Dr Suzy Walton | Multi-sector board director

Welcome to Dr Suzy Walton

Dr Suzy Walton is a multi-sector Board Director and international Chair with deep expertise in governance, regulation, and human behaviour.

A Chartered Occupational Psychologist, Scientist, and Director, she bridges the gap between scientific rigour and strategic leadership. Her distinguished executive career as a Senior Civil Servant included roles within the Ministry of Defence, the Cabinet Office, and the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit.

Notably, she holds a PhD derived from classified MoD research, underpinning her long-standing contributions to health, science, and education.

Suzy had earlier careers as a producer, presenter and editor for Sky News, the BBC and LBC Radio. She was also a West End actress playing a leading role for three years in the award winning play “Children of a Lesser God.” As well as holding a PhD, Suzy was awarded an Honorary Degree from the University of Westminster. She is also the proud mother of seven children.

Suzy’s experience in the arts and sciences, with careers in Whitehall and the West End, combined with raising a large family makes her a powerful speaker. She has spoken in many settings including the House of Commons, Chatham House, the 30% Club, the IoD convention at the Royal Albert Hall and the Bank of England as well as in schools and businesses. During the COVID-19 lockdown she interviewed Sir John Scarlett, former head of MI6, in a live webcast for the Royal Society of Medicine. More recently she was a co-chair for a global governance conference which was the first of its kind running for 24 hours in all time zones.

Testimonials

“Suzy spoke at the launch event for IoD’s Code of Conduct for Directors. She took the room by surprise forming a live ‘virtual board’ from the audience to bring to life some of the principles of our code. This approach was well played and was refreshing.”

Jon Geldart, Director General, IoD 2024

“Suzy was a keynote speaker at the HEFMA conference which brings together NHS managers. She shared her story of persistence and adaptability, leading to a variety of board appointments that she has juggled while bringing up a family. Delegates commented on what a breath of fresh air her talk was – uplifting and without a hint of arrogance.“

Peter Hancock, Chair, HEFMA, Conference 2023

“Suzy spoke at GNDI’s global conference, chairing a panel on governance trends. Our conference was unique – it ran for 24 hours in all time zones around the world. Suzy was a great host and very professionally juggled speakers, a production team and a studio - all on different continents!”

Rahul Bhardwaj, Canada, Chair, GNDI 2022

“Suzy delivered a powerful and thought provoking speech showing that anything is possible if you have courage – an excellent addition to any event programme.”

R. Leach, North West Ambulance Service 2018

“Thank you very much for coming to the University of Hertfordshire to talk to us. I genuinely felt moved and absolutely inspired by your life and work. You have made my experience on the programme so much more valuable and I hope to have an ounce of the strength you have going forward.”

LB, Marketing Undergraduate, University of Hertfordshire 2017

“Suzy was Chair for the inaugural event in London of the KPMG forum Women in Aerospace, Defence and Intelligence. We had an international audience across government, the military and industry including guests from the U.S.Air Force and the Pentagon. Suzy chaired the event skilfully including sharing her own reflections on key issues in relation to women in leadership.”

Jonathon Gill, Partner, KPMG 2016

“Suzy spoke again at our Annual Convention at the Royal Albert Hall. As before – she was a phenomenal success!”

Simon Walker, Director General, Institute of Directors (IoD) 2015

“Suzy gave a talk in London at the 30% Club. She believes you don’t always need a plan to succeed. She shared how she came to prominence in a number of professions – not through setting a strategy – but through a series of ‘lucky escapes’. Where one door closed another opened and Suzy exploited it. Our audience loved Suzy’s keynote. She was engaging, humorous and brutally honest. I’ve never before introduced someone where my opening line is “between us we have 15 children…..!”

Dame Helena Morrissey, founder, 30% Club 2015

“Suzy spoke at our Convention at the Royal Albert Hall and chaired a panel of global business leaders. With an audience of two thousand it’s challenging for any speaker. Suzy handled it with flair and panache. Suzy also spoke at our Women in Business conference in Pall Mall. Many found Suzy’s talk to be exceptionally motivating. On both occasions she was terrific.”

Simon Walker, Director General, Institute of Directors (IoD) 2014

“Suzy hosted an inspiring session entitled ‘Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience’ drawing extensively on her own remarkable experiences and insight. We found her incredibly open and approachable. A very enjoyable and unique session.”

Sue Wilson, Chair Diversity and Inclusion, the Bank of England 2014

“Many thanks for last night. Everyone was impressed by your positive attitude and your determination to succeed: this kind of role-modelling is so important to give people the courage to make the most of their lives and to overcome things that can get in the way. Female role models such as yourself are very important to help us become more equal and more inclusive – particularly at senior levels.”

A J Walker CPFA FCIPD, Director General HR & Change, House of Commons 2013

“Suzy was an inspirational voice at a major conference we ran. Her openness and experience make her an articulate role model for women in leadership and those aspiring to be leaders. She was also very approachable, spending time with our delegates, speakers and staff, and being a guest blogger on our website. This is a valuable combination: a member of the boardroom who remembers what it takes to build your career.”

Ruth Wilson, Director, GetSet Women Conference, QEII Conference Centre, Westminster, London 2010

“Thank you so much for coming. The sensitive and analytical way in which you presented gave the girls an extremely clear view of the ways they could improve. Your coverage of technique, public speaking, the cut and thrust of debate etc were all excellent in providing the girls with feedback. To have someone who has achieved so much provides an awe-inspiring role model to have someone who has managed to combine a variety of roles with being a mother of three gives the girls an excellent example of what they too can achieve.”

Dr Yvonne Burne, Headmistress, City of London School for Girls 2004