Shola Kaye: Culture Speaker
Shola Kaye is a keynote speaker, communication specialist, and author who helps organizations build inclusive workplaces through empathy, leadership, and effective communication
- Highlights:
- International keynote speaker on inclusion, empathy, and workplace communication
- Author of Big Talk, Small Talk
- Former IT consultant for global banking, aviation, and finance organizations
- Former researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Formats:
Keynote Speaker and Workplace Communication Expert
- Audiences:
Corporate leaders, HR professionals, diversity and inclusion teams, STEM organizations, and workplaces seeking stronger communication and collaboration.
- Outcomes:
- Practical communication tools that strengthen teamwork and leadership
- Strategies for building inclusive workplaces where all voices are heard
- Insights on empathy and connection that improve collaboration and performance
- Travels from: London, UK
- **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000
Keynote Topics
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, it’s the human elements — empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation, courageous communication, and motivation to act — that determine the success or failure of transformation efforts.
With insight, warmth, and a deeply practical approach, Shola shares frameworks for honest self-reflection and developing both resilience and dynamism through emotionally intelligent behavior. Drawing on her corporate background, current research, and her work with global brands, Shola offers audiences the tools to listen without defensiveness and to act with an expansive sense of purpose.
This interactive keynote is ideal for leaders, people managers, and teams who
are:
- Driving transformation or navigating change in complex or high-pressure environments
- Seeking to improve innovation and business performance by encouraging deep listening and candid feedback
- Looking to build a culture where individual purpose and corporate values are aligned, leading to empowered, confident action-taking
The audience will leave with:
- The Caring & Daring Matrix™ and the Feel it, Frame it, Follow Through on it framework to support dynamic yet empathetic decision-making
- Clear strategies to listen deeply, share openly and act decisively
- Structured self-reflection opportunities to support ongoing growth and development
- A downloadable PDF companion guide for applying the frameworks in everyday leadership and communication scenarios
Also available: Crank up the emotional impact with a version of this speech that incorporates musical elements.
Create a People-First, Speak-Up Culture: How to Feel Seen, Safe and Heard
What are the core behaviors 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 safety to create environments of cooperation and creativity. Participants learn to foster a workplace free of groupthink where individuals can make their best contributions and the business can thrive.
This keynote is ideal for leaders, people managers, and teams who are:
- Committed to creating inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces where people contribute ideas freely
- Facing challenges with transparency, miscommunication, or low engagement
- Seeking to unlock innovation and collaboration through a people-first approach
- Looking to establish or strengthen a speak-up culture grounded in respect, empathy and courage
The audience will leave with:
- Practical communication scripts and conversation starters to support transparency and authentic dialogue
Step-by-step frameworks to encourage open conversations across all levels of the organization - Insights into how fear and lack of safety hinder innovation — and how to change that dynamic
- Tools to embed positive reinforcement, resilience, and safety into team communication
- Structured self-reflection prompts and a downloadable PDF guide to help sustain learning and progress
Practical Empathy: Sustainable, Common-sense Strategies for Creating a Workplace of Care and Understanding
How can organizations 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, accessible research, and hands-on reflection, Shola introduces a practical approach to empathy that avoids burnout, fosters
connection, and works across virtual, hybrid and in-person teams. With a focus on curiosity, courage and being a catalyst, this session equips every audience member with the awareness and confidence to make empathy a daily practice.
This interactive keynote is ideal for senior leaders, people managers, and whole-company events where teams are:
- Looking for tangible ways to embed empathy into their communication and leadership practices
- Navigating the challenges of hybrid or remote working while maintaining connection and care
- Committed to supporting staff wellbeing while driving performance and innovation
The audience will leave with:
- A simple, actionable three-step framework for demonstrating empathy in daily conversations
- Strategies for showing virtual empathy in hybrid and remote environments
- A variety of easy-to-use tools that support practical empathy
- Data and case studies to support the business case for empathy in the workplace
- Structured self-reflection activities and a downloadable PDF guide to build stronger listening skills and deeper human connection
Creating a Positive Feedback Culture: Elevate Performance with Daring, Caring Communication
How will you build a thriving feedback culture where communication uplifts and energizes, 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 be lasting.
Through candid examples and interactive exercises, Shola explores the difference between feedback that inspires and feedback that alienates. She equips individuals at every level — not just managers — with the tools and confidence to offer feedback that fuels learning and growth.
This keynote is ideal for individual contributors, team leads, and organizations that are:
- Aiming to create a culture where open, honest, and frequent feedback is the norm
- Seeking to increase psychological safety and reduce feedback avoidance
- Working to boost team performance, trust, and collaboration through more effective communication
- Interested in moving beyond yearly appraisals to create an everyday culture of developmental feedback
The audience will leave with:
- Tools for delivering ongoing, tailored feedback that motivates and empowers
- Exercises to build resilience and openness when receiving constructive feedback
- Insights into common harmful feedback styles — including The Drive-by, The Comparison, and The Wrecking Ball — and how to avoid them
- A downloadable PDF guide and structured self-reflection prompts to support long-term skill development
Talent Short Bio
Shola Kaye designs and runs programmes that help organizations build People-First cultures powered by Emotional AudacityTM — the courage to speak up, lead with heart, and act with compassion. She’s the author of two books, and an award-winning speaker. She has a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, completed scientific research in the field of Neuroscience at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, and spent a number of years working in the United States in financial services.
She has also performed on four continents as a professional entertainer, which is why she values creating programmes that are both engaging and effective. Shola’s writing has appeared in industry publications such as Management Today and HR Zone and she has been featured in Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar and on the BBC. Clients include Deloitte, Google and The United Nations.
Read Full Bio
In this tech-heavy world, Shola’s work helps humans deepen their levels of humanity and connection. She works with global organizations using the power of empathy, effective communication and bold action. She calls this combination EMOTIONAL AUDACITY™ 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 Audacity™’ 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 organizations 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.
She’s also a popular speaker for International Women’s Day and has worked with many organizations 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.
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Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
Shola receives consistently glowing feedback as a high-energy, engaging keynote speaker who combines inspiration with practical takeaways. Reviewers highlight her expertise in empathy and inclusive leadership, praising her dynamic delivery, meaningful storytelling, and ability to get audiences actively involved—whether in-person or virtual. A recurring strength is her professionalism and collaboration during planning: she takes time to understand the organization and tailors content to specific needs, delivering actionable tools leaders can implement to build belonging and emotional intelligence.
Downsides: No notable weaknesses or complaints were mentioned in these reviews.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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.
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