Morag Barrett is a sought-after executive coach, leadership expert, keynote speaker, and the founder and CEO of SkyeTeam. With a background in finance and global HR, she’s spent over 20 years helping leaders and teams across 20 countries achieve extraordinary results through the power of relationships. She’s the author of three books, including Cultivate: The Power of Winning Relationships and You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up as One). Known for her British wit and Colorado grit, she brings humor, heart, and hard-earned insight to every conversation.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I had a quiet, happy upbringing in small UK villages — the kind where summer meant swimming in rivers, biking country lanes, and a single class per school year. I thought I was a straight-A student… until I re-read my old school reports and discovered I was more “solidly average” than stellar!
I was set on becoming an engineer — the only girl in my physics and applied math classes — until an economics lesson on “how banks create money” detoured me into finance. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t nearly that exciting, but it was the start of a career that led me from numbers to people.
These days, I work with leaders around the world, helping them build better relationships and stronger teams. It’s work I love, with impact I’m proud of. Bonus facts? I ballroom dance, play classical music (the 1812 Overture was my teenage rebellion), and have three grown sons who keep me grounded and laughing.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
I always imagined I’d run my own business one day — maybe a tea shop or a wedding dress boutique (thank you, finance career!). But I never pictured myself as the product or service… until I got a harsh and unexpected “No” — a story I share in You, Me, We.
I came home and said to my husband, “Looks like I’m starting my own business.” We gave it a year. That was 18 years ago.
Today, I’m on a mission to create cultures of connection in a world of increasing disconnection. I’ve always believed that success in business is about relationships, and success in life is about connection. When I shared that on stage, audiences leaned in and said, “Tell me more.” That curiosity became the catalyst for my award-winning books and leadership programs.
SkyeTeam has now supported over 15,000 leaders in 20 countries across 6 continents. And we’re just getting started.
Call me — I’d love to work with you.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
If I could spark one change in the world, it would be this:
To make connection — not competition — the foundation of how we lead, live, and grow.
To every young woman dreaming of starting her own business: your success doesn’t have to come at the cost of someone else’s. Lift as you climb. Build community. Prioritize relationships.
The world doesn’t need more hustle. It needs more humans who lead with heart, courage, and compassion.
Because when we champion each other, we all rise.
And trust me — the view’s better together. 💛
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women are showing up and stepping up in leadership like never before — and it’s incredible to see. Cracks are appearing in the glass ceilings, and many are breaking through to claim their space at the top.
But let’s be clear: it’s not women who need fixing — it’s the systems and outdated beliefs that hold us back.
In my work with leaders around the world, I see time and again that when women are in environments where they are seen, heard, and valued — they thrive.
So to every woman wondering if she’s “too much” or “not enough”: believe in yourself. And if the space you’re in doesn’t support you, find (or create!) one that does.
This isn’t about fitting in. It’s about shining — and helping others do the same.
Because leadership isn’t gendered. It’s human.
And we’re better — braver — together.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
The most important thing I’ve learned — in life and in leadership — is this: Relationships matter.
Whether you’re building a business, navigating a tough conversation, or simply figuring out what’s next, it’s the people around you who make the difference. And the quality of those relationships? That’s what defines success, fulfillment, and impact.
My personal motto? “Better Together.”
It’s not just a tagline — it’s how I try to show up every day. With heart, with curiosity, and with the belief that when we support each other, we all rise.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
To all the brilliant, bold, and budding women leaders out there:
You have more influence and impact than you may realize.
There is someone watching you right now — a colleague, a friend, maybe even a stranger — thinking, “I wish I could be more like her.”
So be the leader you wish you had. And start here:
🔍 Reflect
Look Up – How do you feel in your own presence?
Show Up – How do others feel in your presence? (Uplifted? Drained? Inspired?)
Step Up – Be intentional. Choose the behaviors that will leave the person in front of you — and yourself — stronger after every interaction.
Because leadership isn’t a title. It’s how you show up.
And when we lead with purpose and presence?
We are better together. 💛
Your website link
skyeteam.com
