Lessons from a Former Mayor and Mother of Four
As the 60th mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms quickly became known for her refreshingly authentic approach to leadership. She led through a term that began with the city experiencing a cyberattack and went on to include the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the racial justice movement that followed, and the most contentious elections in recent history.
In this conversation, Keisha will share insights from her leadership journey, recounting not only how she achieved the many accomplishments but also how she overcame the obstacles, including the bias she faced as a Black woman. Based on her own experiences as a professional and a mom of four, Keisha will teach audiences how to tap into what it means to be a leader – with a handbook of hard-earned lessons that can be applied across all aspects of work and life.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, is a visionary leader who has dedicated her life to bringing equitable outcomes to the forefront of government and commerce.
Before joining the White House, Keisha worked with CNN as a Political Commentator, based in Atlanta, Georgia, where she served as the 60th Mayor. She is a visionary leader in bringing equitable outcomes to the forefront of government and commerce.
Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Mayor in Atlanta’s history to have served in all three branches of government, having previously served as a Judge and a City Councilmember. As Mayor, she committed herself to realizing her vision of “One Atlanta” – an affordable, resilient, and equitable Atlanta.
During her time as Mayor of Atlanta (2018-2022) she led the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and served as a beacon of leadership for racial justice. As mayor, her notable accomplishments included: establishing Atlanta’s first fully-staffed Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; appointments of an LGBTQ Affairs Coordinator and a Human Trafficking Fellow; the citywide elimination of cash bail bond; and the rollout of the most far-reaching financial transparency platform in the City’s history – Atlanta’s Open Checkbook
Sworn in on January 2, 2018, Keisha served as Mayor during one of the most challenging times in the history of Atlanta. In the midst of a global pandemic and a racial justice movement, Keisha became a leading spokesperson regarding the challenges and opportunities facing cities and leaders across America.
While navigating these unprecedented challenges, the Bottoms Administration was able to remain focused on the resilience of Atlanta, negotiating and closing the largest real estate transaction in the history of Atlanta, and one of the largest in the Southeast United States, delivering millions of dollars in community benefits to people across the city.
Keisha Lance Bottoms took proactive measures to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the City and its agencies. As a result, during one of the worst economic downturns the world has ever faced, the Bottoms Administration delivered four years of balanced budgets, without resorting to property tax increases, layoffs, or furloughs of City employees. At the conclusion of her term, City’s reserves remained at a near-high of $181M, far exceeding the requirements of the City Charter.
Shaped by a childhood and professional career that highlighted the inequalities amongst Americans, Keisha Lance Bottoms led her Administration in undertaking several major initiatives that would seek to eradicate systemic issues facing Atlanta, while creating a model for all cities to follow.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
No reviews available for this post.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
Daymond John has come a long way from turning a $40 budget into FUBU, a $6 billion fashion game-changer. Throughout his career, Daymond has continued to be an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. He is not only a pioneer in the fashion industry but a Shark on the 4-time Emmy Award winning Shark […]
Kurdt Greenwood is a young, dynamic naturalist, conservationist, survival expert, and animal behavior specialist whose passion for wildlife knows no bounds. With a deep connection to nature and a unique ability to communicate its wonders, Kurdt has dedicated his life to preserving the natural world and educating others on its importance. His journey as a […]
Derrick Tennant is not just a survivor; he’s a thriver. His journey from promising athlete to inspirational speaker is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and love in the face of adversity. Despite experiencing a life-altering tragedy that left him paralyzed and in a coma for three days, Derrick emerged from the depths […]
Orlando Jones Emcee is an award-winning actor, comedian, writer, and producer, celebrated for his versatile talent and expertise in technology. Founder of Legion of Creatives, he earned the first-ever Virtual Reality Emmy in 2015. Jones has collaborated extensively with digital thought leader Shelly Palmer, delving into generative AI, Web 3, and emerging technologies. A board […]
Gautam Mukunda is an internationally recognized expert in leadership and innovation. He often jokes that his life’s ambition is to have the world’s most confusing resume and that he’s most of the way there. He is a Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. He is also the host of Nasdaq’s […]
Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and an outspoken advocate for women’s rights in sports, has made waves beyond the pool. A 12-time All-American swimmer with five SEC titles, she was a celebrated athlete at the University of Kentucky with a promising path to a career in dentistry. Riley Gaines However, her future took an […]
First Sergeant Matt Eversmann’s harrowing experience during the Battle of Mogadishu, famously depicted in “Black Hawk Down,” has become a testament to courage and leadership under fire. His story not only highlights the chaos of combat but also underscores the profound lessons of duty and resilience that are essential in both military and civilian life. […]
Katie Linendoll is an Emmy Award-winning TV personality, consumer technology expert, and one of the leading women in the field of technology. As one of the most in-demand technology experts worldwide, Katie Linendoll is recognized by a wide-range of audiences for her reporting and frequent appearances as a regular expert contributor for major media outlets […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel