Emily M Austen

Emily M Austen is an entrepreneur, author and leadership expert best known as the Founder and CEO of EMERGE, the award-winning PR agency that has helped shape the growth of globally recognised brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Huel and Spanx. Renowned for her modern approach to productivity, resilience and business growth, Emily has become a sought-after inspirational leadership speaker who empowers audiences to rethink ambition, balance and success. Through her work across branding, leadership and personal development, she inspires individuals and organisations to work smarter, build confidence and thrive in high-performance environments without sacrificing wellbeing.

After studying Criminology and Criminal Law at Manchester University, Emily began developing her understanding of communication, human behaviour and influence before identifying an opportunity to challenge traditional approaches within the public relations industry. In 2012, she founded EMERGE with a vision to broaden the role of PR beyond publicity alone, focusing instead on meaningful brand positioning and long-term business growth. Under Emily’s leadership, the agency quickly established itself as a trusted strategic partner for ambitious brands, helping clients grow their visibility, reputation and commercial impact. Her entrepreneurial success has been driven by an ability to combine creativity with commercial thinking, while building a business culture centred around innovation and adaptability.

Alongside leading EMERGE, Emily has expanded her influence through writing, education and media. In 2024, she published her Amazon bestselling book ‘SMARTER: 10 Lessons for a More Productive & Less-Stressed Life’, introducing audiences to her SMARTER Method for improving productivity and well-being. She also hosts The Smarter Podcast, where she interviews influential figures from business, fashion and entrepreneurship, including Dylan Lauren, Bobbi Brown and Amanda Baldwin. Emily’s expertise has also led to opportunities as a guest lecturer at Harvard University, while further strengthening her business credentials through a Diploma in Venture Finance from Saïd Business School. In addition, she has served as a Strategic PR Advisor to UN Women UK, reflecting her commitment to leadership and positive social impact.

Emily is hired as a speaker for her fresh and relatable perspective on leadership, ambition and modern business culture. Speaking on topics including hustle culture, resilience, reinvention, female leadership and the psychology of balance, she helps audiences understand how to achieve sustainable high performance without burnout. Combining entrepreneurial insight with practical strategies and personal honesty, Emily delivers engaging talks that inspire audiences to redefine success, embrace change and lead with confidence and authenticity.