– Breaking Barriers in Business and on the Court

July 13, 2023

? At The Keynote Curators, we’re constantly curating fresh and exciting keynote speakers that break barriers with ideas worth sharing. Today’s spotlight is on Cathy Engelbert, Commissioner of WNBA, and former CEO of Deloitte.

? In July 2019, Cathy Engelbert broke barriers and made history at the age of 56. Named the first-ever Commissioner of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) – America’s oldest professional women’s sports league – she was tasked with increasing visibility for the sport of women’s basketball, empowering the WNBA players, and enhancing fan engagement.

“The biggest barrier for women is the thought that they can’t have it all.” – Cathy Engelbert

? The appointment followed a nearly 30-year career at Deloitte, where she retired as the first female CEO of one of the Big Four accounting firms. Cathy has said her “anything but linear” career path illustrates how people can evolve their careers after 50. “The opportunities come about because you can bring a significant amount of perspective, experience, and wisdom,” she noted. “A career does not have to be a straight line forward or a relentless advance in one direction. In fact, pursuing a non-linear career will often allow you to find more leadership opportunities, develop new strengths and reimagine yourself.”

⛹️‍♀️ In her role as WNBA Commissioner, Cathy has executed a historic player-first Collective Bargaining Agreement, built and socialized a new economic framework to drive league revenue and owner success, and led the league’s twelve franchises through the COVID-19 pandemic and a successful 2020 season.

? Nominated one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women for consecutive years, Cathy was also ranked on Glassdoor’s annual Employees’ Choice Awards honoring the 100 Highest-Rated CEOs and among Crain’s 50 Most Powerful Women in New York. As a keynote, she shares how the monumental civil rights law Title IX has shaped her career and how women can continue to be leaders and changemakers in our society.

? Learn how this beacon of female empowerment can educate, inspire, and connect your audience on important industry topics like leadership, empowering women in the workplace, DE&I initiatives, and more. Check out Cathy’s profile, or DM me for her fees and availability.