Helen Gibson MBE

Helen Gibson MBE is an award-winning global entrepreneur, TEDx and registered motivational speaker, Non-Executive Director, author, executive coach and leadership expert.

Intent on transforming lives and changing the world for the better, Helen draws upon her own experiences from her time as CEO of Agencia, in which she operated alongside her father and sister in their family firm.Sought out by both UK and foreign governments to tackle some of the most complex issues in the world’s trouble spots, Helen has had a career like no other

A talented speaker, Helen understands the challenges facing countries in conflict and transition. From many modern-day issues such as terrorism, corruption, cybercrime, pandemics, addiction and migration, the work of Helen’s company affected thousands of people around the world.

Under her leadership, Agencia was trusted to deliver on the frontline with health, justice, policing, and security services. With an enviable client list including the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, NHS, PwC, EU, and the United Nations, Agencia successfully delivered in 27 countries, including Bosnia Herzegovina, Ukraine, British Virgin Islands, Bahrain, Kenya and Afghanistan. Succeeding in doubling in turnover, over more than 25 years, this business growth stands as testament to Helen’s values-driven approach to leadership.

In recognition of the significance of her international achievements, Helen was awarded an MBE by the Queen for her services to international trade in 2022. Her company was also named Best Small Business in the UK at the National Family Business Awards in 2017.

After initially following her mother into teaching, Helen’s early career included working in the Cabinet Office and then at PA Consulting Group. Today, Helen is a popular choice as a speaker for a range of events, booked to cover topics such as encouragement, women in business, leadership, international business, and change management.

Helen has been appointed to the Judicial Appointments Commission, is a Coach for the Kings Trust, independent consultant, advisor, trainer and coach to a portfolio of clients and is sought for the role of non-executive director by organisations wanting to learn from her success and experience. Helen performs a variety of voluntary roles, including being appointed as a Judge for the Kings Award for Enterprise (international trade category) and a delegate to represent the UK at the UN Women Commission on the Status of Women.

She has been appointed by the Department of Business and Trade for seven years running as an Export Champion and sits on a Department for Business and Trade national policy group on free trade agreements that are being negotiated. She is also a mentor delivering the Cherie Blair Foundation Women in Business programme. The former University of Durham graduate, later graduated from Hull University Business School with an MBA. She now lectures at several universities, including on the MBA programme, educating others through her experience.

In her capacity as an entrepreneur, Helen is passionate about championing young people and still supports her own school, in her role as Enterprise Advisor at Beverley High School for Girls. Her school presentations connect with students, helping them to find a passion which can guide them with career options.

Helen’s debut book: Go for Goosebumps! was published in February 2026. The book is a culmination of what she has learned in business, and her belief that encouragement is a vital ingredient to overcoming life’s porridge and achieving more goosebump moment

Speaking Topics

• Go for Goosebumps: how to encourage yourself through life’s porridge and get more goosebump moments.
• Scrumptious Leadership: how to be an irresistible leader.
• Growing Global: how to grow your business through international adventures.
• That’s Women’s Business: how to go it alone, be your own leading lady and boss it with the best.
• Leadership Lessons from The Frontline: how to lead through uncertainty, conflict and be crisis ready.
• Making Sustainable Change Happen: how to navigate change and create a legacy you’re proud of.