Lillian Barnard: Technology Speaker

Lillian Barnard equips leaders with practical, inclusive technology strategies that turn complex digital concepts into clear business outcomes and scalable, user-focused transformation.

Lillian Barnard

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • Known for translating technical topics into clear, business-aligned actions
  • Extensive experience leading digital projects and advising organisations
  • Expert in inclusive innovation and user-centric transformation
  • Presentations backed by real case studies and implementation frameworks

Formats: Motivational and technology strategy keynote speaker.

Audience: Executives, leadership teams, public-sector decision-makers, innovation leads and organisations seeking clarity on practical digital transformation.

Outcomes:
  1. Clarity on leadership adoption roadmaps.
  2. Practical steps to increase digital inclusion and ROI.
  3. Improved stakeholder buy-in for change initiatives.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Johannesburg

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Closing the gender gap provides a basis for a more prosperous and competitive society believes Lillian Barnard.

Leadership, with all its facets and complexities, is constantly being examined and defined.

With the challenging changes that today’s leaders face, the corporate understanding of leadership is critical to the success and health of countries and companies alike.

The most common definition of leadership is: “uniting a group of people to achieve a common goal”. Leadership is a choice; and is not necessarily given to those who merely hold formal “leadership” positions. In fact, anyone can be a leader!

Talent Short Bio

Lillian Barnard is a technology thought leader and entrepreneur who focuses on translating complex digital topics into concrete business outcomes. With a track record of leading digital projects and advising organizations on practical transformation, Lillian’s work centers on inclusive technology strategies that deliver measurable results.

She brings a practitioner’s perspective not just the theory, showing how leaders can prioritize investments, design pilot programs, and scale successful initiatives while keeping user needs front and center. Her presentations are grounded in real case studies and end with clear action items for leadership teams to implement.

Lillian is frequently booked by forward-thinking organizations that want to demystify tech adoption and turn strategy into tangible outcomes.

Lillian Barnard brings wealth of professional insight and achievement from her extensive experience in the IT industry.

She has first-hand knowledge of corporate culture, stemming from holding many key positions during her 15 year career with IBM.

Lillian Barnard international exposure further enriched her business experience having worked for 7 years at the IBM European Headquarters in France and Switzerland.

An accomplished leader, Lillian has led many large Sales & Operations teams both locally and globally. Lillian possesses the unique ability to combine her leadership experience with strong interpersonal skills and insight to help organisations and teams achieve new levels of success.

Lillian’s successful track record has led to several esteemed awards. She was awarded the Quarterly Global GM Award for Excellent Execution, European Leadership Award, and a number of other acknowledgements for her achievements with the professional development of women.

Lillian is the founder and owner of Lillian Barnard Consulting Services (trading as LillianB) established in September 2011 and has a four year Commerce Degree.

Lillian Barnard is centered on her passion for: the Advancement and Empowerment of Women, Leadership Development, and Skills Transfer to SME’s.

She is an advisor and partner to leaders and their teams; helping them provide solutions that facilitate transformation, create desired outcomes, whilst achieving tangible business results.

Lillian Barnard aims to make a difference and to create a lasting impact in her clients’ organisations.

Society runs the risk of undermining their competitive potential by not fully capitalizing on one-half of their human resources.

As policy-makers and business leaders seek to address talent shortages, it is becoming increasingly urgent to close gender gaps and leverage the talents of both women and men.

Never before has there been such momentum around the issue of gender parity on the global stage. More women are in employment than ever before, yet most companies are still not leveraging their talents. Meanwhile, pay equality does not exist.

  • Why is it that even when women are equally represented in the workforce, they aren’t paid equally?

Addressing this challenge will require a multi¬-stakeholder approach. Closing the gender gap provides a basis for a more prosperous and competitive society.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Facebook

Talent Videos

Vodacom now! Trending Tech – Lillian Barnard talks mentorship

Lillian Barnard shares candid insights on female mentorship, career growth and inclusion in ICT — offering a “secret script” to help women navigate leadership paths confidently.

In this talk, Lillian Barnard addresses the challenges many women face in male-dominated industries — especially technology and leadership. She identifies three major barriers: the perception that men are the default leaders and women are caretakers; a lack of sponsorship that blocks women from climbing the career ladder; and women’s own lack of confidence to seek leadership roles.

