Katty Kay

Katty Kay is the lead anchor for BBC World News America, a bestselling author, and one of the most trusted international voices covering American politics, policy, and global affairs. She speaks on leadership, confidence, and international perspectives on American policy, bringing the unique vantage point of a journalist who has covered the full spectrum of U.S. and world events from Washington, D.C. Katty’s broadcasts reach a global audience seeking a candid, at times provocative look at America through an international lens.

A Global Lens on American Affairs
The daughter of a British diplomat, Katty grew up all over the Middle East and served as a correspondent in Africa and Asia before settling in Washington. That international background gives her a perspective on American politics and culture that domestic journalists simply cannot offer. She covers elections, the White House, Congress, Wall Street, and global economies, connecting the dots between American decisions and their worldwide impact.

The Confidence Code
Katty is the co-author of the bestselling books The Confidence Code and Womenomics, which have empowered millions of women to rethink how they approach risk, leadership, and career advancement. Her keynotes deliver sharp analysis of international affairs, the confidence and leadership skills women need to succeed, and a global perspective on the political, economic, and military forces shaping the world today.

What does Katty Kay speak about?

Katty Kay speaks on confidence, leadership, and the global forces shaping politics and business, drawing on decades as an international journalist and broadcaster. Her keynotes combine sharp geopolitical insight with practical research on building confidence.

What is Katty Kay’s background?

Kay is a longtime BBC journalist and broadcaster and the co-author of The Confidence Code, a widely cited book on building confidence, particularly for women in leadership.

Who books Katty Kay to speak?

Meeting planners book Katty Kay for women’s leadership conferences, government and policy events, and corporate audiences focused on confidence and global affairs.

America From A Different Angle

Emerging from the pandemic, America is grappling with unprecedented social, cultural, workplace, economic, political, and technological change. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – and its new closer ties with China – further complicate the political and economic picture for the U.S. In this speech, veteran journalist Katty Kay gives audiences the latest news from Washington – unpacking politics and policies and their impact. As someone who’s worked and lived in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and (since 1996) Washington, D.C., Katty looks at America’s challenges through a global lens. As a result, her insights are unique and refreshing. Even-handed with a light dose of British humor, Katty reminds audiences to keep the challenges in perspective.

A Global Update

The world can change in an instant. The pandemic decimated economies, increased nationalism, and raised internal tensions in America and most developed countries. Leaders and political systems were under the spotlight and authoritarian politicians used the crisis to seize control. Most recently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine initiated a global response the likes of which we’ve not seen since WWII. The shift in the global power structure cannot be overestimated. What’s next? How will China factor into this? Katty Kay has reported on the drivers of global political change for over three decades. As a Brit who’s lived and worked on four continents, Katty brings her instinctively global perspective to audiences – unpacking insights to help them understand more clearly the forces at play around the world and their likely impact.

The Power Code – More Joy. Less Ego. Maximum Impact For Women (And Everyone).

New research shows women don’t want power – the cost of getting it is too high and power itself looks unappealing. But companies do better with more women in leadership. Countries do better with women in political office. Everyone does better with more women in power. So, what will it take for women to overcome their reluctance and take the reins? Rather than women changing themselves, Katty Kay suggests we need to change the meaning of power and the routes that lead to it. When we do that – when women can focus on using power to make positive changes, with a clear understanding of why power is important – power becomes more accessible, appealing and impactful for women. This new model, designed by and for women, empowers women to become their most powerful selves and lead fuller and more satisfying lives, and helps men do the same.

The Confidence Code

Confidence! With it, we can take on the world; without it, we don’t ask for raises, request that important meeting, or take risks. In the success equation, research shows that confidence is even more critical than competence. But what is confidence? Where does it come from? Are we born with it or do we acquire it? And why do women have less of it than their talents deserve? This speech can be tailored to women or girls/parents and is based on Katty’s bestselling books on the subject. Katty Kay inspires audiences with the latest scientific research and anecdotes from her own career and the many women and girls she interviewed. Katty’s experience is like that of so many women, even senior women, whose lack of confidence is what really holds them back. The good news then is that being confident is a choice. Katty’s talk inspires audiences to take action – to go outside their comfort zones, to try new hard things, to take risks, to be prepared to fail and to discover the secret to success.

Moderator, Discussion Leader & Interviewer

As a journalist, Katty Kay regularly interviews scores of political dignitaries, business leaders, and cultural icons for her news broadcasts. She brings that talent to corporate, association, and organization events where she’s interviewed noted figures from a wide variety of backgrounds including Condoleezza Rice, Anna Wintour, Dan Levy, Michael Lewis, Cynt Marshall, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Carlo Ancelotti, Anoush Ansari and scores more. The skill, grace and humor Katty brings to in-person and virtual events as a panel moderator, discussion leader, and interviewer will get the most out of her guest/panelists and create a memorable experience for the audience.