Biography

Book Kathy Klotz-Guest through The Keynote Curators. 

Kathy Klotz-Guest is a powerhouse speaker, author, and former Silicon Valley tech executive with a mission to create braver, healthier workplaces. Drawing on over two decades of leading high-performing teams in product, marketing, and communications, as well as her background in stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy—including performances at the iconic Second City—Kathy has developed a groundbreaking approach to leadership and culture. Her philosophy, called Brave Fuel℠, is built on the idea that humor, trust, and connection are the catalysts for courage, creativity, and innovation.

While leading teams by day and performing comedy by night, Kathy noticed a striking pattern: workplaces that prioritize trust and connection consistently outperform those that don’t. Through humor and playfulness, she discovered how to create environments where bold ideas flourish, collaboration thrives, and fear is replaced by courage. Her unique leadership mindset draws from the principles of improv, such as “I got your back” and “Yes, and”, fostering psychological safety that empowers teams to think boldly and adapt in uncertain times.

Kathy’s impact extends far beyond the workplace. She founded Keeping it Human℠ in 2010, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations communicate and innovate more effectively. Her Amazon top-10 book, Stop Boring Me!, has been celebrated as a “must-read” for leaders, and her insights on humor and leadership have been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, and Inc. She also teaches two highly acclaimed LinkedIn Learning courses: Leading with Improv and Humor: A Leader’s Guide to Building Team Trust, equipping leaders with tools to build resilient, connected teams.

Contact us for Kathy Klotz-Guest’s fees and availability. 

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Videos

Kathy Klotz-Guest is a Dynamic Keynote Speaker on Bold Leadership, Teams and Innovation

2023 NSA Speaker Showcase Kathy Klotz-Guest: Humor is the Future of Empathy and Well-Being at Work

Featured SXSW 2019 Speaker Kathy Klotz-Guest: Digital Transformation and an Innovation Mindset

The 2021 Women's Center Conference Keynote - Testimonial for Kathy Klotz-Guest

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Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Laughter is the Power Code to Trust

This speaker tailors this topic for each event. Please let us know if you'd like us to source a topic description.

Building Bolder, Resilient Leaders

This speaker tailors this topic for each event. Please let us know if you'd like us to source a topic description.

The Ultimate Algorithm for Innovation

This speaker tailors this topic for each event. Please let us know if you'd like us to source a topic description.

Testimonials

Thank you for your keynote at the Women Center’s Leadership Conference. I - and so many others - were inspired by your story. You were insightful and funny – a winning combination. Thank you for sharing yourself with us!
– Rachna K., Women’s Center
As the closing keynote at AMA Cincinnati's Ignite CX Conference - A highlight! - Kathy delivered the perfect balance of humor and thought-provoking content in a highly engaging, energetic, and relevant presentation. She is exceptional...
– Gina B., American Marketing Association Ignite Conference
Thank you, Kathy, for keynoting The 2021 Women’s Center’s Leadership Conference: Learn, Pivot, Grow! We were so inspired by your story. You were insightful and funny…which is a winning combination. Thank you for sharing yourself with us!”
– Rachna Krishma, Women’s Center Conference Board
Kathy had us laughing and made is safe to make the behavior changes. She’s hilarious and cares about people’s ability to grow and learn. People still talk about her talk and ‘YES AND’ as a mindset for life.
– Sandy Carter, AWS Leader
Kathy served as closing keynote at AMA Cincinnati 2018 IGNITE CX Conference. She delivered the perfect balance of humor and thought-provoking content in a highly engaging, energetic, relevant presentation. She is exceptional, and attendees are still talking about, quoting, and applying Kathy’s “yes-and” and story concepts in practice!
– Past AMA President, Gina Bonar

Booksby Kathy Klotz-Guest

Stop Boring Me!: How to Create Kick-Ass Marketing Content, Products and Ideas Through the Power of Improv

The Marketing Executive's Bedtime Guide to Better Content and Storytelling with Humor

The Marketing Executive's Bedtime Guide to Better Presentations with Humor: Don't Present; Connect!

Blog Posts

Why Top Event Planners Choose Authenticity Over Polish, with Anthony Scaramucci

Authenticity drives audience trust and engagement. Learn how keynote speakers use real talk to transform events with insights from our guest Anthony Scaramucci.

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Best Leadership Speakers for Logistics & Supply Chain Conferences (2026)

Planning a logistics or supply chain leadership summit? This definitive guide to the Best Leadership Speakers for Logistics & Supply Chain Conferences covers selection criteria, vetted speaker ideas, comparison snapshots, sample agendas, buying tips, FAQs, and quick links to relevant resources on The Keynote Curators (TKC).

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Best Leadership Speakers for Insurance Conferences (2025)

Planning an insurance conference or leadership summit? This definitive guide to the Best Leadership Speakers for Insurance Conferences shows what works now—selection criteria, vetted speaker ideas, comparison snapshots, sample agendas, buying tips, FAQs, and quick links to relevant resources on The Keynote Curators (TKC).

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The Last 8%: Why High-Performing Teams Say What Others Won’t (And How to Build Yours)

High-performing teams share the hardest 8% of conversations. Learn how connection and courage drive team success for event professionals.

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How to Turn Adversity Into Stepping Stones for Success with Magie Cook

Keynote speaker Magie Cook shares how shifting your mindset transforms adversity into power and turns setbacks into stepping stones for success.

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Best Leadership Speakers for Financial Services Conferences (2026 Guide)

Planning a bank, fintech, insurance, or wealth management event? This definitive guide to the Best Leadership Speakers for Financial Services Conferences shows you what works now: selection criteria, vetted speaker ideas, comparison snapshots, sample agendas, buying tips, FAQs, and direct links to relevant resources on The Keynote Curators (TKC).

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