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.

Currently the U.S. special correspondent for BBC Studios – Katty hosts TV documentaries, presents her own podcast series and writes a weekly news column for BBC News. Her first TV documentary, Trump: The Comeback? (2022), takes a closer look at the fate of American democracy and provides insight on what may come in the 2024 presidential election. Katty is also a regular contributor on MSNBC’s Morning Joe as well as serves as a guest-host for the program on occasion. 

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 on women and power 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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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?

The Power Code

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.

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

Testimonials

Katty is killing this presentation! She is so natural and easy going, yet professional. Really enjoyed her. Thank you for another great pick!
– Kestra Financial (Virtual Event)
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 (Virtual Event)
It was our pleasure to have you appear before our attendees last week in Miami on the occasion of our annual meeting of the American Cotton Shippers Association. 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.
– President/CEO, ACSA
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!
– Education Consultant, Florida Public Pension Trustees Association
On behalf of the entireEllucian team, thank you for giving up valuable family time last week to join the female leaders. Your message on “The Confidence Code” was profoundly on target and inspirational to all of us!
– CEO, Ellucian
We are still getting high praise from our members (and staff) on Katty Kay’s presentation. She definitely was one of the highlights of the conference and I have let my colleagues know that they should definitely consider her as a speaker for any future events.
– Communications Manager, Government Affairs, National Association of REALTORS®

Booksby Katty Kay

Womenomics

Living the Confidence Code

The Confidence Code for Girls

The Confidence Code

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Reviews & Ratings

Waldo Waldman
Waldo Waldman
May 19, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’ve been Speaking professionally for 21 years and work with the largest agencies in the world. I’m a Hall of Fame keynote speaker and a New York Times best selling Author. I have can honestly say in full confidence that Seth Dechtman and his team at Keynote Curator is the best agency I have been honored to work with. I’ve witnessed Seth’s client focused relationship skills On multiple occasions. His clients love him and he’s detail oriented and has great communication skillls. But most importantly, I’ve been on the receiving side of his servant, focused leadership style. He treats me like a valued partner and emulates everything a wingman is.
David Allison
David Allison
May 17, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Seth and the Keynote Curators team are tenacious and determined to do right by their clients and their speakers. I appreciate our relationship so much, and highly reccomend this group to anyone looking to book a speaker for an event.
Meir Statman
Meir Statman
May 10, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
It is wonderful to join Seth in helping people reflect on their financial and life well-being and enhance them.
Trevor Wilde
Trevor Wilde
April 24, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This was an amazing experience. the Keynote Speaker we had was perfect for our event and will definitely be having another for our next one!
Sandro Forte
Sandro Forte
March 22, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Brilliantly hosted, with great content. An absolute ‘must add’ to any podcast list!
Jon VanDeventer
Jon VanDeventer
November 18, 2023
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I've been working with Seth at The Keynote Curators for over 3 years. I always look forward to our meetings because of both his professional expertise and his enjoyable, engaging personality. We have fun during our virtual meetings while developing innovative strategies and accomplishing goals. It's obvious from working with Seth over a number of years that he is always making event planning and booking services an easy process and providing responsiveness that sets him apart. He's an excellent partner who gets invested in your business and collaborates through every step of a process that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Jason Galaska
Jason Galaska
November 7, 2023
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Seth and his team were fantastic to work with in 2023 and we look forward to working with Keynote Curators to find potential speaker matches for our events in the future. Thank you, Seth, for your professionalism!
Hailey Wilson
Hailey Wilson
October 23, 2023
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A Treasure Trove for Anyone Involved in Speaker Selection! As someone deeply involved in the intersection of marketing and technology at AImpact, I find the process of selecting the right keynote speaker to be a critical part of any successful event. Seth Dechtman's "The Keynote Curators" podcast is nothing short of a godsend for anyone facing the challenges and opportunities that come with this task. Seth brings an almost poetic understanding to the power of words, acknowledging that a speech isn't just a scheduled event but a transformative experience that can change the dynamics of an entire room. His enthusiasm for the craft is contagious, making each episode a joy to listen to.
Nicole
Nicole
September 14, 2023
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Seth is super knowledgeable about the needs of meeting planners to have a successful event and partners with you to find just that right fit!
Duncan Sigurdsson
Duncan Sigurdsson
August 28, 2023
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Working with Seth Dechtman and The Keynote Curators is always true partnership. In the three plus years that we have been involved in various projects, I can tell you that they always deliver. We have done some really cool stuff together. Any meeting professional, conference planner or event producer will greatly benefit from partnering with The Keynote Curators. High praise to Seth and his team.

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Blog Posts

 

Stop Stressing! Find Your Perfect Stress Management Style

✨ Eliz Greene addresses the complexities of stress management, highlighting the importance of recognizing and...

Read More

Why Do People Get Harley-Davidson Tattoos? Building Unwavering Brand Loyalty

🏍️ In a world where brand loyalty can seem fleeting, Ken Schmidt, former Director of...

Read More

Achieving 3 Daily Wins: Leadership Lessons with Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman

🎧 Tune in my conversation with Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman to become the person that...

Read More

Train Like You Fight: How To Take Pride in Your Preparation

How to handle unexpected challenges during high-stakes situations? Mistakes can be costly, but meticulous preparation...

Read More

Honoring Memorial Day and Inspirational Veteran Speakers

🎖️ In this week's newsletter, we honor those who sacrificed and those who continue to...

Read More

MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC) in Louisville, KY

🤩 The Keynote Curators was thrilled to participate in Meeting Professionals International World Education Congress...

Read More