Katie Harries is a motivational speaker and policy strategist whose work demonstrates how vision, purpose and perseverance can shape emerging industries. From her academic roots to her current role at Coinbase, influencing global policy, Katie’s path exemplifies the growth and leadership possible when one chooses to engage challenges rather than shy away from them.
She studied at Cambridge University, where she built strong critical thinking and analytical skills. From there, she oriented her career toward the convergence of technology, regulation and public policy, areas often seen as rigid or conservative. Katie embraced the complexity of evolving digital asset regulation and has carved a leadership path in a fast-moving, demanding field.
In her roles at Coinbase and UKCBC, Katie has navigated regulatory uncertainty, driven strategic collaborations, and shaped frameworks for the responsible adoption of crypto. Her journey shows how one can lead from both conviction and adaptability, forging new ground in an industry where law and innovation intersect. Her resilience in balancing stakeholder interests, technical detail and regulatory constraints makes her an inspiring example of leadership through complexity.
As a motivational speaker, Katie shares stories about stepping into high-stakes roles, advocating for change, and navigating ambiguity. Her talks emphasise that influence is built through persistence, clarity and a willingness to engage in challenging conversations. She encourages audiences, especially in tech, policy or organisational leadership, to lean into complexity, align their values and act with confidence.