Shola Kaye Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerShola Kaye

Сommunication and inclusion 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

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.

"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

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...

  • 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...

  • 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...