Dr Kate Atkin

Dr Kate Atkin is a highly respected keynote speaker specialising in confidence, resilience and impostor syndrome. With a career spanning more than two decades, Kate has built a reputation for helping individuals and organisations unlock their potential and perform at their best. Drawing on extensive research and practical experience, she delivers evidence-based insights that empower audiences to overcome self-doubt, develop courage and thrive under pressure. Her expertise has benefited thousands of professionals across a wide range of sectors, including major organisations such as the Bank of England and the NHS, making her one of the leading voices on confidence and workplace performance.

Kate’s professional journey began in corporate training, serving as a Training Manager at Barclays Bank in 1997. Her passion for personal development and human performance led her to establish a successful career as a trainer, coach and professional speaker. She further strengthened her expertise through an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and accreditation as a Strengths Profiler practitioner. Committed to advancing understanding in her field, Kate completed a PhD at Anglia Ruskin University in 2024, focusing her research on the impostor phenomenon and courage.

An accomplished author, Kate has written several influential books, including ‘The Confidence Factor’ (2006),The Confident Manager’ (2008), ‘The Business of Professional Speaking’ (2013) and her latest publication, ‘The Imposter Phenomenon‘. Her work combines academic rigour with practical application, providing readers with actionable strategies to improve confidence, communication and leadership effectiveness.

Alongside her publishing success, Kate has earned numerous professional accolades. A former Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association, she was crowned UK & Ireland Speech Evaluation Contest Champion in 2005 and is also a former World Debating Champion. Her combination of academic achievement, speaking excellence and real-world experience enables her to deliver engaging, thought-provoking presentations that inspire lasting change.

Dr Kate Atkin brings a unique blend of academic expertise, practical business experience and world-class communication skills to every event. Her keynote presentations provide audiences with evidence-based strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome, building resilience and developing confidence in challenging environments. Having worked with leading organisations across the public and private sectors, she understands the realities faced by modern professionals. Kate is renowned for delivering engaging, insightful and highly actionable sessions that leave audiences with the tools and motivation to perform with greater confidence, courage and self-belief long after the event has ended.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Dr Kate Atkin’s remarkable career:

  • 2024 – Completed a PhD at Anglia Ruskin University, researching the impostor phenomenon and courage.
  • 2020 – Invited to speak at the prestigious House of PMO Conference.
  • 2015 – Published ‘The Presentation Workout’, offering practical techniques for impactful presentations.
  • 2013 – Authored ‘The Business of Professional Speaking’, sharing expertise on building a successful speaking career.
  • 2008 – Published ‘The Confident Manager’, helping leaders develop confidence and management effectiveness.
  • 2006 – Released ‘The Networking Factor’, providing guidance on building professional relationships.
  • 2006 – Published ‘The Confidence Factor’, exploring practical methods for developing self-confidence.
  • 2005 – Won the UK & Ireland Speech Evaluation Contest Championship.
  • 2001 – Became a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association in recognition of her contribution to the profession.
  • 1997 – Served as Training Manager at Barclays Bank, developing learning and development programmes for employees.