Speakers

Kate Hardcastle MBE is a globally recognised authority on consumer behaviour and business transformation, known internationally as The Customer Whisperer™. With nearly 30 years of hands-on experience, she has become the go-to voice for understanding what today’s customer wants — and how businesses across every sector can deliver it.

A compelling and in-demand speaker, Kate headlines major international events, including SXSW, Cannes Lions, Shoptalk (Las Vegas & Chicago), Groceryshop, Seamless (Middle East & Africa), and the Retail Technology Show (London). She is known for her ability to energise a room, demystify complex trends, and provide strategic clarity — whether addressing AI, sustainability, brand loyalty, or the human heart of business. As both keynote and moderator, she brings insight and authority to stages that span industries, sectors, and continents.

Kate’s cross-sector influence sets her apart. While grounded in deep retail expertise, she works across fashion, beauty, finance, food, travel, sport, health, media, and technology — anywhere consumers are. Her understanding of human behaviour and decision-making has helped transform some of the world’s most recognised brands, and counts Disney, AMEX and Marks & Spencer as clients as well as high-growth start-ups and public sector organisations. From factory floors in Guangzhou to strategy rooms in New York, she brings unmatched insight at every level of business.

Her media reach is equally expansive. Kate has reached millions as a trusted commentator for BBC, ITV, Sky News, and global networks on over 2,500 live interviews — offering fresh, factual analysis that blends consumer empathy with data-led expertise. She has been described as the voice that bridges the boardroom and the shop floor — and makes both accessible to audiences worldwide.

Awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for services to business and entrepreneurship, Kate is also an INSEAD-trained strategist and a champion for purposeful profit. Through her initiative Access for All, she has provided free consultancy to over 1,000 community organisations and charities, delivering impact without fees.

In 2025, she releases her debut book The Science of Shopping — a global exploration of what really drives consumer behaviour in the modern world.

With dual bases in the UK and USA, Kate continues to lead the global conversation on customer insight, business responsibility, and authentic brand connection — offering a voice not just of expertise, but of trust.