Kathy Varol
Purpose Strategy Expert, Former Head of Global Purpose Strategy at Adidas
Biography
Kathy built the global purpose strategy for Adidas, a 22-billion dollar company. Now Kathy shares her knowledge with audiences on how to embed a purpose into their company to stand out in a competitive environment, attract the best talent, drive employee engagement, gain enviable consumer loyalty, and fully harness the innovative brainpower of their employees. Kathy is called a “force for change” and a “transformative storyteller.” The global purpose strategy Kathy built for Adidas encompassed everything Adidas does to positively impact people and the planet, including: •A holistic sustainability strategy that further established adidas as a leader in retail sustainability, and inspired an army of loyal brand advocates to join a movement to end plastic waste. •An impactful social equality strategy that provided access to sport for girls around the globe, developed new products, and initiated bold corporate actions to stand against inequality (including equal bonus pay for Women's World Cup winners, and supporting the fight for racial justice in the USA). •A progressive Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) strategy that fostered a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement with internal processes, metrics, and accountability. This Global Purpose strategy created impact. A thorough assessment by S&P in 2021 awarded adidas an ESG score of 85, placing the company among the top 10% rated by S&P Global Ratings. Kathy started her career as a bright-eyed idealist, joining the Peace Corps straight out of college. Along her journey, the idealist combined with her inner strategist, creating a catalyst for good. Now Kathy has 20 years of experience in brand marketing, strategy, and impact, working at established brands like Adidas, MillerCoors, and Microsoft. Kathy is a sought-after speaker, Purpose Strategy Expert, and CSR & ESG consultant who has spoken and led workshops around the globe. She shares her knowledge with audiences on how to embed a purpose into their company in order to transform their culture, their business, and impact the world. Kathy also hosts the “Purpose and Profit” podcast, where she interviews some of the most innovative business leaders using business as a force for good. The “Purpose and Profit” podcast is rated in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally. Kathy is an explorer at heart. She has created as many opportunities as possible to discover the different corners of the world. As a result, she has bartended in Australia, served coffee in the UK, made rugs and taught kickboxing in Morocco, gutted fish in Alaska, created sportswear strategy in Germany, and developed new beers in middle America. Kathy now lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and two dogs. She has an MBA from Georgetown University, and sits on the board of advisors for Masawa (the world's only social impact fund focused solely on mental wellness) and Lucky Envelope Brewing.
Speech Topics
The Sustainability Revolution: A Business Imperative Accelerating Innovation
Sustainability isn’t merely a trend—it's a revolution reshaping industries. No longer a “nice to have,” sustainability has become a key indicator for companies' long-term success. This keynote will elevate your understanding of sustainability, explain its significance for your business's success, highlight the forces accelerating sustainability across industries, and share how sustainability isn't just about saving the planet; it's about saving and making money. During this keynote, Kathy will share three accelerating areas of sustainable innovation that can create value, enhance your reputation, reduce risk, and boost your financial performance. Kathy will bring these three areas of innovation to life with real-world examples of companies across industries that are setting the gold standard for sustainability. If you're ready to lead rather than follow in the evolving business landscape, this keynote provides the roadmap to a future where profitability and sustainability go hand in hand. You will learn: • Why sustainability is an emerging force determining market dominance • How forward-thinking companies are turning eco-conscious initiatives into lucrative opportunities • How sustainability is being used as a catalyst for innovation • Insight into circular economies (what it means and why it’s important) • The benefit of integrating sustainability into business strategy This keynote is perfect for leaders and companies who: • Seek to harness the transformative power of sustainability for both innovation and growth • Understand sustainability isn't just a choice; it's a necessity • Want to stay relevant and competitive for the next 20 years • Are excited to create a future that’s better for the next generation
Unlock Exponential Results by Nurturing Purpose, People and Culture
Data clearly shows that businesses that nurture their purpose, people, and culture unlock exponential results: engaged employees, loyal consumers, increased innovation, and accelerated growth. In this keynote, through captivating business stories, Kathy will share why shifting the focus from your output (revenue) to your inputs (purpose, people, and culture) will drive better results. Kathy will also share concrete strategies you use right away to nurture each of these business inputs. You will learn: The toxic beliefs that have infected workplace cultures (and how to shift them) How the world’s most loved companies use purpose to cultivate enviable consumer loyalty (and how you can too) The secret sauce to creating a world-class culture How to enable your employees to truly shine (and innovate!) The one force more powerful to your profitability than any business model This Keynote Is Perfect For Leaders And Companies: Competing in an increasingly crowded market and struggling to stand out Experiencing high turnover, and/or high employee disengagement Struggling to foster collaboration across company silos and departments Running into groupthink and “yes men” cultural conformity
Lead The Future Of Your Industry By Mastering ESG
At its core, ESG (environmental, social, governance) is about fixing what’s broken in business, fueling efficiency, equality, and integrity. And guess what? It’s a goldmine for resilience and profitability. An effective ESG strategy future-proofs the business strategy. From 2011 to 2018, the proportion of S&P 500 companies reporting on their sustainability efforts, corporate social responsibility activities, and ESG performance increased from just under 20% to 86%. ESG has become an expected way of operating, and you don't want to get left behind. Kathy helps businesses create an effective ESG strategy that moves beyond a feel-good exercise and drives real change across the metrics that matter to their business. In this keynote, through captivating stories and real-world business examples, Kathy will reveal a step-by-step process that will help your company set the ESG gold standard for your industry. You Will learn: Kathy’s 4-step process that will take your company from zero to an ESG strategy that leads the future of your industry Why an effective ESG strategy can help your company become a trusted leader in your industry How to determine which ESG topics (and metrics) are the right ones for your business How to establish a symbiotic relationship between your ESG strategy and a business-integrated purpose The secret to achieving seemingly impossible ESG moonshots This Keynote Is Perfect For Leaders And Companies: Just starting their ESG journey Who feel overwhelmed by the vast catch-all ESG can stand for Need help identifying and focusing on the ESG topics that matter to their company Who want to be a leader and set the gold-standard in their industry
Drive Profit With Purpose. Become Remarkable. Accelerate Growth.
