Shola Kaye is an award-winning international speaker, author, and communication specialist who delivers compelling keynotes on empathy, inclusion, and mental wellbeing in the workplace. Known for her dynamic presence and interactive delivery, she uses her lived experience and professional insight to connect with diverse audiences across industries. As a mental health speaker, Shola focuses on the human side of leadership and teamwork, encouraging organisations to build cultures rooted in psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and compassion. Her work supports individuals in managing stress, navigating anxiety, and fostering resilience in high-pressure environments.
Shola’s journey began in science, earning a degree in Natural Sciences at Cambridge, followed by postgraduate research in Neuropharmacology at Emory University. She later worked in the corporate sector in the UK and the US, with global firms such as Goldman Sachs and British Airways. Despite success in these roles, she experienced the mental toll of fast-paced, high-stakes environments—especially as a woman of colour in male-dominated sectors. Shola transitioned into professional singing, touring internationally and learning first-hand the value of self-expression and confidence. These early chapters shaped her unique voice as a speaker who blends scientific insight with artistic empathy.
In recent years, Shola has become a sought-after speaker on mental health and workplace wellbeing, working with clients including Google, Deloitte, American Express, and the United Nations. She has created impactful frameworks such as the Empathy to Equity Blueprint and the E.Q. Accelerator, offering practical tools to reduce burnout and boost employee morale. Her TEDx talk, Why We Need More Empathy in the Workplace, has resonated with thousands, and her book ‘How to Be a D.I.V.A. at Public Speaking’ reached Amazon #1 bestseller status. She has also been featured in Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, and the BBC, cementing her place as a trusted voice on inclusion and wellbeing.
Organisations hire Shola because she delivers more than inspiration—she offers clear, research-informed strategies to support mental health at work. With her background in science, corporate experience, and performance skills, she brings credibility, relatability, and energy to every session. Her talks empower leaders and teams to communicate more openly, manage pressure, and build workplaces where people feel heard, valued, and psychologically safe.
