Shola Kaye is a communication and inclusion specialist, an award-winning speaker, and the author of two books. Shola works with organizations to help them transform their cultures using the power of empathy, transparent communication, and inclusion nudges. Shola’s work is frequently described as both practical and inspiring. Shola created The Empathy to Equity Blueprint, a step-by-step program that guides and supports organizations on their journey towards greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. She shares implementable insights that help her clients create happier and more engaged environments where belonging can flourish.
Early in Shola’s career she worked in consulting and account management in New York and London with global clients and also spent time in academic research at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Later, she performed on four continents as a professional singer and entertainer. Shola’s experiences as a Black woman working for global corporations led to an understanding of some of the many challenges faced by underrepresented groups and she shares these insights during her keynotes and training, helping to create greater understanding. She always provides compelling data and research alongside multiple opportunities for reflection and interaction. Shola’s work blends her background from both the STEM and the creative industries to deliver clear, effective frameworks that allow people to work better together. These are delivered in a warm, engaging, relatable style.
Shola’s clients include American Express, Deloitte, The United Nations, Google, IBM, Nestle, Henkel, HSBC, and Oracle. Typical events include global company keynotes, leadership development sessions, employee network meetings, diversity summits, and industry conferences. Shola grew up in the UK and as a child was fostered. She went on to obtain a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and a Masters in Neuropharmacology from Emory University in Atlanta. She’s a LinkedIn Learning Instructor. One of her favorite quotes is from author Susan Cain, ‘Everyone shines given the right lighting.'
Keynote Topics:
- Elevating empathy
- Empathy skills for a high-performance culture
- Inclusive leadership
- Delivering effective feedback with empathy
- Empathy, allyship, and inclusion in the hybrid workplace
