LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 5, 2026 — The Public Relations Society of America Thoroughbred Chapter is proud to celebrate one of its own as Katie Neal, ACC, a longtime board member and past president, takes the stage at TEDxBellarmineU on Friday, Feb. 20, at Bellarmine University in Louisville.

 

Neal will deliver a featured TEDx talk titled “The Perfectionism Trap: The Hidden Cost of Doing It Right,” exploring how the pursuit of perfection can quietly undermine leadership, performance and well-being, and how professionals can break free to lead with greater clarity and intention.

 

“Katie represents the very best of our chapter, thoughtful leadership, strategic insight and a willingness to tackle meaningful topics that resonate far beyond our profession,” said Marc Whitt, president of the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter. “Seeing her bring this message to the TEDx stage is something our entire PRSA community can be proud of.”

 

Now in its eighth year, TEDxBellarmineU will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. EST at Bellarmine University’s Wyatt Center for the Arts. The event features a diverse lineup of speakers sharing bold ideas and personal insights designed to spark conversation and inspire action.

 

As a certified executive coach, award-winning communications leader and self-described “recovering perfectionist,” Neal draws on more than 20 years of experience in journalism, PR agencies, and communications leadership. She is the principal and CEO of Katie Neal Coaching & Consulting, where she helps high-performing professionals at organizations including Amazon, Microsoft, NVIDIA and the University of Kentucky lead with intention and advance their careers.

 

“Perfectionism is often rewarded and mistaken for excellence, but it carries a hidden cost,” Neal said. “This talk is about naming the hidden cost of always trying to get it right and offering a new way forward that allows leaders to be both effective and human. I’m honored to share my experiences through this tremendous opportunity on the TEDx stage.”

 

Neal, who lives in Lexington, is a former television journalist and has held senior strategic communications roles across the U.S. and internationally, including in Sacramento, San Francisco, Singapore and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from Wake Forest University and her certificate in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance from American University. Neal holds an International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach credential and remains active in the ICF Ohio Valley Chapter.

 

Event Details

What: TEDxBellarmineU

When: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 | 6-8:30 p.m. EST

Where: Bellarmine University, Wyatt Center for the Arts, 1700 Loftus Circle, Louisville, Kentucky

Tickets: $28

 

For more information and tickets, please click here.