"She was a compelling and inspiring speaker and we heard nothing but great things about her presentation!"
-A University"Karen was absolutely great! The event was definitely as success as we heard nothing but positive comments on her presentation from our members. She was easy to work with and we appreciate her willingness to tailor her comments to our audience. She had everyone captivated with her White House stories and observations on the current administration."
-National Cotton Council"She did a fabulous job and her presentation was a perfect way to kick off our event. She was very well-received and the feedback has been very positive."
-International Dairy Foods Association"I was fortunate enough to hear your talk at Boston College last week. I have been at BC as an administrator or teacher for the past 19 years and I have attended many talks in those years. Your talk was the one that was the most well thought out (not surprising given your life's dedication and commitment to communication) and the one that left the audience (regardless of age) with a message that empowers us to action to make our lives more rewarding and intentional. Clarity, Example and Optimism are qualities we can all aspire to and your ability to bring those points home with stories was nothing less than exceptional. I just wanted to let you know my thoughts as we rarely know the impact we make in others' lives. If anyone took the time to hear you last week, they are better for it. I sat with two students who were so glad they went and wanted to talk about your comments afterwards as it inspired them as well. Thank you for coming and for your preparation as you are breaking barriers for women every single day by your example."
-Boston College"Thank you, once again, for presenting at the THA Annual Conference & Expo. The event drew great attendance from across the state and we are pleased to have received very positive feedback about the presentations and topics offered during the event. On behalf of the event partners, we fully recognize that we would not receive such a positive response from conference participants without the excellent presentations and stimulating discussions provided by talented individuals like you. With that said, I thank you, once again, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your expertise."
-THA"Everything went great last week. Ambassador Hughes did an amazing job and attended the meet/greet for as long as she could. "
-Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS)"Great experience. She is wonderful to work with and delivered a great speech ...Very professional. It was insightful to hear her stories and opinions. "
-The University of Texas at Tyler"Karen Hughes was a huge success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed her! "
-Jackson Walker"So many people have commented that Karen Hughes was the best speaker we've ever had. I wholeheartedly agree!"
-Wisconsin Women in Government"Ms. Hughesdid a tremendous job as our Washington's Birthday speaker. It was obvious from her remarks that she had given a great deal of thought to her address and she touched upon all the right notes—sharing engaging stories from her distinguished career and tying together all of the patriotic and civic themes that are at the heart of our GWB celebration. A big home run! "
-Union League Club of Chicago"Ms. Hughes was an absolute delight—gracious, charming and a marvelous speaker. "
-Shepperd Institute"Karen, everywhere I go people rave about our recent Profiles in Power event because of YOU! I can’t tell you the impact you made on our audience, men and women alike. It left us truly inspired. Everyone I spoke with afterwards commented on your message, including the Communications Director with the Austin Chamber of Commerce, who told me that was the best speech she has heard in a long time. I have not had the opportunity to hear you before today, but now I know why 'George' wanted you by his side. You were impactful, courageous and inspiring."
-Austin Business Journal"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your extraordinary speech at the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) Conference...I cannot tell you what an honor it was for me to meet you...I admire you greatly for so many reasons, not the least of which is that you put your family first...From the 'hanging chads' debacle through your various positions with the Bush administration, I have always viewed you as poised, articulate, professional"
-National Association of Government Communicators"Karen did an outstanding job, down to earth engaging and all around a great investment!"
-YUM! Brands, Inc."All of our students were so pleased with Mrs. Hughes, especially her candor, friendliness, and the ease with which she interacted with everyone all day. Her lectures were very interesting, funny, and well delivered, and she was responsive and open to all questions by students. I recall her early in the day asking if it would be all right if she could go to talk to students before the first lecture while we were waiting, to get to know them. She was very gracious to the committee and the LBJ Library, and we had absolutely no complaints. All feedback that I have received was positive, and she will be a great speaker for the Harry Walker Agency in the future. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone. "
-University of Texas at Austin"Karen Hughes was exceptional as Southwestern University's Shilling lecturer! She spoke to a capacity crowd, including over one hundred guests who viewed the lecture by simulcast. Ms. Hughes' substantive talk reiterated the challenging, complicated issues facing our country and our world. She encouraged us all to be active in our communities. Ms. Hughes was one of the most congenial speakers with which we've had the pleasure to work, unpretentious and approachable. Her keen sense of humor appropriately balanced the earnestness of her message."
