Being Unapologetically Authentic with Milken Institute’s Katie O’Reilly

Episode 112

Katie O'Reilly

Executive Director, Business & Program Development | Milken Institute

Do you worry about what other people think of you? Have you let your fear of judgment get in the way of leading with courage?

Research has shown that when people are their authentic selves at work, they are less likely to feel stalled in their careers, more likely to be promoted and advance in their career, and more likely to build a strong sense of trust with their employers, peers and team.

In this episode, you’ll meet Katie O’Reilly, fearless leader and Executive Director at the Milken Institute, a non-profit, non-partisan think tank on a mission to increase global prosperity by providing access to capital, creating jobs and improving health.

Katie shares how being unapologetically authentic helped her earn the trust and respect of powerful global leaders, lead her team of change agents, and make massive impact in the world. Katie reveals her own challenges and how she stepped into her personal power after overcoming self-doubt and fears. Katie shares her perspective on the importance of taking chances in your life and career, always learning and growing, and building and nurturing your relationship network.

In her role as Executive Director at the Milken Institute, Katie has overseen the international expansion of the Institute’s major initiatives globally. The Milken Institute convenes the world’s leading CEOs, institutional investors and government leaders for solutions-oriented dialogues about pressing social and economic challenges while also producing independent, data-driven research and crafting meaningful policy initiatives.

Katie has spent more than 15 years working with leading organizations in the NGO, philanthropic and corporate space. She began her career as a community organizer and policy analyst for the Los Angeles Coalition to End Hunger and Homelessness and served as Senior Fundraiser for United Way. Active in many organizations, Katie currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery. She is co-chair of the U.S. Board of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. She also serves on the advisory board of Pocket Patient, a patient-centered, digital medical platform for the developing world. 

“When you're thinking about your career, try not to think TOO big, because it's about the day to day and what you enjoy doing every day.”

Katie O'Reilly