Emma Carter

CEO & Growth Strategist, Women’s Leadership Advocate, Culture Transformation & Youth Mentoring Expert

Introduction:

Emma Carter transforms and evolves organisations by proving that sustainable growth comes through people, not just processes. As a CEO who started as a 16 year old apprentice, she’s built a remarkable career delivering consistent double-digit growth across radio, advertising, waste management, IT, and digital marketing sectors. Her philosophy that “everything is possible with some structure” has driven transformational change in every organisation she’s led, from turning around decade-long losses to tripling recurring revenue and developing leaders who go on to found their own successful ventures.

 
Expertise & Impact:

With over two decades of leadership experience, Emma combines commercial acuity with authentic people-first leadership. Her track record speaks volumes: 50% revenue growth at Smarter Media, transforming Business West’s loss-making function to break-even, and consistently achieving industry recognition including Investors in People and Sunday Times Top 100 Awards. Her ability to translate complex business challenges into accessible solutions, coupled with her commitment to developing others, has established her as a leader who creates lasting impact through empowering people.

Speaking Style:

Emma delivers presentations with refreshing honesty and authenticity, cutting through corporate jargon to share real experiences and practical insights. Her informal, humble approach resonates deeply with audiences who appreciate her willingness to admit mistakes and share the unvarnished truth about leadership challenges. Known for her engaging storytelling and direct communication style, she creates an immediate connection with audiences, making complex leadership concepts accessible and actionable.

Signature Topics:

  • From Apprentice to CEO: Building Success Without Traditional Qualifications
  • Growth Through People: Why Culture Drives Commercial Success
  • Women in Leadership: Navigating Male-Dominated Industries and Life’s Complexities
  • The Power of Non-Specialisation: How Cross-Industry Experience Creates Competitive Advantage
  • Leading Through Change: Transforming Organisations Without Adding Headcount
  • Authentic Leadership: Why Vulnerability and Honesty Drive Results
  • Your Future Starts Now: Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Young People

Additional Expertise:

  • Strategic Growth and Business Transformation
  • People-Centred Leadership Development
  • Women’s Leadership in Male-Dominated Industries
  • Cultural Change and Team Development
  • Cross-Industry Strategy Implementation
  • Revenue Growth and Retention Strategies
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership

Perfect For:

  • Women’s Leadership Conferences
  • Corporate Leadership Development Events
  • Industry Growth and Strategy Summits
  • Diversity and Inclusion Forums
  • Business Transformation Conferences
  • Professional Development Programmes
  • Youth Entrepreneurship and Mentoring Events

Career Highlights:

  • Built a successful CEO career from a 16-year-old apprentice start, proving qualifications don’t define potential
  • Delivered consistent year-on-year growth: 13% revenue, 19% GP, 24% EBITDA growth at Excalibur
  • Achieved 50% revenue and 35% GP growth at Smarter Media whilst tripling recurring revenue
  • Transformed Business West’s strategic direction, turning decade-long losses into sustainable break-even
  • Instrumental in achieving multiple industry awards including Investors in People and Sunday Times Top 100
  • Mentored numerous professionals who have progressed to senior roles and founded successful businesses
  • Active trustee for Prime Theatre, providing access to professional arts for underrepresented communities

Professional Development: Institute of Leadership and Management (Level 5), Vistage & INDABA Executive Coaching, The Living Leader Programme

Key Message:

“Without people being on board, nothing will change. Everything is possible with some structure, and it’s our role as leaders to adapt our style to the people we employ, not the other way around.”

Impact Stories:

Emma’s commitment to developing others is evident in the careers she’s helped shape. Former team members have progressed to senior roles at the Health & Safety Executive, founded successful agencies, and become directors in their own right. Her approach to leadership development focuses on practical support, honest feedback, and creating opportunities for growth – proving that investing in people delivers measurable business results.

Her work extends beyond corporate success through her volunteer roles with Young Enterprise, where she acts as speaker, judge, and coach at Dragon’s Den-style events for young entrepreneurs, and as a trustee for Prime Theatre, demonstrating her commitment to providing opportunities for young people from underrepresented backgrounds.