Katie Martell is an “unapologetic marketing truth-teller” who explores the collision of marketing, culture, and social change.

For more than a decade, she has tracked the rise, retreat, and impact of woke-washed marketing, helping audiences understand what the strangest decade in advertising reveals about power, progress, and public trust.

Her perspective has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, Adweek, and CNBC, and she has spoken at conferences and universities around the world.

Woke Brands & Weary Consumers…

A decade ago, a MAJORITY of consumers wanted brands to “take a stand.” Now, amid cries of “go woke go broke” and the scrutiny of the public eye, only 20% of buyers want to hear from brands on social issues.

Consumers have gone from “woke” to weary.

For the past 10 years I've been exploring a question: How do everyday consumers and citizens navigate this era of woke-washing?

I’ve been tracking this strange decade in advertising, and my two cents on this topic has been featured in the New York Times, BBC, Wall Street Journal, Adweek, CNBC, and at conferences and universities around the world.

Watch the full lecture for free (filmed in Spring 2026) or book me to speak at your campus, conference, or company.

Don’t take my word for it…

Speaking reviews:

• “Engaging, authentic, refreshing.”

• “Inspiring and funny (a perfect combination).”

• “My daughter would love this.”

• “Just the right amount of funny and serious. Katie took a complex subject and made it relatable.”

• “Engaging, entertaining, thought provoking and informative.”

• “Katie opened so many eyes. Her talk was my favorite part of the show.”

• “Many, many delegates mention her talk as one of the highlights.”

• “Best speaker of the show. Entertaining and informative.”

Woke & Weary at Suffolk University, Nov 2024

November 7, 2024 (24 hours after the 2024 presidential election)
Thank you AMA Boston, Suffolk University, and QV Media. This talk was inspired by the work of Jean Kilbourne - who, I am honored to say was in the front row.

Run time: 60 mins

BBC Radio 4 Wokewash episode on “Femvertizing” March 2024

How companies pander to the Womens Rights movement with Femvertising

Trailer: Social Movements and Marketing, 2022

Preview of a Keynote, at Web à Québec - How Do We Navigate the Collision of Social Movements + Marketing?

Run time: 3 minutes

Keynote: Social Movements and Marketing, 2022

Full Keynote, at Web à Québec - How Do We Navigate the Collision of Social Movements + Marketing?

Run time: 46 minutes