Media Speaker Poppy Harlow

Poppy Harlow

Founder & CEO, Day 2 Media | Chair, WSJ Board of Directors Council | Award-Winning Journalist | Former CNN Anchor

Poppy Harlow is an Emmy-nominated journalist who spent nearly two decades at CNN interviewing the world's most influential leaders, from Warren Buffett to Supreme Court justices. Now founder and CEO of Day 2 Media and Chair of the WSJ Board of Directors Council, she brings executive-level insight on leadership, media, and the forces reshaping business. For senior audiences, her candid storytelling turns complex issues into genuine clarity.

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    Poppy Harlow biography

    Speaker Poppy Harlow is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated journalist, entrepreneur, and one of the most trusted voices in business media. After nearly two decades at CNN, where she co-anchored the network’s flagship morning program and created the acclaimed podcast Boss Files, Harlow stepped away in 2024 to build something of her own. She is the founder and CEO of Day 2 Media, a company based between Paris and New York and built around stories of reinvention, resilience, and leadership through profound change.

    Across her career, Harlow has interviewed a remarkable range of leaders and decision-makers, among them Warren Buffett, Jamie Dimon, Sundar Pichai, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill and Melinda Gates, Howard Schultz, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She moderated two CNN Presidential Town Halls and anchored coverage of major breaking news, from the Paris terror attacks to the Boston Marathon bombings.

    From the Anchor Desk to the Boardroom

    Beyond journalism, Harlow has built deep credibility in business and governance. She serves as Chair of the Wall Street Journal Board of Directors Council, is a permanent member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and is a Henry Crown Fellow within the Aspen Global Leadership Network. She holds a Master’s in Studies of Law from Yale Law School, alongside a magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa degree in political science from Columbia University, and she co-authored the children’s book The Color of Love.

    As a speaker, Poppy Harlow draws on thousands of high-stakes interviews and a career spent making sense of the world’s most complex stories for millions of viewers. She offers sharp, candid perspective on leadership, media, trust, and the forces reshaping the future of business. Her instinct for asking the right question and distilling the essential truth makes her an exceptional media speaker and moderator for corporate events and executive audiences.

    Poppy Harlow Speaking Videos

    Justin Trudeau: Gender diversity makes government better | With CNN's Poppy Harlow
    CNN's Poppy Harlow with Dr. Vladana Babcic

    Poppy Harlow Keynote Topics

    Over two decades of journalism, Poppy Harlow has sat across from some of the most influential people on the planet: CEOs, presidents, Supreme Court justices, and innovators who shape global policy and commerce. In this keynote, she shares the common threads she has discovered among transformative leaders: how they make decisions under pressure, communicate with authenticity, and adapt when the ground shifts beneath them. Drawing from memorable moments and off-camera insights, Harlow delivers a masterclass in what separates good leaders from those who leave lasting impact.

    In an era of fragmented media, declining trust in institutions, and AI-generated content, how do leaders and organizations make sense of the information environment? Harlow draws on nearly two decades in broadcast journalism to explore how the media ecosystem has fundamentally changed, what that means for corporate communications and reputation management, and how executives can build credibility in a world where audiences are skeptical of everything. She offers practical guidance for leaders who must communicate effectively where the rules have been rewritten.

    Throughout her career, Harlow has focused deeply on income inequality and solutions for closing the opportunity gap. Building on her award-winning CNN series American Opportunity, she examines the systemic barriers that prevent women and minorities from achieving economic mobility and highlights the organizations and leaders producing measurable change. This talk combines investigative rigor with a call to action for executives who understand that equity is both a moral imperative and a business advantage.

    After anchoring CNN's morning show to millions of viewers, Harlow made the bold decision to leave and build her own media company. In this deeply personal keynote, she shares what she learned about reinvention, risk, and the courage it takes to start over. From launching Day 2 Media to moving her family to Paris, Harlow offers insight on how leaders can embrace change, design their second act, and build organizations aligned with their values and vision.

    FAQs on Booking Poppy Harlow

    Why Poppy Harlow?

    Poppy Harlow brings a rare combination of world-class journalism, entrepreneurial experience, and institutional leadership to the stage. Having interviewed titans like Warren Buffett, Jamie Dimon, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she understands what drives exceptional leaders and organizations. Her move from CNN anchor to founder of Day 2 Media gives her firsthand perspective on reinvention and the courage required to build something new. Harlow is a gifted storyteller who makes complex business and policy topics accessible and compelling. Book Poppy Harlow through Aurum Speakers Bureau for your next leadership summit, corporate event, or conference.

    What is Poppy Harlow doing after CNN?

    After departing CNN in 2024 following nearly two decades with the network, Poppy Harlow founded Day 2 Media, an independent media company based between Paris and New York City that focuses on stories of reinvention, resilience, and leadership through change. She also serves as Chair of the Wall Street Journal Board of Directors Council and continues her work as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute. She is a published author and an in-demand keynote speaker and moderator.

    What does Poppy Harlow speak about?

    Poppy Harlow's keynotes cover leadership lessons drawn from the world's most powerful executives, the future of media and trust, economic equity and opportunity, and personal reinvention. She is also an accomplished event moderator, known for asking probing questions that elicit candid, insightful responses from panelists. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to discuss which keynote or moderation format best fits your event.

    What awards has Poppy Harlow won?

    Poppy Harlow has received multiple Emmy nominations throughout her career, along with a Gracie Award for Best Online Investigative Feature and the SABEW Best in Business Award for Online Video. She received the John Jay Award from Columbia College for distinguished professional achievement. She graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University and holds a Master's in Studies of Law from Yale Law School.

    How to book Poppy Harlow as a keynote speaker?

    Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Poppy Harlow as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Poppy Harlow's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Poppy Harlow or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.

    How much is Poppy Harlow speaking fee?

    Poppy Harlow speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Poppy Harlow to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Poppy Harlow.

    How can I contact Poppy Harlow?

    We only work with Poppy Harlow on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Poppy Harlow and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Poppy Harlow speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Poppy Harlow for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.

    Can I book Poppy Harlow for a virtual keynote?

    Yes, Poppy Harlow is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Poppy Harlow for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.