Meet Dr. Kate Barker, a luminary in the global arena of consulting, with an unparalleled expertise in shaping the future of work. Her extensive career spans over thirty years, during which she has been instrumental in advancing Fortune 500 companies and governments worldwide. Dr. Barker’s profound insights into the intersection of people and technology have earned her numerous accolades, including being recognized as one of the Global Top 50 Women Leaders in 2022, a Top 10 Voice on the Future of Work in 2021, and a Global Top Executive Coach in 2022.

Her influence extends far beyond mere recognition; Dr. Barker’s strategic partnerships and advisory roles have left an indelible mark on the industry. As the Chief HR Futurist for NEOM, the groundbreaking $500 billion Futurist-City in Saudi Arabia, she played a pivotal role in shaping its human-centric organizational culture. Additionally, her tenure as a Senior Strategic HR Advisor to prominent figures such as His Highness & Deputy Prime Minister in the UAE underscores her ability to drive change at the highest levels.

Notably, Dr. Barker’s impact reverberates across continents, as evidenced by her role as a Global People Consulting Partner at esteemed firms like PwC in Asia and Ernst & Young in the USA. Through her visionary leadership, she continues to spearhead innovative strategies in leadership development, change management, and digital workforce transformation, setting the stage for a future where organizations thrive amidst technological disruption.

Trailblazing Leadership

Dr. Barker stands as a beacon of leadership and innovation, having left a significant imprint on the corporate world with her work. With an impressive portfolio of clients including Microsoft, Virgin, Deloitte, and Google, she has demonstrated her prowess as an executive coach to thousands of C-Suite executives worldwide.

Her influence extends beyond individual coaching sessions, as she serves as a senior external advisor to prestigious firms like BCG, EY, and McKinsey & Company. Additionally, Dr. Barker shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise as a faculty member for esteemed institutions such as HULT & DUKE Corporate Education, NYU, and EMERITUS, collaborating with top universities like MIT, Columbia, WHARTON, Northwestern Kellogg, and the University of Cambridge to democratize world-class education.

Not content with her achievements thus far, Dr. Barker continues to pursue academic excellence, embarking on a PhD journey focused on Women in Leadership roles and the Future of Work at UCL. Her passion for advancing gender equality and creating inclusive cultures is evident in her prolific publications and keynote speeches, where she delves into topics like technology disruption, talent strategies, and workforce transformations.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Barker’s adventurous spirit shines through as an eight-time marathoner. Despite her confessed lack of culinary, dance, and singing prowess, her dedication to pushing boundaries and achieving excellence is undeniable.

Dr. Barker’s global recognition serves as a testament to the impact of her work, which is deeply rooted in her purpose of creating a better working world for all. Through her leadership development initiatives and advocacy for technological advancement, she strives to open doors for women and marginalized communities, ultimately enriching lives and shaping a more inclusive future.

Right before the pandemic Dr. Barker was invited to speak at DAVOS, Switzerland on Leadership in the Digital Era and share insights on the Future of Leadership in the Digital Age: Reimagining What It Takes to Lead.” This global executive study and research report’s objective was to explore how the changing nature of competition, work, and society is influencing the future of leadership. Kate shares, the findings were as sobering as they are inspiring. They serve as an invitation to Leaders to reimagine leadership for the new economy. Today’s trailblazing leaders increasingly recognize that in order to credibly transform their organizations, they must credibly transform themselves and their teams.

Global Leadership Vision

Dr. Barker’s journey in management consulting began in Australia, where she discovered her passion for leading teams and solving complex challenges for clients. It was her ability to inspire and empower her team members while combining her people skills with empathy, technology, and leadership that set her apart. This realization led her to join EY in New York City, where she led a team of 1000 consultants on groundbreaking projects impacting hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide.

One of the pivotal experiences in Dr. Barker’s career occurred when she transitioned to Saudi Arabia, serving as a Futurist for a transformative project aimed at shaping the future of work in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Her collaboration with government leaders and global research culminated in the design of innovative strategies for the workplace of 2030, setting a new standard for employee experiences, AI integration, and leadership development.

Now based in Dubai, Dr. Barker advises the UAE Federal Government and consults with organizations worldwide on the future of work, keynote speaking, and executive coaching for top-tier CEOs. Her expertise lies in preparing boards for governance on emerging socio-political, economic, and environmental risks, equipping leaders with digital-era leadership skills, and transforming workplaces to foster innovation and growth.