Barnard argues that effective mentorship can help overcome these barriers. A good mentor, she says, should have experience, trustworthiness, and the willingness to give honest feedback. Equally important is that mentees drive the relationship — they need to set meetings, show up prepared, follow through on actions, and demonstrate results.

She explains that mentorship is not just about sharing stories: it’s about providing a “secret script for success.” By passing on lessons learned — including how to avoid common mistakes and navigate corporate culture — experienced leaders can help younger women fast-track their careers without having to learn everything the hard way.

Key Moments

  • 00:20 — Discussion of major challenges women face: bias toward male leadership, lack of sponsorship, and low confidence.
  • 00:45 — What makes a good mentor: experience, trustworthiness, honest feedback and a commitment to mentee’s growth.
  • 01:10 — The role of the mentee: drive the relationship, be prepared, follow up, show results and maintain accountability.

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speakers Contact

Speaker Enquiry Form

Client Reviews

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Talent Resources

Talent Gallery

Was this profile helpful?

View further speakers

Dr. Roze Phillips is an African futurist dedicated to unleashing the abundance of Africa to the world. She is the founder of Abundance@Work and speaks and consults regularly on topics related to the Future of Work and the Workforce of the Future. Roze does a radio show on Cape Talk radio about Future trends and […]

  • Johannesburg
  • Futurist Speaker
  • 5 (2)
Shakes Dlutu-1

Shakes Dlutu, affectionately known as “Shakes,” has devoted his life to empowering others through motivation, emotional intelligence, and youth engagement. With over a decade of experience in the fields of personal development, mentorship, and life skills, Shakes has become a sought-after motivational speaker for his unique ability to connect with audiences from all walks of […]

  • Johannesburg
  • Motivational Speaker
  • 5 (1)

Lynette Ntuli is a visionary leader and trailblazer in property development, infrastructure, and enterprise asset management. As the Founding Director and CEO of Innate Investment Solutions, a distinguished professional services firm in the built environment, she spearheads a team dedicated to providing unparalleled property and infrastructure development services alongside cutting-edge enterprise asset management solutions. With […]

  • Durban, KZN
  • Business Strategy

Over the past 3 years, Kali Ilunga has worked with 150 start-ups. As co-founder of Silicon Valley in Your Pocket, he has bridged entrepreneurs with a network of 300+ angel investors once they were investor-ready. As co-founder of Viable, he has assembled 50 world-class coaches from companies such as Netflix, Google, and Square, as well […]

  • Johannesburg
  • Digital Speaker

Rehema Isa is a distinguished business strategist and executive leadership development practitioner with over 25 years of experience guiding organisations and leaders through complex change. As the Co-Founder and Director of Oya Solutions, a specialist strategy and leadership development firm, she partners with clients to unlock growth, elevate strategy, and build high-performance teams. Her expertise […]

  • Johannesburg
  • Business Strategy
  • 5 (1)
Londy Ngcobo

Captain Londy Ngcobo is a distinguished figure in the maritime industry, acclaimed as a Global Ship Navigator and Africa’s First Female Dredge Master. Her unwavering passion for unlocking Africa’s oceanic potential has defined her illustrious career spanning over 13 years. With a robust educational background in Maritime Studies and extensive experience in International Merchant shipping, […]

  • Durban, KZN
  • Inspirational Speaker
Nobukhosi Dlamini Cover-1

Nobukhosi Dlamini is an influential figure in the technology sector, specializing in innovation, data protection, enterprise information management, cybersecurity, corporate IT, and agile transformation. Her expertise spans over two decades, during which she has become a recognized leader in driving digital transformation and cybersecurity across global organizations. As a sought-after speaker and advocate for inclusive […]

  • Cape Town, WC
  • Cybersecurity Speaker
Mogau Seshoene

Mogau Seshoene founded The Lazy Makoti in 2014 after leaving the corporate world to focus on her love for food, and on preserving South African cuisine and heritage. What began as lessons for a friend, a bride-to-be who was afraid of being labelled “The Lazy Makoti” (the lazy daughter-in-law) because she couldn’t cook, has evolved […]

  • Johannesburg
  • The Lazy Makoti
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Speakers Inc Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

We promise to not spam you!

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

speakers inc
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.