Dr. Kamel Hothi OBE is a trail-blazing international speaker, non-executive director, and strategic advisor, credited with developing Lloyds Banking Group’s Asian Strategy. Over the course of a illustrious 40 year career in banking, Kamel led transformative programmes that reshaped the industry. The UK’s first Asian Bank Manager, Kamel’s was named among the UK’s Top 100 Most Influential Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Leaders and she received an OBE for her work championing diversity. Now an advisor to FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 firms, Kamel is a sought-after speaker with invaluable insights on leadership, diversity and inclusion, and transformational change.
Kamel began her career at Lloyds as a cashier and quickly worked her way up through the ranks to become the First Female Asian Branch Manager in TSB history. Taking on the role of Area Director, Kamel guided teams through major changes and worked to develop and upskill colleagues. In 2004, Kamel took on the esteemed position of Asian Markets Director, where she developed and implemented Lloyds Asian market strategy. With a passion for diversity Kamel went on to become the banking group’s Specialist Advisor and Project Manager where she advised charities and foundations on sustainability and governance, with a particular focus on diversity and mental health in Asian communities. Instrumental in Lloyd’s mission to rebuild trust after the 2008 financial crisis, Kamel’s career at Lloyds continued to go from strength to strength. She took on esteemed positions like Niche Markets Director and Head of Colleague Volunteering and Fundraising.
Passionate about transformative change, while at Lloyds, Kamel designed and delivered the Schools for Social Entrepreneurs programme, an award-winning initiative that created over 4000 jobs and provided mentoring for emerging leaders. A pioneering leader, over the course of her career Kamel has lent her expertise to a number of organisations in roles such as Ambassador for the Meaningful Business 100, Non-Executive Director of TLC Lions, Ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society and an Advisor for The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. Renown for her empathetic leadership and commitment to equality, Kamel was a founding member of the Ethnic Minority and Women’s Network, and later led a government taskforce on supplier diversity. Currently serving on the ESG Committee for Lloyds, Kamel continues to champion culture and inclusion initiatives.
A testament to Kamel’s incredible leadership, Kamel is the recipient of the Professional Woman of the Year Award, and winner of the Accountancy and Finance Award at the British Indian Awards. A dynamic and sought-after speaker, Kamel’s speeches offer unique insights, garnered over an illustrious career, into high-performance teams, transformational change, life coaching and the key to unlocking talent. If you’re looking for an experienced speaker to inspire change, get in touch today to book Dr. Kamel Hothi for your next event.
Dr Kamel Hothi's official speaking topics are listed below:
Transforming Leadership for the Future
- The leadership traits needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world
- Moving from authority to empathy: Redefining leadership in the modern workplace
- How leaders can foster cultures of belonging and high performance
Culture & Organisational Transformation
- Leading Change: How to Navigate Mergers, Acquisitions, and Organisational Shifts
- Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces Where People Thrive
- The Power of Allyship: Building a Leadership Culture of Inclusion and Trust
Breaking Barriers & Personal Leadership Growth
- Smashing Glass Ceilings: Lessons from 45 Years of Corporate Leadership
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt in High-Stakes Leadership
- Balancing Ambition, Authenticity, and Personal Values in Leadership
High-Impact Leadership & Decision-Making
- How to Make Tough Leadership Decisions with Confidence and Clarity
- The ‘5 Whys’ Technique: Unlocking Your Deeper Purpose as a Leader
- Executive Presence: How to Communicate, Influence, and Inspire at the Top
Coaching & Mentoring for Career Growth
- Developing the Next Generation of Leaders Through Coaching and Sponsorship
- Unlocking High-Performance Habits for Career Progression
- From Middle Management to the C-Suite: Breaking Through Leadership Plateaus
The Intersection of Business, Society & Social Impact
