Geopolitical Analyst & Journalist | War Reporter | Author | International Humanitarian
MEET HOLLIE
Hollie S. McKay is an Australian born foreign policy expert and war crimes investigator. She was an investigative and international affairs/war journalist for Fox News Digital for over fourteen years where she focused on warfare, terrorism, and crimes against humanity. Hollie has worked on the frontlines of several major war zones and covered humanitarian and diplomatic crises in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Iran, Turkey, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Burma, Russia, Africa, Latin America, and other areas including Ukraine. Her globally-spanned coverage, in the form of thousands of print articles and essays, has included exclusive and detailed interviews with captured terrorists, as well as high-ranking government, military, and intelligence officials and leaders from all sides. She has spent considerable time embedded with US and foreign troops, conducted extensive interviews with survivors of torture, refugees, and internally-displaced people. She communicates the complexities of such catastrophes and war crimes on populations. Hollie’s work has additionally been featured in the Wall Street Journal and her writings referenced in innumerable mainstream publications and academic journals. Additionally, she has won numerous foreign press and humanitarian awards. Hollie McKay is acclaimed by her peers as one of the most diligent reports in her field.
TOPICS
How The Ordinary Become Extraordinary
As an international humanitarian, Hollie McKay has seen ordinary people, with no formal training or skills, become extraordinary at the drop of a hat — or a bomb. The human ability to resiliently withstand pain, to push through darkness, and to find threads of hope within chaos has left Hollie both perplexed and inspired. It is not only Hollie’s gift, but her expertise to share these striking stories and empower others to harness her lessons of strength, resilience, and determination no matter the odds. From Hollie’s lens, she has met the most exceptional humans imaginable – the people who enrich her spirit and teach her more about life and greatness than any Instagram influencer ever could. The people Hollie introduces during her keynote aren't collated from a Western lens of the best of the best on the planet; they aren’t top CEOs, athletes, or even the cream of the crop in Hollywood. These people will never have their name in lights, amass millions of dollars, or make TIME Magazine's 30 Under 30. These people are the beautifully ordinary, the ones who should fuel us with the desire to do better and the ones she hopes her daughter will someday look up to. There's a reason the word "extraordinary" is just "ordinary" with "extra" added to it. Going above and beyond is the key to achieving greatness, but what does that look like? Hollie McKay’s keynote offers 18 critical points on how to become extraordinary and how to apply these beautifully inspirational stories to tackle chaos in times of uncertainty.
Mastering Communication: Lessons from a War Reporter, Geopolitical Analyst, and Humanitarian
From receiving a hand-written thank you note from Taylor Swift to interviewing the Taliban, Hollie McKay has worked with people from every walk of life. Overcoming communication breakdowns with adversaries, negotiating her way across borders to safety, and witnessing historical events is just the tip of the iceberg. Join Hollie McKay in a captivating keynote where she shares firsthand experiences from her career as a war reporter, geopolitical analyst, and international humanitarian. From navigating delicate negotiations in conflict zones to bridging communication gaps between diverse groups, Hollie's stories highlight the critical role of effective communication in leadership and personal development. Attendees will learn the importance of clarity and conciseness in communication, how to use storytelling as a powerful tool to engage and connect with others, and the art of active listening to understand diverse perspectives. Hollie also delves into the nuances of conversation versus confrontation, showcasing the value of sitting down with adversaries to resolve conflicts peacefully. Discover how embracing these communication principles can transform relationships, build resilience, and drive success in any setting.