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Keynote SpeakerShola Kaye

Сommunication and empathy specialist, an award-winning speaker and the author of two books

In this tech-heavy world, Shola’s work helps humans deepen their levels of humanity and connection. She works with global organisations using the power of empathy, effective communication and bold action. She calls this combination EMOTIONAL AUDACITYTM and the tools she shares facilitate the deepening of resilience, emotional intelligence and readiness... Read more

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Popular Talks by Shola Kaye

  • Emotional Audacity: Developing the Human Edge in an Age of Tech-Driven Transformation

    How do we inspire people to say what others won’t and do what others fear — while staying open-hearted, respectful and deeply human? Shola Kaye introduces Emotional AudacityTM — the essential leadership mindset for today’s fast-paced, high-stakes world. As organisations move more swiftly and rely increasingly on data and systems,…
  • Create a People-First, Speak-Up Culture: How to Feel Seen, Safe and Heard

    What are the core behaviours and communication strategies that create a psychologically safe, high-performing workplace? In a culture where people feel seen, safe and heard, innovation thrives, belonging deepens, and collaboration strengthens. Through powerful storytelling, live exercises, and practical tools, Shola unpacks the role of compassion, deep inquiry, and psychological…
  • Practical Empathy: Sustainable, Common-sense Strategies for Creating a Workplace of Care and Understanding

    How can organisations embed empathy at every level — from the boardroom to the break room? As the need for respectful, supportive workplaces grows, empathy is no longer a ‘nice to have’ — it’s a critical leadership and communication skill that directly impacts retention, innovation, and employee wellbeing. Through storytelling,…
  • Creating a Positive Feedback Culture: Elevate Performance with Daring, Caring Communication

    How will you build a thriving feedback culture where communication uplifts and energises, rather than undermines and demotivates? When feedback is delivered with empathy, clarity and consistency, it drives performance, strengthens relationships and creates motivated, resilient teams. But when it’s avoided or mishandled, the damage to morale and collaboration can…
  • The Art of the Ask: Energise your Career with Audacious, Empowering Questions

    What if the next step in your career was just one question away? In this impactful and engaging keynote, Shola Kaye explores the transformative power of asking. Whether you’re seeking new opportunities, support, or personal development, the ability to make well-timed, strategic requests can change the course of your career…

Biography

In this tech-heavy world, Shola’s work helps humans deepen their levels of humanity and connection.

She works with global organisations using the power of empathy, effective communication and bold action. She calls this combination EMOTIONAL AUDACITYTM and the tools she shares facilitate the deepening of resilience, emotional intelligence and readiness for change.

Shola’s keynotes are frequently described as engagingly practical, easily implementable and inspiring. She shares moving stories, accessible case studies and actionable insights gained from working with international corporations across a wide range of industries, and sessions may be modified for leaders or for broader audiences.

Shola’s clients include American Express, Deloitte, Google, IBM, Nestle, Meta, Target, The United Nations, Kaiser Permanente, GSK, Henkel, Reckitt, HSBC, LVMH, Capital One and Oracle. She is the author of two books and has written for a variety of industry publications.

Shola’s experiences working for global corporations have given her an understanding of some of the many challenges faced by companies today as they seek to create environments of empathy and high performance, supporting their ever-more demanding, often remote, teams in a world of constant disruption.

Early in Shola’s career, after studying at Cambridge University, she worked in consulting and account management in New York and London with clients such as Goldman Sachs and British Airways. She has also conducted neuroscience research at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
What differentiates Shola as a speaker is that she has also spent time performing across the globe and captivating audiences as a professional entertainer. She therefore understands what it takes to keep her keynote attendees engaged and participating throughout the session, and she provides multiple opportunities for valuable self-reflection and outstanding levels of interaction.

Her cornerstone keynote, ‘Emotional AudacityTM’ explores practical ways to build trust, connection, and influence through emotionally intelligent communication and courageous leadership.

