Entrepreneur and inclusive leadership expert shortlisted for two national awards

A cultural agility speaker, inclusive leadership expert and founder of Globility Insights has earned two shortlist places at the prestigious Speaker Awards 2026.

Marina Ibrahim (pictured) has been shortlisted for Best Thought Leadership Speaker 2026 and Thought Leadership Speaker 2026 at the Speaker awards.

The Speaker Awards recognise influential work and shine a spotlight on the most inspiring and innovative speakers from across the industry. They are celebrating their fifth year.

Professional speakers play an essential role in shaping ideas, shifting perspectives, and driving meaningful change through the power of their words and delivery.

The winners are set to be announced at a gala evening in London on Friday 3 July.

Marina decided to enter after recognising the growing importance of cultural agility, inclusive leadership, and human connection in an increasingly divided and globalised world.

Through her speaking, she helps organisations understand how cultural differences, communication styles, and unconscious assumptions impact trust, collaboration, innovation, and performance.

With experience speaking at international conferences, leadership summits, corporate events, universities, and global business forums, Marina speaks on topics ranging from cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership to belonging, communication, and high-performing multicultural teams.

She is an active member of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, serves on the Global Chamber Committee, and is a regular panellist at the Chamber’s Global Brunch events focused on international business, leadership, and global collaboration.

Her work draws on her own experience of growing up between Egyptian, German, and British cultures.

She has supported multinational organisations including BMW Group, BP, Nike, Kellogg’s, and Deutsche Telekom.

Marina Ibrahim said: "Hearing that I had been shortlisted for both Best Thought Leadership Speaker and Best Speaker Storyteller was a very emotional and humbling moment for me.

"As someone whose work is centred around helping people feel heard, understood, and connected across cultures, this recognition means a huge amount.

"The calibre of speakers across all the categories is incredibly high this year, and I genuinely feel honoured to be included amongst them."

Elliot Kay, CEO and co-founder of The Speaker Awards and The Speaker Summit said: “The quality of applications this year was staggering and demonstrates the powerful impact of professional speakers.

"The judging process was tough, so we'd like to congratulate Marina Ibrahim for achieving this impressive milestone.

"Every speaker who entered should be extremely proud of the difference they are making in the world, and we invite them all to join us in London at The Speaker Awards Ceremony on Friday, 3 July." 

Marina will also be participating as a panellist for the upcoming Global Brunch organised by Greater Bimingham Global Chamber of Commerce. The event, happening on Thursday 18 June at The Birmingham Conference & Events Centre, will focus on 'Cultures & Connections'.

For more information, visit: The Speaker Awards