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Katty Kay

  • Award-Winning Journalist and News Anchor with Global Perspective
  • U.S. Special Correspondent for BBC Studios
  • Co-Author of NYT Bestsellers: 'The Confidence Code,' 'Womenomics', 'The Power Code', and More
  • Guest Host and Contributor for 'Morning Joe'

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Katty Kay is an award-winning journalist whose instinctively global perspective on American politics and global affairs comes from having lived and worked in the Middle East, South Africa, Japan, Europe, and the U.S. throughout her career.

Now Washington-based, Katty has been with the BBC for nearly 30 years as a reporter and lead anchor, reporting on six U.S. presidential elections, Washington politics, financial crashes, world trouble spots, sex scandals, global affairs, and much more. She is currently U.S. special correspondent for BBC Studios – where she hosts TV documentaries from both the U.S. and Europe, presents her own podcast series, and writes a weekly column. Katty is a regular contributor and substitute host of Morning Joe on MSNBC and also writes on the art and science of self-assurance in women and girls. She is co-author, with Claire Shipman, of four New York Times’ bestselling books: Womenomics, The Confidence Code, The Confidence Code for Girls, and Living the Confidence Code. Their new book The Power Code explores the nature of women's power — in the workplace, in politics, and at home — explaining how a new model, one designed by and for women, will not only make it possible for women to become their most powerful selves but will benefit everyone.

Katty is an engaging keynote speaker on a wide range of topics as well as a brilliant moderator, interviewer, and event host.

 


Katty Kay headshot
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Past Hosts Include:
  • Toyota
  • Baker McKenzie’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Forum
  • Northwestern Mutual
  • Deloitte Global
  • SAE Detroit Section
  • American Cotton Shippers Association
  • NMS Management
  • HR Policy Association
  • Accenture
  • MetLife
Rave Reviews About Katty Kay
“
She may have been our best speaker (ever) – delightful and substantive and a pleasure to work with – our members just loved her.

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More rave reviews

"The conversation was absolutely lovely. Katty is such a joy to listen to and so relatable and understandable…I think this is the 4th or 5th time we have had Katty speak at Toyota, and we definitely will look to have her again soon."

-Toyota

"Thank you again for joining us for Baker McKenzie’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Forum last week. You were truly spectacular, and the program was extremely well-received by our people and clients."

-Baker McKenzie’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Forum

"She was fantastic! Incredibly well received. So authentic and knowledgeable."

-Northwestern Mutual

"It was a privilege for our most senior leaders to hear perspectives from you, David Cameron, and John Kerry. Your deft moderation of the discussion helped ensure a robust exchange of ideas on global trends and their impact on business. I know we will look back on your session as among the most memorable highlights of our time in Rome."

-Deloitte Global

"Wanted to let you know that Katty was fantastic!! Great way to end the conference session today. She is such a great speaker and her Q&A session was great and we could have gone on forever… She had a lot of interesting questions."

-SAE Detroit Section

"Your comments and analysis of domestic and international matters was very well received and enjoyed by everyone I spoke with afterwards. The connections you made with our members regarding their export markets relating to China, Turkey, and others was a very good fit. Your genuine approach to the audience was refreshing and made personal by your wonderful smile and personality."

-American Cotton Shippers Association

"I want to thank you for leading such a superb panel discussion. The rapport that you established through the conversation was just wonderful and the panelists were both extremely candid in their views which our members appreciated (and commented on). It was one of the best discussions on emerging markets that we’ve featured at the Winter Forum. I was thrilled with the outcome and it was a real honor to have you join us."

-NMS Management

"Your message on ‘The Confidence Code’ was profoundly on target and inspirational to all of us. "

-President/CEO, Ellucian

"Katty was absolutely fantastic. The attendees loved her. Her comments couldn't have been more well suited for our audience. She's a very personable person which makes hosting so much easier. I am so glad that we were able to do this."

-Drug, Chemical & Associated Technologies Association

"You were absolutely fantastic – and got rave reviews. "

-Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

"Thank you for being such a great keynote speaker. Your presentation touched our entire membership. The way you set the table with your message of where America fits in today's Global Economy, was quite skillful and eye opening for those attending. They felt reassured that the USA was still the world leader that they all grew up believing and yes ... better days are on their way! "

-Florida Public Pension Trustees Association

"I can’t begin to describe how well Katty connected with our audience. She really resonated with the group as a single presenter discussing politics in DC and the obvious partisanship and discord that threaten our political representatives to govern. Interestingly, she does not give the press a free ride either, as too often, be it television or radio, the media has turned nearly as partisan as our politics. She was engaging, confident and yet self-deprecating at the same time. Doing double duty, she then moderated a business session discussing gender issues in the industry where she performed magnificently. With her recent book, “Womenomics”, it was obvious she knows the concerns and problems of women in the corporate world and their impact in the marketplace. We had several compliments about this session, especially from men. Having said all that, perhaps her most important attribute is her genuineness. She was perfect for our program and our audience. I would not be hesitant to recommend her to any organization."

-NABCA

"Katty Kay was a huge hit with the attendees at NY Cash Exchange! She did a great job of creating a current events message geared to our group’s primary areas of interest and her presentation style was very polished and professional. Her humor provided a welcome balance. Perhaps the highest point was the Q&A session. She is obviously very well informed and quick minded. We would certainly book her again. "

-Ruzek Management

"Fantastic!!!! Katty was simply fabulous. The audience loved her. "

-Business Development

"You were absolutely fantastic, and got rave reviews. Thank you so much for joining us."

-Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

"Katty was so phenomenal that I want her for every meeting. "

-Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers

"We enjoyed hearing from you and learning about what can be expected from Washington in the next few years. Thank you again for joining us. "

-Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP
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Katty Kay: For Women, It’s the “Why” of Power That Matters | D'Amelio Network - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Katty Kay
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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, veter ...

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, Rus ...

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 Benefit 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 ...

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 ...

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 i ...

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Speaker News

Katty Kay’s new book ‘The Power Code’ makes it possible for women to become their most powerful selves – benefitting everyone

New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling co-author of The Confidence Code KATTY KAY explores the nature of women’s power – in the workplace, in politics, and at home. In her new book The Power Code: More Joy. Less Ego. Maximum Impact for Women (and Everyone)., Kay explains how a new model – one designed by and for women – will not only make it possible for women to become their most powerful selves but will benefit everyone.

As she does in her empowering and motivational keynotes, Kay asks (and answers) the important questions: Do women use power differently and do we even want it? Can men ever learn to live with and, yes, love powerful women? And can we ever make real progress if we’re still operating in a world built by and for men? Do we still have to become alpha men in skirts?

What we need is a new definition of power and a reimagined workplace and home front that everyone can buy into and benefit from. Drawing on the latest research, interviews with high-powered women, and their own personal stories, Kay and her co-author Claire Shipman surface hidden opportunities that draw on women’s underappreciated strengths and present a new operating system that helps women use their talents to become their most powerful selves. 

KATTY KAY:  For Women, It’s the “Why” of Power That Matters >>

KATTY KAY:  Organizations With More Women Perform Better >>

KATTY KAY: Talking With Men About The Power Code >>

Katty Kay on women and success

KATTY KAY is the award-winning anchor for BBC News and co-author of New York Times bestsellers The Confidence Code and The Confidence Code for Girls. Going further than STEM education, Katty advocates for STEAM [science, technology, engineering, arts and math] to showcase the creative side of coding and programming to encourage girls in middle and high school to get more involved in technology. For women in STEM careers, their confidence has long been under assault from implications and overt insults that women are less likely to succeed, and even suggestions that “innate” differences between men and women make women less suited. Tailoring her remarks to the audience, Katty can elaborate on these themes in her talk, 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 two 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. “Neurologists have isolated a ‘confidence gene,’” says Katty “and when I was tested, I learned I am not genetically predisposed to being confident.” Her experience is like that of so many women, even senior women, whose lack of confidence is what really holds them back. But confidence is also art – impacted by how we choose to live with our genes. 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. "She may have been our best speaker (ever) – delightful and substantive and a pleasure to work with – our members just loved her." (HR Policy Association)

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Books by Katty Kay
The Power Code: More Joy. Less Ego. Maximum Impact for Women (and Everyone).

The Power Code: More Joy. Less Ego. Maximum Impact for Women (and Everyone).

Living the Confidence Code: Real Girls. Real Stories. Real Confidence.

Living the Confidence Code: Real Girls. Real Stories. Real Confidence.

The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, and Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self

The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, and Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know

Womenomics: Write Your Own Rules for Success

Womenomics: Write Your Own Rules for Success

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Biography

Katty Kay is an award-winning journalist whose instinctively global perspective on American politics and global affairs comes from having lived and worked in the Middle East, South Africa, Japan, Europe, and the U.S. throughout her career.

Now Washington-based, Katty has been with the BBC for nearly 30 years as a reporter and lead anchor, reporting on six U.S. presidential elections, Washington politics, financial crashes, world trouble spots, sex scandals, global affairs, and much more. She is currently U.S. special correspondent for BBC Studios – where she hosts TV documentaries from both the U.S. and Europe, presents her own podcast series, and writes a weekly column. Katty is a regular contributor and substitute host of Morning Joe on MSNBC and also writes on the art and science of self-assurance in women and girls. She is co-author, with Claire Shipman, of four New York Times’ bestselling books: Womenomics, The Confidence Code, The Confidence Code for Girls, and Living the Confidence Code. Katty is an engaging keynote speaker on a wide range of topics as well as a brilliant moderator, interviewer, and event host.

Helping women turn thoughts into action and master a more confident mindset is one of Katty’s passions. She is co-author of five books with Claire Shipman, including four New York Times bestsellers – two were #1. Their first two bestsellers focus on women, success, and work. Womenomics: Write Your Own Rules for Success examined the workplace revolution and inspired women to take control, dream big and discover a different way of weaving work into their lives – and in the process create more profitable companies with happier and more productive employees. They followed up with The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know, which inspired women to understand that confidence – the lynchpin of success – is a choice.

After The Confidence Code was released, parents everywhere asked about confidence and girls. That led to three more books co-authored by Katty with Claire Shipman and JillEllyn Riley. The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, and Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self, was released in April 2018 and debuted at the #1 spot on The New York Times bestseller list. The empowering, entertaining guide gives girls the essential yet elusive code to becoming bold, brave, and fearless. The follow-up, The Confidence Code for Girls Journal: A Guide to Embracing Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self, is based on their in-depth research and helps teens and tweens tackle any challenge. Their most recent book, Living the Confidence Code: Real Girls, Real Stories, Real Confidence, debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list (Children’s Middle Grade) and is a collection of 30 true stories of real girls pursuing their passions, struggling and stumbling, but along the way figuring out how to build their own special brand of confidence. Katty and Claire are currently co- authoring their sixth book and have plans to launch a podcast.

On the fun side, Katty had the distinction of being immortalized in pop culture in 2018 when her name was the answer to a question on the Jeopardy game show. In the same week, she was portrayed in a skit on Saturday Night Live which satirized a moment from MSNBC’s Morning Joe program.

Katty Kay settled in Washington, DC in the mid-90s where she lives with her husband, two cats, and a dog. They have four grown children.

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