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Speaker & purpose-led brand strategist

Kathy Varol

Drive profit, attract top talent, and create enviable consumer loyalty with Kathy Varol, speaker, purpose-led branding expert, and innovation strategist.

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Kathy Varol, Speaker | Purpose-Led Branding Expert
Kathy Varol

Kathy Varol

Portland, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Kathy

Portland, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Kathy Varol's biography

At a glance

  • Developed The Brand Purpose Model for integrating purpose in business strategy
  • Formulated global purpose strategy for Adidas, boosting its success and ESG score
  • Hosts Purpose and Profit podcast, interviewing leaders on purpose-driven innovation
Kathy Varol, an expert in purpose-led branding, has developed a proven 4-step process known as The Brand Purpose Model. This approach helps businesses integrate purpose into their strategy, enabling them to disrupt their industry, increase profits, attract top talent, and build strong consumer loyalty. Kathy's notable experience includes formulating the global purpose strategy for Adidas, significantly impacting the company's success. Now, Kathy shares her insights through keynotes, workshops, and consulting services, assisting companies in standing out in competitive markets, enhancing employee engagement, and leveraging employee innovation. Her expertise also covers sustainability, social equality, diversity, and inclusion, contributing to Adidas' high ESG score. Additionally, Kathy hosts the "Purpose and Profit" podcast, interviewing business leaders who innovate at the intersection of purpose and profit. Her keynotes address crucial topics like leveraging purpose for profit, ESG mastery, and nurturing purpose, as well as people and culture. Kathy also emphasizes the power of diversity as a business superpower. Her presentations are known for being engaging, inspiring, and practical, offering strategies that attendees can apply immediately. Kathy's compelling storytelling and strategic insights have earned recognition from various organisations. Booking Kathy means empowering your team with the tools to innovate at the intersection of purpose and profit, directly from a recognized expert in the field.

Topics, sessions and talks

The Sustainability Revolution: A Business Imperative Accelerating Innovation
Sustainability isn’t merely a trend—it’s a revolution reshaping industries. — 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)
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? — 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!)
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. — 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!)
Lead The Future Of Your Industry By Mastering ESG
Using examples from history and from his own experiences in politics and public service, Mr. Baker offers unique insights into what it takes to be an effective leader.

Why we recommend booking Kathy

Kathy brings a wealth of experience in purpose-led branding, having crafted the global purpose strategy for Adidas, to your team, offering actionable insights on how to integrate purpose into your business strategy for industry disruption and increased profits.

Check Kathy's availability

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Featured Projects

Purpose And Profit Podcast With Kathy Varol

frequently asked questions

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What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

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Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

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Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.