Book IWD Speaker: Alison Kervin OBE

First female Sports Editor of a UK national newspaper, bestselling author & OBE-honoured campaigner showing how one person can change a system

Alison became the first woman to serve as Sports Editor of a UK national newspaper when she was appointed by the Mail on Sunday. She was also the first woman to referee rugby at Twickenham and the first female journalist to attend a football match in Iran, entering the stadium disguised as a man at a time when women were forbidden from attending.

But Alison’s story is not simply about achieving personal firsts. It is about using one voice to challenge systems that appear immovable.

She campaigned for the legalisation of women’s boxing, helped press for women’s rugby to be played at Twickenham and led a five-year campaign to transform the way concussion was understood and treated in sport. Her work helped force an issue that had long been minimised into the centre of public and sporting debate. In 2017, she was awarded an OBE.

A bestselling author of more than 40 books, Alison has worked in senior roles at The Times and the Mail on Sunday and has interviewed many of the world’s most successful athletes, coaches and leaders. She is also an Associate at Hult Ashridge Executive Education and brings together leadership insight, investigative experience and vivid storytelling.

The Spectator said of her: "She has done as much over the years for battling females as any woman since Boadicea.”

Her principal International Women’s Day talk, “One Person Can Change a System,” explores what it takes to challenge accepted thinking, keep going when powerful people say no and persuade others to believe that change is possible. Alison speaks candidly about resistance, confidence, setbacks, courage and the importance of continuing when success seems unlikely.

Audiences leave with a renewed understanding of their own influence and a stronger belief in their ability to speak up, contribute and create change. The session builds confidence, commitment, teamwork and the courage to take the first step—even when the system appears to be against them.

Alison also offers “Told ‘No’? Do It Anyway,” an uplifting and entertaining keynote about breaking barriers, overcoming rejection and refusing to allow other people’s expectations to define what is possible.

Alison is booked for International Women’s Day events because she combines warmth, humour and unforgettable stories with genuine evidence that one determined person can change far more than they imagine.

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