Founder & Co-CEO of Decoded
Kathryn Parson’s Biography:
Kathryn Parsons MBE is a British tech entrepreneur, co-founder and co-CEO of Decoded, and an in-demand keynote speaker specialising in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and future skills. Kathryn is widely recognised for helping global organisations understand and adopt emerging technologies, having educated leaders across the Fortune 500. One of her most notable achievements is successfully campaigning to introduce coding into the UK national curriculum, positioning the UK as a global leader in digital education.
Kathryn grew up in Highgate and attended Channing School before studying Classical Studies at the University of Cambridge. A linguist by training, she mastered multiple languages including Japanese, Mandarin, Latin and Ancient Greek, shaping her belief that programming is simply another language that can be learned by anyone. This perspective became the foundation of her entrepreneurial journey. In 2011, Kathryn co-founded Decoded, launching with the innovative ‘code in a day’ course, designed to break down barriers to technology and make digital skills accessible to complete beginners. This early idea quickly evolved into a global business delivering large-scale digital and data education programmes.
Throughout her career, Kathryn has operated at the intersection of business, government and technology. She has held influential advisory roles including serving on the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy board, and acting as an advisor to Number Ten Downing Street, HM Treasury and the Mayor of London. She also sits on the board of the Rose Review into Female Entrepreneurship, tackling the lack of funding for women-led businesses. In 2025, Kathryn brought together global founders, investors and policymakers at 11 Downing Street to help shape strategies for unlocking investment into UK AI enterprises. Alongside this, she is Co-Chair of GBx Global, a powerful network of British founders and investors that has generated over $10 billion in investment. Her impact has been widely recognised, earning her honours such as an MBE for Services to Education, Veuve Clicquot New Generation Business Woman of the Year, and induction into the Computer Weekly Hall of Fame.
Why Hire Kathryn Parson?
As a keynote speaker, Kathryn is known for her ability to make complex technological change feel clear, practical and relevant. Her keynote ‘Permission to Learn’ has been delivered to audiences worldwide, encouraging leaders to embrace continuous learning in an age of rapid AI advancement. Kathryn speaks on artificial intelligence, leadership, digital transformation and the future of work, helping organisations build confidence and capability in a fast-changing landscape. Her insights are grounded in real-world experience working with global businesses and policymakers, making her an essential voice for organisations that want to stay competitive, adapt quickly and unlock the full potential of technology.
Kathryn Parson’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Kathryn Parson’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Convened global AI founders, investors and policymakers at 11 Downing Street to shape UK growth strategy
- 2025 – Co-Chair of GBx Global supporting a network driving over $10 billion in investment
- 2024 – Led global research into AI deployment strategies across major organisations
- 2017-2021 – Non-Executive Director, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
- 2016 – Awarded MBE for Services to Education
- 2014 – Successfully campaigned for coding to be added to the UK national curriculum
- 2013 – Veuve Clicquot New Generation Business Woman of the Year
- 2011 – Co-founded Decoded, global tech education company
Videos
Kathryn Parson’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“You have inspired our community, and have helped make the festival an unforgettable experience”- Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival
“Kathryn was great. She was a pleasure to work with and everyone thought she was fantastic”- Leading global software company
“Parsons is considered internationally as one of the most influential people in technology today”- Vogue Magazine
“A woman on a mission to teach us all to code”- Evening Standard
Speaking Topics
Kathryn Parson’s Official Keynote Topics:
- AI Policy, Ethics and Economic Impact
- Artificial Intelligence and The Future of Work
- Building Data-Driven Organisations
- Digital Transformation and Leadership
- Innovation and Business Strategy
- Lifelong Learning and Future Skills
- Women In Technology and Entrepreneurship
How Much Does Kathryn Parson Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Kathryn Parson?
Kathryn Parsons commands a premium speaking fee reflective of her global expertise, senior advisory roles and high-level audience experience. Fees typically vary depending on location, event scale and format, with international engagements and bespoke sessions priced accordingly.