Charlie  Martin Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerCharlie Martin

Professional Racing Driver & Leading Authority on Inclusive High Performance

Bridging the gap in disconnected workforces: Charlie Martin empowers organizations to fuel high performance through the power of authenticity, inclusion, and the bravery to drive change.... Read more

Biography

What would performance look like if your operating system was built around trust? Right now, many teams are operating in permanent ‘response mode’, reacting to pressure, restructuring, new technologies, and shifting expectations, without ever realigning around a shared purpose. The result isn’t just uncertainty, it’s fragmentation. Energy drains, people stop taking risks. In a world that rewards speed, adaptability, and connection, that’s how organisations get overtaken.

In 2024, Charlie Martin stood on the podium at Le Mans, Pride flag in hand, embodying a career spent fuelling change in motorsport. She knows the bravery it takes to look and feel different, and how deeply this impacts performance under pressure. The courage required to transition in her sport has been recognised by British Vogue Magazine, as one of 25 extraordinary women changing the world, giving her a rare, credible lens on personal growth, belonging, and human potential.

Charlie doesn’t deliver inspiration and leave. She builds capability. Through practical frameworks, lived experience, and high-impact storytelling, she helps teams break down barriers, clarify purpose, and turn belonging into a competitive advantage. The transformation is tangible: stronger trust, braver leadership, deeper connection, and a culture where people don’t just cope with change – they drive it.

“If there is anyone to inspire you to follow your dreams with passion and determination, it’s Charlie .” Head of Diversity & Inclusion, AON
“Charlie brought an amazingly authentic and engaging approach to telling her story and this has proven inspiring to many in attendance, with the programme being rated as “highly recommended” by 93% of attendees. We would wholeheartedly recommend working with Charlie and hope to do so again in the future.” Chairperson, BMW Group UK PRIDE
“Rarely do you get to hear such an inspirational and motivational speaker. Charlie’s presentation was empowering and thought provoking and generated so much positive debate across the community and our allies.” LGBTQ Affinity Network Chair, Kingfisher Plc
“Charlie’s bravery was an inspiration, her transparency & openness to questions and our respectful curiosity made the session truly valuable for the entire team.” UK Channel Sales, Google
“I thought the session was fantastic and very inspirational, a great story of being your authentic self and not only overcoming challenges but flourishing.” CEO Consuner Healthcare, GSK
“A HUGE thanks to Charlie Martin for speaking to our Axon employees this week. Her story and words of wisdom reminded us all of the importance of allyship and inclusion so that we may share our authentic selves, receive acceptance in return, and unlock potential we never knew existed.” Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader, Axon
“Charlie was incredibly open and honest about her journey. She brought to life the importance of being able to be your full self at work and the performance gains achieved as a result. The feedback we had from our audience across the LGBT+ community and allies was incredibly positive, and she’s certainly left a lasting impression on our organisation.” O2 Executive Sponsor for Diversity & Inclusion, Telefónica UK
“Charlie’s presence at our event was truly special, not only is she a remarkable figure in motorsport and a dedicated LGBTQIA+ advocate, but she has a natural talent for effective storytelling. Through her authentic and relatable narrative, she effortlessly encouraged allyship towards the trans community, making concepts that might be unfamiliar to some audiences accessible and relatable. I’m grateful for her impactful contribution and wholeheartedly recommend her as a speaker who not only informs but genuinely inspires.” Director of Digital Marketing, Rakuten Advertising & President of the Pride+ ERG, Rakuten International
“Charlie Martin’s keynote was a highlight event of our calendar year. Her remarkable story of breaking barriers in motorsport while championing LGBTQ+ inclusion was both thrilling and deeply moving. Charlie’s authenticity and drive to succeed against all odds left us all feeling inspired and empowered. Thank you, Charlie!” Senior Copywriter, PureRed
“Charlie was really engaging, creating a safe space for our colleagues to be curious, understand more about lived trans experience and be open about their own biases or experiences. I’d have no hesitation in recommending Charlie to speak at any organisation wanting to have honest conversations about inclusion and allyship, and to hear from a really inspirational speaker.” - Senior Colleague Experience Specialist, Coventry Building Society

Popular Talks by Charlie Martin

  • What motorsport teaches you about high performing teamwork

    – Key elements that give high performing teams the edge when pressure ramps up.
    – From trust, communication, and accountability, to soft skills, psychological safety and recognition.
    – Dive into a high-octane race weekend to enhance how your team works.

  • How adversity fuelled my potential 

    – A 20 year career in motorsport that started with pocket money.
    – An inspirational story of bravery, resilience, and succeeding against the odds.
    – Facing uncertainty with confidence, and how unlocking a little bravery could change your life.

  • How to champion LGBTQ+ allyship

    – A highly rated keynote on exactly how to become a better ally.
    – Story telling and tested methodology to promote inclusive thinking.
    – Simple actions to create supportive workspaces where everyone can thrive.