About Kathy Dempsey
Kathy energizes her audiences through speaking and training. Her creative and unique approach is highly interactive, engaging, and packed full of practical strategies for immediate implementation. Kathy brings with her over 25 years of health care, educational training and organizational development experience.
Kathy received national attention as a result of a life-altering hospital-based event that 'made her a poster child for the Center for Disease Control (CDC).' Her presentations reach far beyond the experience, to build a touchstone with each member of the audience. Kathy's 'signature story' is her transformation as an ER nurse who became the first health care worker in America to be diagnosed positive for AIDS as a result of workplace exposure.
The diagnosis, a death sentence in the mid-80s, was confirmed with multiple positive tests. Months later, all tests returned negative. A miracle or medical error? No one is able to explain. The 3 months that Kathy lived with that traumatic diagnosis was a life-altering experience. Her dramatic account provides a focus, inspiration and context for others who seek and value change in their personal and profession lives.
"Kathy's story is inspiring … let it inspire you to get the results you want!"
— Zig Ziglar, CEO
Ziglar Training Systems and Hall of Fame motivational speaker
Kathy's Accomplishments
• Author of Shed or You're Dead™: 31 unConventional Strategies for Growth and Change.
• Awarded with Writer's Digest International Book Award for Shed or You’re Dead™
• Co-author of books Irresistible Leadership & Thriving in the Midst of Change.
• Contributing author for Chicken Soup for the Nurses Soul: 2nd Dose and Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul 2.
• Voted Showcase Speaker of the Year for the Georgia Speakers Association (GSA).
• Named Trainer of the Year, Bob Pike's Creative Training Techniques International.
• Led Memorial Health Care System's strategic organizational development efforts to become one of the Top 100 Hospitals in America.
• Awarded Master of Influence Award for her work with the National Speakers Association (NSA), Georgia Chapter.
• Honored with Leadership Award, National Speaker Association, Mid-Atlantic Chapter
• Past President, National Speaker Association, Mid-Atlantic (Philadelphia) Chapter
• Active member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD), and has served on the board of the Georgia Speakers Association (GSA).