Dr. Barker’s vision for the future of work revolves around harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and embracing the shift towards a talent marketplace. She advocates for creating meaningful roles, fostering greater equality, and cultivating purpose-driven organizational cultures to ensure that everyone can thrive in the digital era.

With a wealth of experience spanning five continents, 25 countries, and over 50 cities, Dr. Barker brings a unique global perspective to her work. Her diverse network and rich tapestry of experiences serve as a testament to her adventurous spirit and unwavering commitment to shaping a better future for individuals and organizations alike.

Embrace Growth, Seek Support

Dr. Barker’s mentorship philosophy centers on encouraging women to embrace opportunities that may initially evoke feelings of nervousness or discomfort. She believes that growth occurs when individuals step outside their comfort zones and challenge themselves to pursue new experiences and opportunities. By becoming comfortable with the discomfort of growth, individuals can cultivate resilience and continuously expand their skills and capabilities.

Central to Dr. Barker’s approach is the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive network of mentors, coaches, and peers who can provide guidance, wisdom, and encouragement along the journey. She emphasizes the value of seeking out trusted advisors who can offer perspective and insight, as well as serving as a sounding board for ideas and challenges.

Above all, Dr. Barker advises women to trust themselves, remain curious, and work diligently to achieve their goals. She recognizes that the greatest challenges facing society today require collective effort and collaboration. By leveraging the strengths and contributions of individuals within a diverse and inclusive network, meaningful progress can be made towards advancing the world.

Dr. Barker’s message underscores the unique value that each individual brings to the table and the importance of recognizing and embracing one’s own worth and potential. By empowering women to embrace opportunities, seek guidance, and contribute to collective efforts, Dr. Barker fosters a culture of empowerment, growth, and collaboration that transcends boundaries and drives positive change in the world.

Empowering Women Through Mentorship

Dr. Barker’s commitment to serving as a role model for other women is evident in her dedication to pro-bono mentoring. Over the past decade, she has generously offered guidance and support to 14 women each year, spanning continents and age groups. Driven by a belief that this stage of a woman’s career is pivotal, she strives to provide invaluable mentorship during a time when critical decisions are made and challenges are faced.

Reflecting on her own career journey, Dr. Barker recognizes the importance of mentorship and guidance in shaping her path and developing her leadership style. She understands firsthand the value of having someone to turn to for advice and support during key career transitions and challenges.

For Dr. Barker, true leadership means not only achieving success individually but also lifting others up along the way. By offering mentorship and support to women at various stages of their careers, she embodies the spirit of Maya Angelou’s words: “I came as one, but stand as 10,000.” Dr. Barker recognizes that her influence extends beyond herself and acknowledges the responsibility to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential.

Through her actions, Dr. Barker exemplifies the importance of throwing down the ladder and actively supporting women as they navigate their professional journeys. By sharing her experiences, offering guidance, and embodying the principles of leadership, she creates a ripple effect of empowerment and inspiration that extends far beyond individual interactions.

Courageous Leadership Journey

Dr. Barker’s adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace challenges have been defining traits throughout her life and career. Whether relocating to new countries or working with global teams, she approaches each new experience with a sense of curiosity and determination to learn and adapt.

One of her most significant challenges occurred when she moved to Saudi Arabia in 2018. As the only single Caucasian woman with distinctive features, Kate stood out and faced constant scrutiny. Despite the initial attention, she quickly recognized the importance of understanding and respecting the local culture while navigating the complexities of effecting change in a sensitive and rapidly evolving environment.

In her pursuit of authentic leadership, Dr. Barker emphasizes the value of creating meaningful connections, recognizing her strengths and limitations, and surrounding herself with talented individuals. Drawing on her background in organizational psychology, she has honed her skills in active listening and studying human behavior, allowing her to provide insightful analyses and drive impactful change.

Dr. Barker’s commitment to her well-being is another testament to her resilience and determination. Despite facing a life-threatening health crisis in 2018, she remained steadfast in her dedication to maintaining her health through daily workouts and clean eating. When confronted with a medical emergency that required urgent surgery, she courageously navigated the challenges posed by local laws and logistics to ensure her well-being.

Through her experiences, Dr. Barker exemplifies the importance of adaptability, resilience, and self-awareness in overcoming challenges and making a positive impact both personally and professionally. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of courage, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.