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!
Dara Torres is arguably the fastest female swimmer in America. She entered her first international swimming competition at age 14 and competed in her first Olympics a few years later in 1984. At the Beijing Games in 2008, Torres became the oldest swimmer to compete in the Olympics. When she took three silver medals — […]
For over two decades, Jen Shirkani has been helping leaders see what they can’t see. As a nationally recognized expert on emotional intelligence, she’s worked with organizations across the globe—from Fortune 50 companies to fast-growing startups, government agencies, and top-tier universities. Through her engaging keynotes, executive coaching, and bestselling books (Ego vs. EQ and Choose […]
Liz Bohannon is a dynamic and influential leader whose impact resonates deeply across the realms of customer service and leadership. As the co-founder and CEO of Sseko Designs, Liz has championed a unique approach to ethical business practices and leadership that intertwines social impact with entrepreneurial success. Her compelling journey from a Peace Corps volunteer […]
Dr. Catriona Wallace is a globally recognized thought leader in artificial intelligence (AI), ethics, and digital transformation. A trailblazer in the tech industry, Dr. Wallace is one of the few women at the helm of an AI-driven enterprise, leading the charge to create technology that not only solves problems but also fosters positive societal impact. […]
Lily Brasch is a living testament to the power of resilience and determination. Born with a rare congenital condition and told she would never walk, Lily has turned impossibilities into achievements that inspire audiences worldwide. Her journey is a beacon of hope, proving that the human spirit can overcome even the most daunting challenges. From […]
Football coach, former player, and sports speaker Urban Meyer is currently the Ohio State University football head coach. Before joining the Buckeyes, Urban was coach at Bowling Green State University, University of Utah, and the University of Florida until his retirement at the end of the 2010 season. While with the Gators, he coached the […]
Dan Thurmon is the dynamic founder and president of Motivation Works, Inc., a highly sought-after keynote speaker, and a thought leader in the realms of leadership, transformation, and franchise success. With an expertise in guiding leaders and their organizations through periods of profound change, Dan has been instrumental in helping teams embrace challenges and convert […]
As Chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp, Alex Rodriguez stands at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and success. Dive into this comprehensive profile to explore the extraordinary journey of a visionary leader and discover why booking Alex Rodriguez for fireside chats can redefine your corporate conversations. As Chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp, Alex Rodriguez […]
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