Co-founded Ecademy, Co-Founded BIP100, Author of ‘Success Secrets of Entrepreneurs’ & OBE Recipient

Penny Power OBE is a pioneering entrepreneur, international keynote speaker, and best-selling author who has transformed the way professionals connect. In 1998, she co-founded Ecademy, the world’s first online business community, which grew to over 650,000 members across 52 countries and paved the way for platforms like LinkedIn. Awarded an OBE in 2014 for her services to entrepreneurship, Penny continues to inspire leaders globally with her mission to humanise the digital world. She empowers organisations to build cultures of empathy, resilience, and authentic connection, ensuring long-term business success and meaningful impact in an increasingly digital age.

Penny’s career began in IT sales after she completed her studies at the University of Surrey, where she developed a strong interest in technology and business. In 1998, she and her husband, Thomas, co-founded Ecademy, the world’s first online business community. Long before social media became mainstream, Ecademy championed authenticity and connection in business, growing to 650,000 members across 52 countries and setting the foundation for digital networking as we know it today.

In 2014, Penny was awarded an OBE by the Queen in recognition of her services to entrepreneurship and her pioneering work in community-driven business. Building on that legacy, in 2020 she co-founded BIP100, an invitation-only network for entrepreneurs and experts dedicated to collaboration, impact, and deep, trusted relationships.

Alongside her entrepreneurial ventures, Penny has advised on national policy, contributing to the Digital Business Britain Manifesto, and works with organisations to improve workplace culture and mental well-being. Her impact was acknowledged again in 2024 with a royal award for Services to Entrepreneurship in Social and Digital Development.

Today, Penny serves in advisory and board roles, continuing to inspire global corporations, including Microsoft, BT, Salesforce, and L’Oréal, through keynotes that combine digital foresight with human connection.

Penny is the author of multiple books, including ‘Success Secrets of Entrepreneurs’, ‘Success Secrets for Wellbeing’, and her most popular, ‘Business is Personal’. She has written articles for The Times, The Guardian, and business journals, sharing expertise on digital networking and workplace culture. Penny has also appeared on BBC Radio 4, Sky News, and Channel 5, and is a frequent podcast guest discussing entrepreneurship, leadership, and mental well-being.

Why Hire Penny Power OBE?

Booking Penny brings audiences a rare combination of entrepreneurial authority, digital insight, and heartfelt storytelling. As the pioneer of online business communities, Penny understands both the opportunities and challenges of technology in human connection. Her keynote, Human Touch in a Digital World: Because Business Is Personal, is especially valued by leaders who want to build cultures of empathy, trust, and resilience.

She has delivered high-impact talks for global organisations including Microsoft, BT, Salesforce, L’Oréal, and Rolex. Penny’s TEDx talk, ‘Do We Need Adversity to Have the Life We Want?’ has reached thousands online and in person, resonating deeply with audiences who seek meaning and balance in the modern workplace.

By blending practical strategies with personal stories, Penny empowers leaders to align business growth with human well-being. She is an ideal speaker for events focused on leadership, digital transformation, workplace culture, or the future of work.

To book Penny to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.