Emma Hayes Keynote Speaker

Head coach of the United States women's national team
First Female manager to win the Women’s FA Cup three times.
Led Chelsea to multiple WSL titles and a domestic quadruple in 2021.

Emma Hayes's Biography

Emma Hayes, OBE, is a distinguished figure in women’s football, renowned for her role as the current first team manager of Chelsea FC Women. A trailblazer in her field, Hayes is celebrated for being the only female manager to clinch the double – the FA Women’s Super League (FAWSL) title and the FA Cup. Emma’s expertise has made her a highly sought-after speaker on topics like leadership in sports and coaching.

Hayes’ management career spans over a decade, beginning with her role as the youngest female head coach in W-League history with the Long Island Lady Riders. Her early success saw her being named National Coach of the Year in 2002. Her tenure at Iona College further cemented her reputation, earning her the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Coach of the Year in 2004.

Her expertise and leadership were pivotal at Arsenal Ladies, where she served as Assistant First Team Coach and Academy Director, contributing to the team’s triumph in 11 major trophies over three seasons. Hayes’ journey also includes significant roles with the Chicago Red Stars, Washington Freedom, and New York Flash.

As manager of Chelsea in (2012 – 2024), she led the team to their first Women’s FA Cup victory three years later, followed by a historic double in 2017. Her stewardship culminated in a domestic quadruple in 2021, including the Women’s Champions League Final. Currently, she is the head coach of the United States women’s national team (USWNT).

Beyond the pitch, Hayes is an accomplished public speaker, regularly appearing on panels like Leaders in Sport and TV shows including Sky’s The Debate. Her media presence extends to roles as co-commentator and pundit for ITV and ESPN. Her insightful commentary during Euro 2020 earned her the Broadcast Sport Awards Pundit of the Year in 2021.

Recognized for her services to football, Hayes received an MBE in 2016 and an OBE in 2021. In 2022, she marked a decade with Chelsea, celebrating over 300 games in charge.

Emma Hayes, with her impressive career and achievements, continues to inspire and lead in the world of women’s football. Her speaker topics include leadership in sports, women in football, and the journey to success in competitive fields.

She draws on her success as one of football’s most accomplished coaches to share lessons on leadership, culture and building winning teams.
She reveals how high performance environments are created through clarity, accountability and relentless standards.
She offers insights from leading Chelsea Women to multiple titles and now coaching the United States national team at the highest level of the sport.
She explores how resilience, adaptability and strategic thinking help leaders navigate pressure and sustained success.
She inspires audiences with perspectives on leadership, equality in sport and breaking barriers in elite competition.