020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
You have inspired our community, and have helped make the festival an unforgettable experience.
Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival
Kathryn Parsons – Appointed MBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours
Kathryn Parsons is a pioneering entrepreneur and technology education leader, best known as the founder and Co-CEO of Decoded. Determined to make the digital world more accessible, she has educated people in over 85 cities worldwide, empowering individuals and organisations with essential skills in coding, data, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Recognised internationally for her transformative impact on digital literacy, Kathryn has become one of the most in-demand speakers for businesses seeking to thrive in an era defined by technological disruption and innovation.
Speaking Topics:
- Data Privacy
- Women in Technology
- Digital Education
- Artificial Intelligence
- Entrepreneurship
- Rewiring Business
- Skills Transformation
- Permission to Learn
- Giving Ourselves Permission to Learn
- How to Embrace Lifelong Learning
- Coding
- Cyber Security
- Digital Disruption
Credentials and Impact
Kathryn’s influence in the technology sector has grown from her unique vision to demystify the digital world. With an early love of languages, she studied Latin, Ancient Greek, Mandarin, Japanese, Italian and French before turning her attention to the most important new language of the 21st century: coding. In 2011, she founded Decoded, a technology education company that has revolutionised how businesses and individuals learn about digital innovation. Kathryn’s campaign to introduce coding into the UK National Curriculum was a turning point in education, successfully embedding digital skills into schools nationwide.
Her dedication to closing the digital skills gap has seen her collaborate with global corporations, helping them develop stronger, more resilient workforces prepared for the future economy. Appointed MBE for Services to Education, Kathryn continues to lead conversations on the role of digital skills in shaping industries. Her career represents a rare blend of entrepreneurial success, social impact and forward-thinking leadership, marking her as a respected voice in global technology and education.
Publications and Media
Kathryn Parsons has extended her influence through media, notably writing and co-producing a BBC Radio 4 mini-series, ‘Decoding the Tech Worlds of Russia and China’, that explores the technology superpowers of Russia and China. She also contributes insightful commentary to publications such as The Sunday Times Business and The Financial Times, offering her expertise on technology’s impact on business and society.
Why Book Kathryn?
Kathryn is widely booked as a technology speaker for her ability to simplify complex digital concepts and make them relevant to every audience. Recognised in the Top Futurism Speakers to Hire, she has delivered transformative insights to leading companies including Nike, Burberry, MasterCard and Unilever. Her ability to translate the impact of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data into actionable strategies makes her a valued partner for organisations facing digital disruption.
Kathryn’s credibility is reinforced by her MBE for Services to Education and inclusion on multiple influential lists such as the Sunday Times Britain Top 30 Female Power List and the Evening Standard’s London Most Influential People. She is celebrated for inspiring audiences to embrace digital skills as the foundation of future success.
To book Kathryn to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.
