Kate Russell
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Presenter of the BBC’s flagship technology programme Click for over a decade
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Has been writing about technology, gaming and the Internet since 1995
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In 2016, she was voted Computer Weekly’s 13th most influential UK woman in IT
Kate Russell has been reporting on technology and internet culture since 1995, being a regular reporter on the BBC’s flagship technology show, Click, for over a decade. In 2019 she was recognised for her contribution to advancing the role of women in the tech industry, being awarded a coveted place in the ‘Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in IT Hall of Fame’.
A regular expert on TV shows and radio stations including ITV, Channel 4, BBC World Service and various regional BBC radio stations, she has also written tech-focussed columns for National Geographic Traveller Magazine for almost a decade. Her first book, Working the Cloud, was published in 2006, delivering a collection of online tips, tricks and resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Since then, she has become a passionate advocate for digital transformation, known for her inspiring keynote talks and engaging people from every walks of life in a love of all things tech.
After an initial jagged career path during which Kate was a veterinary nurse, a payroll clerk and even an estate agent, she ended up selling CD manufacturing to computer games companies. One of her customers would tease her about being an avid gamer, so when he spotted an article in a trade magazine advertising for a "young & funky" female presenter who knew about video games for a new show on Nickelodeon, he challenged Kate to apply.
She got the job, presenting the show for three series with Mike McClean and an animated fish called Bert. It was enough to give her a taste for being in front of the camera, opened up new opportunities in print journalism and set Kate on the path to where she is today.
In 2014, Kate published her first novel, a sci-fi story based on a remake of the computer game that first sparked her interest in technology back in 1984 – Elite Dangerous. Elite: Mostly Harmless is a humorous space romp that follows the disastrous life and career of Commander Angel Rose. Her second novel was published in 2016. A Bookkeeper's Guide to Practical Sorcery is a young adult/teen fantasy fiction.
Kate Russell is also a prolific keynote business speaker and commentator on the technology scene, often being invited to speak in schools and at educational events to inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts.
Kate Russell is an experienced and confident master of ceremonies, conference chair, moderator, keynote speaker, panellist and after dinner speaker.
She offers insight and expertise on most areas of technology and digital transformation and is happy to tailor a presentation to suit any audience, industry or event purpose. She speaks with great energy and humour, making complex technical topics entertaining and easier to understand.
Kate’s areas of specific expertise include:
• The past/future of tech and its impact on business (this presentation can be tailored to particular industry)
• Women in tech
• Diversity/gender bias
• Crowd funding (with 2 successful Kickstarter campaigns under her own belt)
• Identity, trust, security and consent in a digital world
• Influencer marketing - for marketers or for influencers
• Digital transformation
• AI/Robotics and the influence on commerce/customer service/engagement
• Ecommerce
• Generation Z
• Cybercrime and data protection
• Gaming/gaming communities
• Live streaming for business - what businesses/broadcasters need to know
• Live streaming for streamers - building an audience/creating content (Kate is a partnered Twitch streamer)
Keynote speech
Promotional video
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Amazing! Kate was fantastic to work with and truly contributed to the success of the 2018 edition of IBC in Amsterdam. Her commitment and research into the topics and personalities on stage really shone through, as she led dynamic discussion and engaged with the audiences. I’d 100% ask Kate to participate in future IBCs and would recommend her for other events.
Kate was very professional and engaging. She was well prepared and kept our speakers on track. She was very approachable for us and our audience. She contributed significantly to the great day that was had by everyone.
With her experience, knowledge and clear passion for all things technology related, Kate made a fantastic Chair for our discussion on the future of Britain’s broadband. Using her journalistic acumen, Kate asked all the right probing questions of our panellists and facilitated a lively debate. As both an informative and entertaining speaker, we were delighted with Kate’s contribution to the discussion.
As the Chartered Institute for IT, it is important our events are hosted by a professional who is credible within the industry. Kate is a consummate professional and brings that credibility and knowledge to our events whether they are discussion forums or celebratory events. Kate is very thorough in her preparation and research for events and is accomplished at helping other speakers and guests feel at ease. She works hard to entertain the audience and keep things running to schedule. For this reason she is on our list of top event hosts.
When we held a global conference to discuss worldwide efforts to remove child sexual abuse images from the internet Kate was the obvious choice to chair discussions. She is immersed in the issues, extremely knowledgeable on both the policy and technical aspects of internet discussions and she oozes professionalism. Indeed, working with her was effortless and we had absolute faith in her abilities. The conference was a massive success. It resulted in praise and recognition for our organisation as well as an offer by a multinational, high profile company to sponsor our next event. Kate’s contribution in helping us gain this cannot be understated. We would work with her again without a second’s thought.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kate in a corporate capacity on a couple of occasions this year. Firstly, for an exclusive networking event where we needed a pre-dinner speaker. Secondly, for our Identity Summit world series, where Kate provided the closing keynote. Kate is tech savvy as well as commercially aware, a thought-provoking and entertaining speaker who easily engages with audiences at various levels. She takes the time to understand what you are trying to achieve, who your audience is and what channel you are communicating through. Kate is a true professional and a joy to work with. Her content is current, relevant and appealing. Rarely have I worked with an industry speaker who is so adaptable and collaborative in her approach.
Clients often ask about purchasing books for giveaways and delegate packs. Below you’ll find a selection of products by Kate Russell. Click the images to view on Amazon's website. For bulk orders, please speak with your Booking Agent.
How to book Kate Russell for your event
To book Kate Russell, please submit an online enquiry to booking.agent@nmp.co.uk or contact one of our booking agents on +44 (0)20 3822 0003.
BBC Click technology presenter, music hacker and classical composer
One of Europe’s top 50 women in tech
Former BBC Technology Correspondent, 2007-2021
BBC Click technology presenter, broadcaster and live host
Technology journalist, broadcaster and presenter - The Gadget Show
Voted the most influential woman in UK tech in 2020 by Computer Weekly
