You’ve got the bravest people at your company
They just don’t know it, yet.
“Best keynote in 20 years. Incredible!”
Iona Holloway is the founder of Brave Thing, an international keynote speaker, and bestselling author of Ghost: Why Perfect Women Shrink. Her mission: most people die with regret. Iona helps people and teams refuse to lose, becoming the bravest version of themselves, and live the bravest life possible.
At 29, Iona found out she was going to be an aunt. The news floored her. She didn’t want her niece to grow up knowing the highly-functioning, invisibly-struggling version of her: someone who’d battled eating disorders and depression while thriving as an All-American athlete and creative director. She knew she had to choose her life all over again. And she did.
“Do The Brave Thing” is at the core of everything Iona teaches. It’s why she always tells her audiences, “Someone in your life needs a braver version of you to exist.”
Iona’s signature 5-step Brave One Method helps people walk through fear and rip the caution tape off their lives.
Iona’s spoken for clients like Volkswagen, Arctic Wolf, BMC, Skadden Law, and Georgetown University. She lights up stages with her raw, honest approach to bravery, storytelling, and leadership. Iona’s been featured in BBC, Women’s Fitness, and Entrepreneur. Her second book on bravery will be published in 2026.
“Make 5-year-old-you happy and 95-year-old-you proud.”
Iona’s speaking style
Iona’s known as The Gentle Beast and Queen Of Goosebumps. Her speeches are described as poetic rollercoasters: equal parts art and sport. She gives audiences the inspiration and tools to be braver, right now.
“Beige is a good colour for a wall. not your life.”
IOna’s signature talks
All talks are tailored to your company, event, or initiative
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Do The Brave Thing
No one dies wishing they’d been stronger or smarter. They wish they’d been braver. This talk rips through perfection and pretense. It’s a raw reminder that most people spend their lives chasing success while starving their souls. This is the wake-up call: to feel more, risk more, and live before life runs out.
Your team will learn to:Spot how fear and perfectionism steal joy
Turn rock bottom into rocket fuel
Use Iona’s Brave One Method, her 5-step process to do the brave thing, today
Stop waiting & start live with their heart switched on
Live a life that makes 5-year-old them happy and 95-year-old them proud
Outcome: Your team leaves cracked open in the best way and ready to live life without regret.
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Star Power Speaker - Speak Like A Thought Leader
Boring costs money. Giving a talk people remember is both a creative process and a full-body sport. Being smart isn’t enough. If your team can’t command attention, they’ll lose rooms and opportunities. This keynote teaches your team how to think, write, and speak like thought leaders who take a stance and stand out. In a noisy world, brave speakers win.
Your team will learn to:Cut through beige conference talks by taking smart, strategic risks
Challenge the status quo and offer bold solutions
Tell stories that move people and sell ideas
Build “sticky” frameworks that earn authority & trust
Turn smart ideas into brave, unforgettable messages
Outcome: Executives and sales teams turn ideas into influence, becoming trusted voices in their industry
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Refuse To Lose - Build A Brave Mindset
Your team is standing at a crossroads: change on one side, opportunity on the other. Only one thing is certain: playing it safe is the most dangerous move. This keynote is built for that moment. When the pressure’s on, bravery isn’t optional, it’s the separator. This talk ignites the mindset your people need to perform, adapt, and lead when everything’s on the line.
Your team will learn to:See change as a proving ground, not a threat
Build the grit and hunger it takes to win under pressure
Kill hesitation and act before permission
Take radical ownership for results
Lead with boldness and conviction when it matters most
Outcome: Teams leave sharper, braver, and ready to win when others freeze.
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The Bravest Woman In The Room
Tailored for a women-only audience, this version of the Do The Brave Thing keynote dives deeper into the unique challenges women face in taking risks and showing up, brave.
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Meant To Be Mothers
There’s no good time for an ambitious woman to become a mother. Career, and creative projects, and personal goals are great. But nothing comes close to being a mum. In this highly person keynote, Iona discusses why women are meant to be mothers.
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Bespoke, Always
All signature keynotes are customized to your audience and initiative. Iona is also available for fully-customized talks.
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Leave this one empty 😊
“Iona had us laughing, crying, and leaving inspired. Book this rising star ASAP! Her authenticity is so refreshing.”
Michael Stone, Vice President, PEF Chattanooga, sponsored by Volkswagen
We bring the juice to your events and initiatives
Companies partner with Brave Thing because Iona knows how to help high-performing people open up, connect, and grow. She has spent years transforming the way people think about strength and vulnerability, and is the go-to expert for helping people be braver in life, work, and relationships.
When you partner with Brave Thing, you get:
Expert insight on bravery and public speaking.
A fresh take on leadership and personal growth.
A relatable voice people trust.
Internal Company Talks
Conferences
Sales Kickoffs
Corporate Trainings
Leadership Retreats
Women’s ERGS
“Iona’s talk was extraordinary. Authentic, kind, and brave. The truest hour in all my 43 years here.”
Uncommonly Brave Keynote, Skadden Mental Health Awareness Month
Why Book Iona?
Iona was an All-American athlete, has a BSc in psychology and journalism, a masters in advertising and worked for 7 years in marketing. All while fighting invisible wars like so many high achievers do. She understands the pressure, the fear of losing your edge, and the desire for more purpose.
Iona’s realness is what sets her apart. Her speeches crack open even the toughest hearts, and her frameworks stick with audiences long after the talk ends. She uses breathwork and practical tools people actually want to use, all delivered with a dash of cheeky Scottish humor.
If you want suited, booted, and beige, hire someone else.If you want honest, useful, and brave, book Iona now.