How do you stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace? How do you attract top talent? How do you increase profitability? You do something remarkable. Purpose makes brands remarkable. As consumers, we're putting our dollars toward companies with aligned values. 85% of millennials in the United States would switch brands for a good cause, and 50% of growth in consumer goods went to sustainability-marketed products between 2013 and 2018. As employees, we’re looking for meaning in our careers, and the best talent is choosing to work for organizations that feed their hearts as well as their bank accounts. 92% of millennials believe that working for an environmentally and socially responsible company is important. In the modern world, companies without a purpose beyond profit will be left behind. You can either be a pioneering force for good in your industry, or the disrupted. Kathy built the global purpose strategy for adidas, a 22 billion dollar company, encompassing everything adidas does to positively impact people and planet. Through trial and error, Kathy has learned what works, and what doesn't. Through her work, a model emerged. A way to successfully use purpose to drive profit. In the Drive Profit with Purpose keynote, Kathy will reveal her 4-step Brand Purpose Model to engage your organization, inspire innovation, and win the hearts of your consumers. You Will Learn: -7 common mistakes in creating a purpose-led organization -Why a corporate social responsibility department won't get you the impact - or the credit - you want -How to get the best talent knocking on your door and have the most engaged employees -Why doing good is the magic bullet to get the most powerful form of advertising (for free!) This Keynote Is Perfect For Leaders And Companies: -Competing in a crowded market -Creating differentiation through marketing, ingredients, and/or process -Struggling with a talent shortage, high turnover, and/or high employee disengagement -Looking to accelerate growth and increase ROI (in a sustainable way) -Ready to unlock the innovative brain power of their employees
Videos
Testimonials
"“Kathy's passion and strategic approach to Purpose connect the aspirational to the practical. She is engaging, energetic and makes you want to take action.”"
"“We came out more clear, unified, and specific about what steps we wanted to take to evolve our strategy. The benefits of clarity and simplicity cannot be emphasized enough.”"
""I've been to a lot of these conferences over the years and Kathy Varol was by far my favorite speaker.""
""Kathy provided a refreshingly unique, smart, and compelling perspective on modern-day brand purpose. She is very engaging, knowledgeable, and inspirational. Kathy charmed the audience.""
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Kathy Varol's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Kathy Varol's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Kathy Varol's speaking fee?
The typical range for Kathy Varol's speaking fee is $10,000–$20,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Kathy Varol to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Kathy Varol for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Kathy Varol's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Kathy Varol through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Kathy Varol
Erin Brockovich
• Iconic environmental activist and consumer advocate • Real-life inspiration for Oscar-Winning film Erin Brockovich • New York Times Bestselling Author • President, Brockovich Research & Consulting
Fee Range: $25,000–$32,000
Travels From: CA
Scott Harrison
Scott Harrison is the founder and current CEO of the non-profit charity: water. Harrison is the author of Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World.
Fee Range: $20,000–$50,000
Travels From: NY
Lauren Bush Lauren
A powerful female business speaker with philanthropic achievements, Lauren Bush Lauren is the CEO, Creative Director, and Co-Founder of FEED Projects, a charitable company with the mission “create good products that help FEED the world.” At the podium, Lauren is an inspiring business speaker about philanthropy, hunger, and global issues. Bush Lauren is the granddaughter of former President George H.W. Bush, and is married to David Lauren, son of fashion designer Ralph Lauren, who serves as the president of the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation.
Fee Range: $15,000–$25,000
Travels From: NY
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