Celeset Headlee

Leading Journalist & Radio Host, President of Headway DEI Training, Guest Host on NPR & Bestselling Author of ‘We Need to Talk’

Celeset Headlee’s Biography:

Celeste Headlee is a journalist, broadcaster, bestselling author and communication expert known for her work on conversation, listening and workplace culture. With a career spanning public radio, television and international speaking, she has become a leading voice on dialogue and human connection in an increasingly polarised world. Her work combines journalism, storytelling and research to help individuals and organisations communicate more effectively.

Celeste began her professional journey in broadcasting after an early career as a classically trained soprano with the Michigan Opera Theatre. She transitioned into journalism in the late 1990s, working as a host and reporter before joining NPR and public radio networks in increasingly senior roles. Her work at WDET Detroit Public Radio and NPR’s Next Generation helped establish her reputation as a thoughtful journalist with a talent for engaging audiences in complex conversations.

Through the 2000s and 2010s, Celeste hosted and produced major public radio programmes, including roles with Public Radio International and Georgia Public Broadcasting. She anchored national coverage, including the 2012 presidential election for PBS World, and became a trusted voice across NPR shows as a guest host. Alongside broadcasting, she developed a growing speaking career, delivering talks and workshops for global organisations such as Google, Apple, United Airlines and ESPN.

In recent years, Celeste has expanded her influence through bestselling books including ‘We Need to Talk’, ‘Do Nothing’ and ‘Speaking of Race’, each exploring communication, burnout and social dialogue. She founded Celeste Headlee Media in 2016 and later became President of Headway DEI Training in 2022, supporting organisations in building healthier conversations around inclusion, leadership and culture. She also serves on several advisory and nonprofit boards, continuing her mission to help people listen better and communicate with empathy.

Why Hire Celeset Headlee?

Celeste is hired as a speaker for her rare combination of journalism expertise, storytelling skill and practical communication research. Her first TED Talk ‘10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation‘, viewed over 15 million times, demonstrates her ability to translate complex ideas into clear, actionable tools that improve dialogue and collaboration. Since then, she has given another three leading Ted Talks including  ‘Don’t Find a Job, Find a Mission’, ‘Help Make America Talk Again’, and ‘8 Ways to Prevent Burnout‘. She helps organisations tackle communication breakdown, burnout and polarisation through simple yet powerful behavioural shifts.

Her experience as a journalist and live broadcaster gives her exceptional stage presence and audience engagement. She delivers insightful, evidence-based keynotes that challenge assumptions while equipping audiences with practical strategies for better listening, inclusion and meaningful conversation.

Celeset Headleer’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Celeset Headlee’s remarkable career:

• 2025 – Continued international keynote speaking and communication training for global organisations
• 2022 – Became President of Headway DEI Training, leading initiatives focused on inclusion, communication and cultural awareness.
• 2021 – Published Speaking of Race, offering practical guidance on discussing race and identity with empathy and clarity.
• 2020 – Published Do Nothing, examining burnout culture and redefining productivity.
• 2018 – Served as a guest host across multiple NPR programmes, expanding her influence as a national broadcaster.
• 2017 – Published We Need to Talk, a bestselling guide to improving conversations and listening skills.
• 2016 – Founded Celeste Headlee Media, supporting speaking, training and communication strategy work.
• 2014 – Worked as a radio host and executive producer, shaping content focused on thoughtful public dialogue.
• 2012 – Anchored presidential coverage for PBS World and expanded her national journalism profile.
• 2009 – Became a host with Public Radio International, co-hosting major national programmes.
• 2005 – Joined NPR as a reporter, including work as Midwest Correspondent for Day to Day.
• 2002 – Performed as a soprano with the Michigan Opera Theatre before transitioning fully into journalism.
• 2001 – Appointed Managing Editor for NPR’s Next Generation and worked as a producer/reporter at WDET.