Kathleen Ross
Keynote Speaker | Marketing Leader | AI Educator
“Don’t fear the future, create it!”
Meet Kathleen
Biography:
Kathleen Ross is a seasoned speaker, award-winning marketing executive, and creative strategist with over 15 years of experience building breakthrough brands. Her leadership has driven growth for companies ranging from Fortune 5000 giants to disruptive startups. As Global VP of Brand Marketing at MONAT Global, she helped scale the company to the #1 premium haircare brand. As CMO of Sugarbear, she supported the brand’s global presence and retail success. She also led the in-house marketing agency for The Richline Group, a Berkshire Hathaway company, and has worked with icons like Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, and Ketel One. Today, she’s known for helping creative leaders harness the power of AI while staying rooted in human connection and brand purpose.
Kathleen’s speaking style blends creative energy with strategic depth. She brings real-world experience, humor, and a passion for helping others step into their potential. Her talks are rooted in bold thinking, innovation, and a belief that leadership begins with clarity and courage.
Deeply committed to mentorship and impact, Kathleen serves as the Advisory Board Chair for St. Thomas University’s Fashion Department and volunteers as a “Big Sister” mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, where she also serves on the Impact Circle Committee.
Kathleen offers keynotes, team workshops, and executive sessions tailored for leadership teams, creative departments, women’s groups, and fast-growing startups. Her insights resonate with audiences across industries including beauty, wellness, retail, tech, and direct sales, with a focus on navigating creativity, innovation, and AI in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
FEATURE KEYNOTE: AI Trends
As a Fractional CMO and Certified AI Consultant, Kathleen Ross helps brands and organizations navigate the future of marketing and innovation. In this keynote for St. Thomas University’s faculty, she breaks down what AI really is, how it’s shaping consumer behavior, and why businesses and educators must act now.
Key takeaways include:
-
What AI is (and isn’t)
-
How it’s shifting marketing and jobs
-
Why AI policies and upskilling matter now
Signature Topics
Navigating the AI Revolution
-
Building AI-enabled teams
-
Creating an AI-ready workforce
-
Integrating AI into daily workflows
-
Balancing data and human intuition
-
Using AI to unlock creativity and speed
Personal Branding in the Age of AI
- Stand out in a tech-driven world
-
Blend authenticity with AI efficiency
-
Build influence through storytelling
Creative Leadership
- Vision-driven leadership
-
Fostering bold, innovative thinking
-
Turning challenges into creative breakthroughs
Industries & Expertise
INDUSTRIES:
-
Direct Selling & Network Marketing
-
Consumer Products & E-commerce
-
Higher Education & Universities
-
Women’s Leadership & Conferences
-
Marketing, Branding & Creative Teams
-
Corporate Leadership & Innovation Teams
-
Beauty, Wellness, Fashion & Apparel
-
AI-Enabled & Tech-Forward Businesses
-
Charities & Philanthropic Organizations
-
Nonprofit & Purpose-Driven Brands
-
Media, Publishing & Content Creators
-
Startups & Entrepreneurial Ventures
-
Personal Development & Coaching
-
Event & Conference Planners
EXPERTISE:
-
Creative Leadership
-
Brand & Marketing Strategy
-
AI Trend Forecasting & Education
-
AI Integration for Creative Teams
-
Future-Proofing Careers
-
Personal Brand Development
-
Innovation in Direct Sales & Social Selling
-
Storytelling for Business Growth
-
Leading Through Digital Transformation
-
Women’s Leadership & Empowerment
-
Scaling Vision-Driven Brands
-
Mentorship & Talent Development
-
Balancing Creativity and Strategy
-
Navigating Change with Confidence
From start to finish, Kathleen demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and an ability to break down complex AI concepts into practical, easy-to-understand applications for our team. She took the time to understand our unique needs and challenges, ensuring that the training was both insightful and actionable. If you're looking for an AI expert who can deliver a truly customized learning experience, I highly recommend Kathleen Ross. Her knowledge and ability to translate AI into real-world applications make her an invaluable resource!
—Lauren Jordan
Global Director Social Strategy, Farmasi
AI Fashion Innovation
The future of branding and fashion is here — and it’s powered by AI.
In this keynote Kathleen Ross explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on branding, marketing, and the fashion industry
Key topics include:
-
How AI is revolutionizing branding and marketing
-
The intersection of AI and fashion — from design to retail
-
What brands must do now to stay competitive in a shifting landscape
5 New Rules to Career Sucsess
The future of career success isn’t linear — it’s real, personal, and built one bold move at a time.
This signature keynote explores five unfiltered rules for launching a meaningful, resilient creative career in today’s fast-changing world.
Key topics include:
-
How to job hunt with strategy
-
Saying yes before you're ready
-
Choosing people over brands
-
Staying curious and adaptable
-
Embracing a non-linear path
Why Work With The Lighthouse Speakers
We take time to understand your audience’s needs and build a speaking experience that feels tailored, timely, and transformational.
Boutique
We don’t follow a formula. We get to know your vision, audience, and event goals to recommend the right fit.
Mission-aligned
Every speaker we represent leads from experience, speaks with conviction, and aligns with values that matter: purpose, integrity, and impact.
High-touch support
From prep calls to post-event feedback, we stay close to the process so you can stay focused on delivering an unforgettable experience.
