Keisha Lance Bottoms: Former Mayor of Atlanta

    Leadership keynote speaker Keisha Lance Bottoms shares insights on equitable leadership, crisis management, and public policy, helping organizations navigate change and drive inclusive growth.

    • Highlights:
      • Former Mayor of Atlanta (2018–2022)
      • Served in all three branches of government
      • Led Atlanta through COVID-19 and major social challenges
      • Established Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
    • Formats:

      Keynote Speaker, Political Leader, Leadership Expert

    • Audiences:

      Corporate leaders, policymakers, civic organizations, and audiences focused on leadership, equity, and navigating complex change.

    • Outcomes:
      1. Practical insights on leading through crisis and uncertainty
      2. Strategies for advancing equity and inclusive leadership
      3. Real-world lessons in governance, decision-making, and resilience
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
    • **Fee range: On Request

    Keynote Topics

    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.

    Talent Short Bio

    Keisha Lance Bottoms is a nationally recognized leader, former Mayor of Atlanta, and keynote speaker known for her work advancing equity, resilience, and effective governance. With a career spanning all three branches of government—as a judge, city councilmember, and mayor—she brings a comprehensive and practical perspective on leadership and public service.

    During her tenure as Atlanta’s 60th mayor from 2018 to 2022, Keisha led the city through some of its most challenging moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of heightened national focus on racial justice. Her administration implemented impactful initiatives such as establishing Atlanta’s first Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, launching financial transparency tools like the Open Checkbook platform, and advancing reforms in areas such as bail policy and community investment.

    Known for her “One Atlanta” vision, she focused on building a more inclusive, affordable, and resilient city while maintaining strong fiscal management, delivering balanced budgets without layoffs or tax increases during a global economic downturn.

    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 Lance Bottoms 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

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    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.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    View further speakers

    • (13)
    Elizabeth Smart - Image 20 (January 20, 2026)

    Elizabeth Smart’s story of survival and resilience captivated the world when, at just 14 years old, she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. For nine grueling months, she endured unimaginable abuse before being miraculously rescued. Today, Elizabeth is not just a survivor; she is a symbol of hope, a powerful advocate […]

    • Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
    • Inspirational Speakers
    • (19)
    Redefined - Zainab Salbi

    Zainab Salbi is a world-renowned humanitarian, social entrepreneur, and author whose life’s work has been dedicated to advancing women’s rights and promoting global peace. As the founder of Women for Women International, she has helped transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of women survivors of war by providing the resources, support, and community they […]

    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • Inspirational Speakers
    • (3)
    • (1)
    Princess Sarah Culberson

    Princess Sarah Culberson embodies a captivating narrative of royalty, humanitarianism, and personal triumph. As the adopted daughter of an American family, she discovered her royal lineage in Sierra Leone, Africa, and has since dedicated her life to uplifting communities, sharing her remarkable journey, and empowering individuals worldwide. A prominent figure in humanitarian efforts, an acclaimed […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Humanitarian Speakers
    • (20)
    Michelle Gielan - Image 05 (March 17, 2026)

    Michelle Gielan is a leading voice in the field of positive psychology and employee engagement. A former CBS News anchor turned researcher, she has dedicated her career to understanding the impact of positivity on workplace culture and productivity. As a prominent keynote speaker, Michelle blends research-backed insights with her background in broadcast journalism, making her […]

    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • Employee Engagement
    • (8)
    Dr. Brian Glibkowski

    Dr. Brian Glibkowski is a pioneering force in the realm of business communication, best known as the creator of Answer Intelligence (AQ)™. His groundbreaking work on the role of questions and answers in business and society has revolutionized how leaders, teams, and organizations approach problem-solving, decision-making, and strategy formulation. With a passion for enhancing communication […]

    • Travels from: Chicago, IL
    • Emotional Intelligence
    • (27)
    • (6)
    Charlie Rocket Jabaley

    Charlie “Rocket” Jabaley is a Grammy-winning music mogul and Emmy-winning Nike athlete whose journey from the pinnacle of the entertainment industry to becoming a health and fitness icon is nothing short of extraordinary. Diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor while managing some of the world’s biggest music acts, Charlie was forced to reevaluate his life. […]

    • Travels from: Malibu, CA
    • Inspirational Speakers
    • (44)
    The Braintrust Academy | Jeff Bloomfield | Driving Change

    From humble beginnings on a midwest farm in central Ohio, Jeff Bloomfield has taken the life lessons from his storytelling “Papaw” (Grandfather) combined with his corporate career in Biotech and Neuroscience to create programs that allow you to discover how you’re truly wired for greatness and how to communicate in an authentic way to drive […]

    • Travels from: Mason, OH
    • Sales Speakers
    • (56)
    Ashley Stahl

    Ashley Stahl is a counterterrorism professional, an international bestselling author, a spokesperson for SoFi, and an advisor for (IBM, Caterpillar) and expert on intuition, personal branding, and fulfillment. Daymond John (Shark Tank, Fubu, NYT bestselling author) says Ashley’s bestseller “You Turn: Get Unstuck, Discover Your Direction, Design Your Dream Career”, is “the ultimate guide to discover […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Empowerment Speakers
    Disclaimer
    The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

    These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

    Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

    All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

    Speakers Inc.

    Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

    We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

    Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
    Your subscription has been successful.

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

    We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

    © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

    AI Assistant
    Speakers Inc Logo 2024
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.