Four-Time Emmy Award-Winning Journalist & Host of PBS' "To Dine For"; Storytelling & Connection Expert

Chicago, IL, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Kate Sullivan Biography

Kate Sullivan is a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, storyteller, and keynote speaker. She is the creator and host of the PBS series "To Dine For," now in its seventh season on public television. The show combines her passion for meaningful conversation, culinary discovery, and travel, inviting viewers to share a meal with visionary guests—including entrepreneurs, artists, and activists—at the restaurants that inspire them.

With more than 18 years of experience in broadcast journalism, Sullivan has worked in television markets across the United States, previously serving as the evening news anchor for CBS Chicago and the morning anchor for CBS New York. Through "To Dine For," she has cultivated a space where food becomes the gateway to deeper stories of perseverance, creativity, and purpose.

Sullivan is also the host of "To Dine For: The Podcast," a 52-episode series that extends these conversations virtually, exploring how her guests built lives of meaning and impact. She also coaches founders and entrepreneurs on how to tell their stories with authenticity and clarity through her production company, Shotput Media Group.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/16/2025.

Kate Sullivan Speaking Topics

  • Clarify Your Message

    Generate Unstoppable Engagement and Results for Your Next Event! Enlighten your audience with a powerful message that doesn’t just resonate—it transforms.

    Kate Sullivan specializes in igniting the passion and potential hiding within every frontline team. She has spent years traveling the world, sharing stories that inspire action, drive results, and reinforce an unshakeable culture. Her journey isn’t just a collection of speeches; it’s a testament to the power of authentic connection and motivation.

    Just like you, Sullivan has witnessed the magic that happens when teams are empowered to see their own impact. One moment that stands out to her was during a session with a group of healthcare professionals. They were exhausted, overwhelmed, and questioning their purpose. By the end of their time together, they weren’t just re-energized; they were a cohesive unit, united by a shared vision of excellence in patient care and service. That’s the kind of transformation Sullivan brings to every event.

    • Transform Complaints Into Raving Fans: Learn how to turn every dissatisfied customer into your biggest advocate.
    • Build an Unbreakable Culture: Foster resilience and collaboration that withstands any challenge.
    • Sell With Story: Master storytelling techniques that improve engagement and drive results.
    • Navigate Change with Confidence: Equip your teams with the mindset to thrive during transitions.
    • Empower Your Leadership: Inspire leaders to become champions of their teams’ successes.

    When you choose Sullivan as your motivational speaker, you’re not just booking a session, you’re investing in the future of your organization. Together, you’ll embark on a journey of growth and transformation that will leave your audience inspired and ready to take on any challenge.

  • How to Connect with Any Person on Earth

    Unlocking the Power of Story, Presence, and Purpose

    In a world brimming with distractions, divided opinions, and surface-level interactions, the ability to truly connect is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a competitive advantage. Whether you’re leading a team, serving customers, building a brand, or simply navigating your everyday relationships, your power lies in your ability to build bridges—not walls.

    Kate Sullivan, Emmy Award-winning journalist and host of PBS’s "To Dine For," breaks bread with innovators, entrepreneurs, and cultural changemakers to discover the story behind their success. And if there’s one thing she's learned after sharing a table with everyone from CEOs to activists—it’s this: Anyone can connect with anyone when they lead with curiosity, empathy, and purpose.

    This keynote is a transformative experience designed to unlock the timeless tools of authentic connection. Drawing from personal stories, global interviews, and unforgettable dining moments, Sullivan will walk your audience through the proven steps to creating real rapport, meaningful dialogue, and unshakable trust—no matter who’s sitting across the table.

    • The Connection Code – Sullivan's 3-part method to go beyond small talk and into meaningful, magnetic conversation.
    • Story as a Superpower – How to use your personal story (and draw out others') to create instant, lasting bonds.
    • The Table is a Mirror – What shared meals have taught Sullivan about leadership, listening, and letting your guard down.
    • From Transaction to Transformation – Practical strategies to turn routine interactions into relationship-building moments.
    • The Energy Exchange – Why being fully present isn’t just respectful—it’s revolutionary.
    • Real Tools for Real Teams – How to bring this connection mindset to your workplace, leadership, and frontline interactions.

    This keynote is for:

    • Leaders and executives who want to build trust and inspire loyalty
    • Sales and customer service teams looking to deepen client relationships
    • Healthcare, hospitality, and frontline teams who need to reconnect with their “why”
    • Organizations undergoing change or seeking cultural revitalization
    • Anyone who wants to become a better communicator, connector, and storyteller

    Workshop Add-On:

    “Story Circles: A To Dine For Experience” Take the keynote one step further with an intimate, interactive breakout session where attendees experience guided storytelling around shared values and connection. Inspired by "To Dine For," this session turns attendees into active participants in the power of story and shared humanity.

Read More +

Kate Sullivan Videos

Kate Sullivan - American Public Television

Kate Sullivan - American Public Television

"To Dine For" season 7 preview

  • How do I book Kate Sullivan to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Kate Sullivan for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Kate Sullivan, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Kate Sullivan or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Kate Sullivan

    Speaking fees for Kate Sullivan, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Kate Sullivan are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Kate Sullivan, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Kate Sullivan speak about?

  • Where does Kate Sullivan travel from?

    Kate Sullivan generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Kate Sullivan’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Kate Sullivan for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Kate Sullivan for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Kate Sullivan or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
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    If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

Kate Sullivan is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Clarify Your Message, How to Connect with Any Person on Earth and Storytelling for Business and Beyond..... The estimated speaking fee range to book Kate Sullivan for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Kate Sullivan generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Cassie Trujillo, Ryan Tillman, Heather E. McGowan, Jess Sargus and Mounia Louerrad. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Kate Sullivan for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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