-Southern Methodist University"Karen Hughes was exceptional as Southwestern University's Shilling lecturer! She spoke to a capacity crowd, including over one hundred guests who viewed the lecture by simulcast. Ms. Hughes' substantive talk, 'Public Service from the Statehouse to the White House,' reiterated the challenging, complicated issues facing our country and our world. She encouraged our students to consider careers in Foreign Service and encouraged us all to be active in our communities. Southwestern University's President, Jake B. Schrum said of Ms. Hughes, 'how fortunate for our students to interact with one of President Bush's most trusted and valued advisors.' Ms. Hughes was one of the most congenial speakers with which we've had the pleasure to work, unpretentious and approachable. Her keen sense of humor appropriately balanced the earnestness of her message. "
-Southwestern University"I have heard nothing but rave reviews on your presentation from all the attendees, and really appreciate the great job you did. Everyone I spoke to was struck by your candor, energy, and ability to humanize what to many is a very scary and uncertain time. I also really appreciated the time you took at the dinner the night before to greet all the attendees and give each of them some individual time. That's the kind of personal touch that we love in the hospitality business. "
-Choice Hotels International"On behalf of the Texas Bankers Association, I want to thank you for your presentation at our convention last week. The bankers were wowed by your speech. Thank you also for so graciously taking the time to visit with so many of our members. They are still talking about how personable you were that evening. "
-Texas Bankers Association"It was a great pleasure, personally and professionally, to meet you. Thank you for doing such a great job speaking and meeting with our clients. We have had so many notable speakers over the years. You really stood out and were incredibly generous with your time and energy. "
-Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.The 5 C's of Successful Communication
Presidential and executive communications leader KAREN HUGHES shares her expertise on the five most crucial elements of communications, cultivated from her time as a reporter to her time in the White House to her current job as a counselor for corporate and political leaders, to help every audience member communicate more effectively.
Crisis Communication: Say the Right Thing When It Matters Most
From 9/11 to the first US hospital to diagnose a patient with Ebola, KAREN HUGHES shares insights gained from a career dealing with some of the biggest crises to face our country. Regardless of the stakes, Huges coaches audiences on navigating the delicate nuances of language, ensuring impactful messaging in critical moments.
From the White House to Fortune 500 Boardrooms: Peak Executive Leadership
Drawing from her years of advising top executives in both government and corporate spheres, KAREN HUGHES offers invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of leadership at the highest levels. Hughes’ strategic acumen, coupled with a keen understanding of organizational dynamics, empowers leaders to inspire, innovate, and excel in today’s ever-shifting landscape.
A Bipartisan Analysis: Where in the World are We?
With a nuanced understanding of both domestic and international affairs cultivated through years of bipartisan engagement, KAREN HUGHES provides a comprehensive analysis of where we stand in today’s world. Hughes’ balanced perspective bridges political divides, offering clarity and insights crucial for navigating the complexities of our global landscape.
For Women Audiences
In this presentation geared towards empowering women, KAREN HUGHES emphasizes empowerment, resilience, and the importance of self-advocacy. Sharing personal anecdotes and lessons from her own journey as a leader, Hughes encourages women to embrace their strengths, pursue their ambitions, and overcome obstacles with confidence. She also highlights the value of mentorship, networking, and supporting one another in achieving collective success, inspiring women to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. Wisconsin Women in Government said, “So many people have commented that Karen Hughes was the best speaker we've ever had. I wholeheartedly agree!”
