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