Shola Kaye

Shola Kaye is a leading authority on inclusive leadership, communication, and diversity in the workplace. As a keynote speaker, author, and founder of Shola Kaye Ltd, she is best known for her work empowering organisations to embrace empathy, equity, and inclusive communication. What sets her apart is the way her lived experiences—as a Black British woman, former introvert in the corporate world, and performer—inform her advocacy. Having navigated multiple industries where marginalisation and unconscious bias are prevalent, Shola brings a deeply personal and authentic voice to her talks. Her most requested speaking topics include Harnessing the Power of Empathy, Creating a Workplace of Respect and Belonging, Delivering Effective Feedback with Empathy, and Expressing Your Personal Brand at Work as a Woman or Minority.

Shola’s career journey is as diverse as it is impressive. She studied at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Emory University, earning an MA in Natural Sciences, an MS in Neuropharmacology & Analytical Chemistry, and a PGCE. She began her professional life as a Management Consultant at Princeton Consultants, working with high-profile clients such as Prudential Assurance and Goldman Sachs. Her path later led her into digital media as a Web Producer at Razorfish Global, collaborating with brands like Ford. Shola also served as a Scientific Researcher at the US Centers for Disease Control, before making a bold transition to become a successful jazz and Motown singer. This eclectic blend of science, consultancy, tech, and performance underpins her nuanced understanding of communication and visibility, especially for underrepresented groups.

In recent years, Shola has garnered widespread recognition for her work. She won the prestigious Jenny Seagrove Speaking Award in 2016 and was appointed a member of the Royal Society of Arts. She has delivered a TED talk titled Why We Need More Empathy in the Workplace, published two books—How to be a DIVA at Public Speaking and Big Talk, Small Talk—and is a regular contributor to People Management, HR Zone, and Management Today. Her insights have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, and on the BBC.

Shola is hired for her compelling ability to address racial equality through the lens of empathy, communication, and leadership. Whether she is helping teams build inclusive feedback cultures or supporting women and minorities to express their personal brand, her presentations are both practical and inspiring. Her speaking topics not only spotlight the structural barriers that exist in the workplace, but also provide tools for real, actionable change. With an engaging delivery style, data-informed insights, and a passion for championing the underrepresented, Shola is the ideal choice for organisations seeking to foster workplaces rooted in respect, equity, and belonging.