Shola Kaye

Shola Kaye MSc is the author of two books and an award-winning speaker. She spent the first part of her career in consultancy in the U.S.A., working at household name investment banks and in the U.K for global clients in aviation and finance. She also spent time in academia, performing Neuroscience research at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Her experience as a black woman working for corporates led to an understanding of some of the challenges faced by minority groups on multiple levels. This in turn led her to develop an interest in learning to create inclusive workplaces with open, supportive communication. Shola went on to become a professional performer, appearing on stages around the world.

Shola has a unique interactive delivery that combines the energy and engagement of a performer with the insights and actionable communication systems of a scientist or technical expert. Today she blends her STEM and entertainment background to share clear, effective communication frameworks that help people work better together. These are delivered in a high-impact, engaging style.

Her keynote and masterclass topics include diversity and inclusion, workplace communication, and workplace empathy. She also speaks about how to change company culture through inclusive leadership practices.

Shola has been featured in Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, and on the BBC and is often called upon to chair and facilitate conferences and events. Her work has been mentioned in Forbes and her articles have appeared in industry publications such as HR Zone and Management Today. Shola’s first book was an Amazon.com number one bestseller and her second book ‘Big Talk, Small Talk – Communication Skills for All Parts of Your Life’ was published in November 2020.

Self-Leadership & Culture: Harnessing the power of Empathy

To improve inclusion, productivity and engagement (Suitable for all employees and delegates)

Creating a workplace where everyone feels that they belong is more important than ever before, but how can you build supportive, cohesive environments within your organization?

This is a high-impact, informational keynote speech that references research and analysis. You’ll walk away with the tools and the inspiration to become a more compassionate and effective leader, manager, or individual contributor. It can be modified for senior leaders, management, and whole-company keynotes.

Culture, Diversity & Inclusion: Use empathy to create a workplace of respect and belonging

Develop your listening, courage, and compassion to build an environment of trust and inclusivity

Bring our whole selves to work? How is that possible when we may not be accepted and valued by our colleagues?

This inspiring, story-based keynote speech shares personal experiences, tools, and interactive exercises to help you see the value of ensuring everyone feels they belong. We’ll look at the important themes of  curiosity, courage and being a catalyst and you’ll understand the vital components of empathy, how to be compassionate while avoiding burnout, and why skills like emotional intelligence are in high demand.

Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion: Inclusive, empathic leadership for the post-pandemic workplace

Equip your leaders with the skills and knowledge to combat bias and foster belonging

It’s 2021 and, more than a year after Covid hit, we know that many workplaces will never be the same again. That’s why leaders need an expanded repertoire of skills and know-how to ensure staff are engaged, happy and productive. In this highly impactful program, leaders are given the skill set to flourish in today’s complex work environments, managing ever more diverse and demanding teams.

Culture, Diversity & Inclusion: Microaggressions & Bystander interventions – an empathic approach

What are these harmful behaviors and how do we deal with them?

Microaggressions are the brief and commonplace verbal, behavioral or environmental slights, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative attitudes. Many of us use them so casually, without recognizing the assumptions and bias they contain. But if we understood our faulty models, and adopted an attitude of empathy, how would things change?

We’ll explore microagressions, how to deal with them as a recipient and ways to respond as a bystander. Understand the damage they can do in the workplace if left unchecked and examine the results of psychological studies that reveal the impact of this problem.

Culture, Leadership Communication, Performance: Delivering Effective Feedback With Empathy

Develop the skills to support and co-create your colleagues’ success (Session is suitable for all employees, not just managers)

At work and in our personal lives, delivering effective feedback is a valuable skill. Delivered in the right way, feedback can be empowering, inspiring and can drive an individual, and their team, towards fantastic success.

However, delivered in the wrong way, feedback can be divisive, demotivating, and destructive. And when we avoid giving feedback to spare someone’s feelings, the eventual outcome can be just as damaging.

So what’s your intention as a manager? Is it to break or build? To crush or to co-create? Do you restrict your feedback to the obligatory once or twice a year, or do you feedback continuously, increasing the motivation and confidence of your team members?

This interactive, high energy keynote contains insightful stories,  impactful data, and valuable tools  you can use again and again.