s sport. By excelling in competitive spaces where women are often underrepresented, she serves as a living example of how diversity and inclusion can break barriers and create opportunities.

As a speaker, Nicola draws on her wide-ranging experiences to tackle essential themes such as equity, overcoming bias, and harnessing the strengths of diverse teams. Her talks resonate with businesses and organisations looking to embrace inclusive practices while fostering innovation and success. Nicola’s passion, authenticity, and depth of expertise leave a lasting impact, empowering audiences to recognise the value of diversity in creating thriving communities and organisations. For those seeking a speaker who embodies the transformative power of inclusion, Nicola Barke is the ultimate choice.