Shola’s most booked keynote is ‘Elevating Empathy’. In today’s challenging workplaces, it’s crucial to meet people where they are, demonstrating curiosity and understanding. An empathic approach is also valuable when it comes to helping reduce resistance to change, such as restructuring, entering new markets or embarking upon new initiatives.

Shola also works with global teams that need to reach across differences, creating an atmosphere of collaboration, belonging and high performance. Her session ‘Create a People-First, Speak Up Culture’ has been booked by a variety of international organisations, whether for leadership teams or wider groups.

For organisations looking to improve the quality and quantity of feedback given, Shola’s keynote ‘Create a Positive Feedback Culture with Daring, Caring Communication’ is an ongoing, year-round favourite.

Finally, her keynote ‘The Art of the Ask’, on the power of networking and aspirational asking, is very popular for women’s events and among organisations seeking to empower their staff to be more unstoppable, whether in sales or in making bold internal career moves.

As an introvert herself, she loves to create experiences in which everyone feels deeply involved and empowered to participate fully. Her virtual keynotes often elicit hundreds of comments in the chat, with off-the-chart participation from attendees.

She’s also a popular speaker for International Women’s Day and has worked with many organisations delivering communication programs that help women and other groups speak up and cut through the noise, enabling them to go further, faster, in their careers.

Ready to invite Shola Kaye to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

What clients say about Shola Kaye

"What a fantastic presentation Shola gave to a large audience at our International Women's Day event! She was enthusiastic, highly professional, on-target with content, and provided very timely information. The messages were delivered with examples, and audience participation, thereby increasing the takeaway ability, and allowing participants to quickly apply learnings to real-life scenarios." Sonia Zacher-Martini, Manager - Project Controls, PSEG
"We were lucky enough to have Shola as our key note speaker this week for our global Women's network GlanbiaNow. Shola was perfect in addressing the #breakthebias focus of IWD and provided us strategies and practical ideas on how to manage this in the work place. She was engaging and energetic and was a great speaker even in a virtual format. Thanks Shola and please let me know if you ever need a recommendation." Wendy Chang Smith, CFO, Glanbia Performance Nutrition
“I loved it — I was at Google for 13 years before my current role and in all that time I never heard such an inspiring presentation. Thank you!” Audience Member, Lloyds Banking
“Shola delivered an insightful and meaningful session that left people feeling empowered and inspired… We continue to receive positive feedback.” Sylvie Russo, Mondelez International
“Shola has been incredible… she blew us away — inspiring, relatable, engaging and empowering.” Rachael Rowland, Ex-L’Oréal, Henkel
“A standout presenter with lasting impact and actionable outtakes.” Victoria O’Brien, Hotwire PR
“A dynamic, articulate, empathic and warm presenter… highly recommended.” Glenn Gutmacher, State Street

How to book Shola Kaye as a keynote speaker

How do I book Shola Kaye for a keynote speech?

You can book Shola Kaye through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Shola's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Shola Kaye's speaking fees?

Shola Kaye's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Shola tailored to your event.

What topics does Shola Kaye speak about?

Shola Kaye speaks on Business & Management, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Inspirational Women, Leadership. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Shola to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Shola Kaye available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Shola Kaye for events worldwide, subject to Shola's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Shola Kaye deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Shola Kaye is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Shola Kaye?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Shola can accommodate.

Can Shola Kaye tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Shola Kaye on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Shola can offer.

What languages does Shola Kaye present in?

Shola Kaye delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Shola Kaye a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Shola Kaye's areas of expertise include Business & Management, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Inspirational Women, Leadership. To get a clear sense of Shola's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Shola Kaye speak at?

Shola Kaye can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Business & Management, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Inspirational Women, Leadership is relevant. Details of Shola's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Shola Kaye offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Shola Kaye is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Shola Kaye?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Shola Kaye, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Shola's current availability for your dates.