Former Director General of the British Security Service, MI5

Dame Stella spoke about her life and career as former Director General of MI5 and as an international thriller writer. Her clients included major national and international companies, business professionals, the public and private sectors, trades associations and schools. Her straightforward approach and friendly, candid manner were always combined with an informed view, intelligent judgement and a gentle sense of humour.
Dame Stella was known to billions worldwide as the role model for “M” played by Dame Judi Dench in the James Bond 007 films. We’ll never know for certain whether Dame Stella’s personal style influenced the wardrobe choices for “M”. Unfortunately, these two remarkable ladies never met.
A best-selling thriller writer, Dame Stella wrote her autobiography Open Secret and twelve spy thrillers, all with female lead characters.
She chaired the Judging Panel for the Booker Prize for Fiction in 2012.
Dame Stella served as a Non-Executive Director of Marks & Spencer Plc, BG Group Plc and as Associate Director of CPS. Her extensive charitable work included for Refuge, as Chairman of the Institute of Cancer Research, Trustee of the Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, Honorary Air Commodore of 7006 (VR) Intelligence Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force and a Trustee of the RAF Museum.
Dame Stella leaves her husband John, two daughters and five grandchildren.

“From our initial conversation with Diana Boulter, we knew we were in capable and safe hands. She was engaged, engaging, always responsive, really understood what we wanted to achieve from our guest speaker, and suggested that Dame Stella would be absolutely right for our audience. She was! "Inspiring", "inspirational" and "fabulous" are some of the ways Dame Stella has been described by those that heard her speak at our event. We would wholeheartedly recommend DBA Speakers, and Dame Stella.

Dentons UKIME, London

Dame Stella was superb. We had an incredible event with global interest which attracted a capacity audience. Brilliant!

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

“Dame Stella is exceptionally polished, very professional and inspiring. Her insight and knowledge are outstanding. We could have listed to her all day. Many thanks to Diana Boulter for arranging for Dame Stella to be our guest speaker. First rate.

International Bank, London

What a privilege to have heard Dame Stella speak. It was so clear how engaged everyone was in the room by the most fascinating and inspiring talk. I could have listened for another hour on the edge of my seat! Our members left on a high and there was a real buzz around the club about Dame Stella. Our most heartfelt and renewed thanks.

The Arts Club, London