PR Hall of Famer Karen Hughes’ compelling and actionable remarks shed light on communicating through crisis, leadership, and women's empowerment
KAREN HUGHES is one of the world's foremost communication strategists with a brilliance that has shaped Presidential politics and policy for years. The current Worldwide Vice Chair at esteemed communications agency Burson Cohn & Wolfe, Hughes also served as counselor to President George W. Bush and Under Secretary of the State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. Her strategic messaging, crisis communications, and executive positioning with clients range from politicians and officials to governmental bodies and global corporations to Fortune 500 companies and their CEOs. Hughes' compelling and actionable remarks shed light on issues such as communicating through crisis, keys to successful communication, leadership, and women's empowerment.
Watch Karen Hughes present at the SMU Center for Presidential History >>
Watch Karen Hughes in conversation with Burston Marstellar >>
Global communications expert Karen Hughes receives rave reviews for her sold-out events
One of the world's foremost communication strategists KAREN HUGHES specializes in strategic messaging, crisis communications and executive positioning with clients ranging from global corporations to Fortune 500 CEOs. For her work in Washington D.C., she has been described as "the most powerful woman ever to serve in the White House" (Dallas Morning News) and "the most powerful public diplomacy czar in decades" (The Boston Globe). Her hosts say:
Watch Karen Hughes give the Texas Tech University commencement address >>
Watch Karen Hughes in conversation with Burston Marstellar >>
Karen Hughes is a leading communications strategist, specializing in strategic messaging, crisis communications and executive communications. Through her advisory firm Message Matters, Karen provides strategic counsel to major companies and senior executives facing complex reputational, policy and regulatory challenges, crises, organizational transitions and critical business decisions.
Karen served as Worldwide Vice Chair of global communications firm BCW (formerly Burson-Marsteller) from July 2008 to September 2022. In her role as Worldwide Vice Chair, Karen provided strategic communications counsel to many high-profile clients. Karen was the senior strategist on the team advising the first U.S. hospital to diagnose a patient with Ebola; she helped Blue Bell Ice Cream manage the largest food safety recall of 2015 after listeria was found in several of its products; she helped develop the strategy to differentiate Ford in the aftermath of the auto bailout; she advised a global healthcare company as it managed recalls of some of its most iconic consumer products; and she guided a major Texas retailer as it managed a complex data breach. She has led numerous communications workshops and media training sessions and worked directly with many senior executives on their messaging and communications strategies.
Karen has served on the Microsoft Advisory Council for Policy and Politics (MAC) since 2011, advising the Microsoft President and his executive team on many of the company’s most important policy, public affairs, legal and regulatory issues.
Karen’s varied career has spanned journalism, political campaigns, and the private and public sectors, from helping lead winning presidential campaigns to serving at the highest levels of government. Karen served as Counselor to the President for President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2002. In this role she acted as strategic advisor to the president on communications and policy, and led the White House Offices of Communications, Media Affairs, Speechwriting and Press Secretary. Karen also served as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs from 2005 to 2007 where she led the U.S. government’s efforts to communicate America’s values abroad.
Karen served on the Board of Directors and Compensation and NESG Committees for publicly traded Parsley Energy from 2017 to 2021, through its successful merger with Pioneer Natural Resources in early 2021. She is a member of the Bush Institute Advisory Council and the U.S. Afghan Women’s Council, an organization created to foster ties between the women of America and Afghanistan.
In 2020, Karen was inducted into the PRWeek Hall of Fame. She is the best-selling author of Ten Minutes from Normal, a book about working for President Bush and her decision to leave the White House to return with her family to Texas in 2002. Karen received a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Journalism from Southern Methodist University and was honored with SMU’s Distinguished Alumni award in 2003. Karen lives in Austin with her husband, attorney Jerry Hughes, and they have two children, Leigh and Robert, and four granddaughters, Lauren, Hallie, Claire and Lizzy. She is an active member of the Lakeway Church.