- Leadership Beyond Profit: The Role of Business in Driving Societal Change
- Future-Proofing Organisations Through ESG and Purpose-Driven Leadership
- The Role of Leaders in Supporting Employee Well-Being and Resilience
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
“The session with Dr Kamel Hothi exceeded my expectations. She captured our attention from the start and truly touched the heart of the audience.” - Morgan Stanley
“That client feedback was exceptional. Your session was clearly brilliant and a game changer. A great success story for internal and external partnership opportunities.” - Olivia, PwC
“One of the most amazing talks I’ve ever heard. It resonated personally in more ways than you’d believe. I’d love to connect again.” - Rishi, HSBC
“The best workshop the company has ever had—total validation of you and our work.” - CEO, Carfax
“A truly inspirational lady—Dr Kamel's talk was commended as one of the most engaging attendees had ever experienced.” - Direct Line
“A room of 2,500 stood in ovation. You made us laugh, cry, and think. You moved mountains today—thank you.” - IIA Atlanta
“Dr Kamel’s resilience and storytelling left a deep mark. Alumni were visibly moved and inspired.” - BCG
“Your honesty and vulnerability hit home. Combined with your insight and authority, you helped us truly understand the power of behaviour.” - South Western Railway
“Your courage and eloquence helped connect us with our humanity. Your talk was instrumental in shaping dialogue on inclusion and leadership.” - Liza, DLA Piper
“Phenomenal feedback! You’ve inspired people to think and act differently with themselves and others.” - Ronnie, Chief Distribution Officer, Aegon, UK
“The best external event CFC has run. Highly engaging and impactful. Kamel was amazing!” - CFC
“You brought energy, empathy, motivation and courage. You touched hearts - we are grateful and lucky to have met you.” - Effie, CEO (Greece), International Audit Conference
“Outstanding! Nearly 100 attendees totally engaged. Dr Hothi was insightful, powerful, and truly exceptional.” - DEI Chief, AKIN GUMP
“You had a powerful impact on the team. Your story resonated deeply.” - Ramsay Health Care UK
“Your inspiring keynote set the tone for the day. It sparked real strategies for collaboration and activated our values.” - Homes England
“A true testament to resilience, courage, and strength. Your wisdom will guide my personal and professional journey.” - Ferring Pharmaceuticals
“Your story inspired me to be more open and perceptive as a leader.” - Reed Smith LLP
“Difficult to put into words. There’s always something that resonates. You are the definition of inspirational.” - Chief Compliance Officer (UK), American Express
“We aimed to create emotional connection - Kamel and TLC hit the brief perfectly. Conversations continue even days after.” - HR Business Partner, Airbus
“You embarked us on an inspirational journey of growth, unity, and self-discovery.” - Key Account Manager, AXA
“Our discussion will have far-reaching consequences for me - thank you!” - Dean, Professional Skills College, Visa University
“Your session exceeded expectations. Participants reflected with gratitude well after.” - Chief Integrity Officer, ABB
- 2021 – ESG Committee, Lloyd’s
- 2019 – Ambassador for the Meaningful Business 100
- 2018 – Non Executive Director, TLC Lions
- 2018 – Ambassador, Alzheimer's Society
- 2018 – Advisor, The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust
- 2018 – Non Executive Director, Sterling Media
- 2017 – Appointed OBE for services to promoting Diversity in Banking
- 2015 – Head of Colleague Volunteering and Fundraising, Lloyds Banking Group
- 2013 – Won the Accountancy & Finance Award at the British Indian Awards
- 2011 – Received an Honorary Degree from the World Sikh University
- 2010 – Named the Top 10 Diversity Champion in the UK by Prime Minister Gordan Brown
- 2010 – Specialist Advisor and Project Management at Lloyds Banking Group
- 2009 – Niche Markets Director, Lloyds Banking Group
- 2008 – Responsible Business and Inclusion, Lloyds Banking Group
- 2008 – Received the Professional Woman of the Year Award at the Asian Achievers Awards
- 2007 – Won the Sikh Women in the Community award at the Vaisakhi festival
- 2004 – Asian Markets Director, Lloyds
- 2001 – Group Operations Client Services at Lloyds TSB
- 1979 – Joined Lloyd’s TSB as a cashier
How to hire Dr Kamel Hothi
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Dr Kamel Hothi for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
