Eliza Reid is a bestselling writer, public speaker, gender equality advocate, cofounder of the acclaimed Iceland Writers Retreat and former first lady of Iceland. She was born and raised in Canada but has lived in Iceland for over twenty years. Eliza’s first book, Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World, was an instant bestseller in Canada and Iceland, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Pick, and translated into numerous languages. Her first novel, an Iceland-set mystery called Death of a Diplomat (Death on the Island in the U.S.), will be published in spring 2025. 

From 2016 to 2024, Eliza served in the unofficial role of First Lady while her husband was President of Iceland, during which time she acted as patron of numerous organizations and was named a United Nations Special Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals. A memoir of her time in the role is set for publication in 2026.

Passionate about inclusion, belonging, and equality, she wielded her influence through poignant op-eds, a compelling TEDx talk, and dozens of keynote addresses to audiences of hundreds around the world, including presidents and royalty. In addition to public speaking, Eliza Reid is an experienced moderator and has interviewed celebrities, including politicians and other world leaders such as Hillary Rodham Clinton, Ashley Judd and internationally-acclaimed authors Louise Penny and Anthony Horowitz. Her advocacy in the field of gender equality has been praised by U.S. President Joe Biden, Canadian Governor General Mary Simon, and numerous others. She has also received awards from the Better World Fund, Meet in Reykjavík, and the Institute for South Asian Women. 

Eliza has degrees from the University of Toronto (Trinity College) and Oxford University (St. Antony’s College). She lives in the outskirts of Reykjavík with her husband and four children.

Eliza’s Speaking topics

• Secrets of the Sprakkar: How to Bring Gender Equality Within Reach, and Why That’s Important for Everyone

What do a fishing captain who dabbles as a standup comedian, a group of middle-aged women who swam across the English Channel, and a small-town Canadian who unexpectedly became First Lady all have in common? They are all women in the tiny Nordic country of Iceland, the country closest in the world to closing the gender gap. Iceland has a word – *sprakkar –* that means “extraordinary women” and this informative and funny talk, which is based on Eliza’s bestselling book *Secrets of the Sprakkar <https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Secrets-of-the-Sprakkar/Eliza-Reid/9781982174064>*,

shares their stories and those of many others who are making a difference in their communities by being positive role models. Be reminded how building greater equality will benefit everyone in society, and be inspired to continue your vital work making a positive difference in the world by nudging things in the right direction. (Spoiler alert: Eliza herself is the unexpected first lady of this description)

• The Bend in the Road: How to Make the Most of Unexpected Opportunity

Eliza’s memoir of her time as first lady is set for publication in 2026 and this talk is based on much of that content.

Eliza Reid grew up in small-town Canada and met her Icelandic husband, Guðni Jóhannesson, at graduate school in England. When she gave fate a push by contriving to win a date with him in a raffle, she never imagined that spontaneous decision would lead her to becoming First Lady of Iceland almost two decades later, after a whirlwind seven-week campaign on her husband’s first foray into public office. 

Incorporating insightful behind-the-scenes moments from life in the world of global leaders; from having tea at the White House with the Bidens, to poignant moments such as  attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, navigating  volcanic eruptions and living through a global pandemic, this talk examines how Eliza navigated her public but undefined role, and used it to upend expectations about first ladies.

Although it’s entertaining and provides a glimpse into an unusual world, this talk is really about inspiring people to make the most of unexpected opportunities, to be forces for positive change in the world. It’s for everyone who strives to write their own fairytale, and subvert the expectations others might impose on us. 

• Storytelling for leadership and change

Everyone has a unique story. Paying attention and harnessing the wisdom of your journey can enhance how you move through the world—the type of organization you run, the children you raise, the people whose lives you’ll impact.

This workshop is designed to help you make sense of your story and sharpen your observation skills to better understand the stories that continue to unfold around you. It will help you to tease out the special details of a life and how to use those details to inspire, inform, and connect with others, putting your story to work to bring out the kind of change you want to create in your company or community.

• General talks in the sphere of travel & sustainability

I have delivered numerous keynote speeches on travel and sustainability at industry events and was named a United Nations Special Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals in 2017. I can adapt speeches to suit a broad range of audiences and explore a variety of topics. Often using Iceland as a case study, I can speak to how travel and tourism are economic drivers in a country; the challenges and opportunities that tourism brings, and how Iceland is a leader in sustainable tourism and has (unusually) a generally positive view of tourism among its local population. 

More broadly speaking, travelling and discovering new places and meeting new people has the potential to bridge divides and bring us closer together. I have travelled extensively, much of it solo, and can share some of the stories I have heard and adventures I’ve had on the road, and what that has taught me about communication and cooperation in other facets of life. 

Testimonials

“She shared many heartfelt messages, leaving an indelible impression as one of the most empowered, driven, and inspiring women I have ever met.” 

—Lilian Atho, CEO and Founder Real Time Global

“I had the great privilege of recently attending a speech by Iceland’s former First Lady, Eliza Reid. She was funny, smart, insightful, and entertaining.  She didn’t hit a homerun; she hit a grand slam.”

—Jean Becker, Former Chief of Staff to George H.W. Bush

“Her energy, intelligence and integrity are so inspiring and most of all, I love how real she is. When you think of a First Lady you don’t expect someone to be so warm, unpretentious and personable.”

—Amy Skelding, Managing Partner at Finn Partners Travel

“Ms. Eliza Reid captivated our group of over 100 lawyers and their spouses with her stories of life in Iceland and extraordinary women in Icelandic history, but the best aspect of her presentation was the message that equality in authority and parity in opportunity are possible and within reach.  Eliza’s approachable style and comfortable delivery, sprinkled with humor and playful wit, capture and sustain the attention of the audience.  She is a delightful, entertaining and empowering keynote speaker for any meeting or conference.”   

Steve Quattlebaum, 2023 National President of The American Board of Trial Advocates