Kate White is a force of nature — a gutsy, irreverently witty, savvy mentor on a mission to help women get more out of their lives in the workplace and at home. She is recognized internationally as a New York Times bestselling author, career expert, motivational speaker, and consultant to Hearst magazines. For 14 years she was the Editor-in-Chief of Cosmo, which was the number one magazine in its category and the bestselling monthly magazine on the newsstand for her entire tenure. Few high-profile editors have successfully balanced the rigors of overseeing a major magazine with a thriving and independent writing career.
At the podium, White combines fresh and candid advice, reality checks, and proven principles with juicy behind-the-scenes anecdotes from her career and life. She provides tips on how to stay ahead of the curve and dazzle in the workplace. Sharing her mantra “Go Big or Go Home”, White inspires audiences to not just do “enough” at their jobs, but to do extra and exceed expectations.
Her newest book, I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: Success Secrets Every Gutsy Girl Should Know (September 2012), is an insider’s guide to getting the job you want, the promotion you deserve, and savoring the rise to the top. Kirkus calls I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This “a smart, savvy guide for working women looking to climb the professional ladder and maintain positions of power … straight-shooting career advice to women at all stages of their professional lives.”
White’s magazine career began when she won Glamour magazine’s Top Ten College Women contest and appeared on the cover. She earned a position at the magazine and quickly rose from editorial assistant to feature writer and columnist. After holding key jobs at several national magazines, she became an editor-in-chief, successfully running four major magazines (including Redbook) before taking the helm at Cosmopolitan in 1998. In the 14 years she was at Cosmo, guaranteed circulation grew by 700,000. She also oversaw Cosmo Books, Cosmopolitan.com, the apps that Cosmo produces, and the Cosmo fashion line introduced at J.C. Penney.
In addition to writing career books, White is the New York Times best-selling author of six Bailey Weggins mysteries, including If Looks Could Kill, in 2002—which was selected as Live With Regis and Kelly’s first Reading With Ripa book-club pick and shot to #1 on Amazon—and two stand-alone thrillers, Hush and The Sixes.
Through her magazine work and her books, White has influenced at least two generations of women with her honesty, passion, and imagination. She is the winner of the MatrixAward for Outstanding Achievement in Communication, as well as the Woodhall Institute Award for Ethical Leadership.
White is married with two children.
