Hi, I'm Kathleen,
Coach to Executives + Entrepreneurs.
What is my work all about? Put simply,
I help you think for yourself.
Wait what? Think for myself? Of course I am thinking for myself, Kathleen!
Well, much of the time, you are, yes! You've had many successes in life, so clearly you're doing something well. And, for your consideration, much of the time, what if actually you aren't?
Much of the time, we humans are walking through our days repeating habitual thoughts and habitual behaviors — thoughts that have stemmed from others (e.g. parents, bosses, partners, cultural systems, spiritual traditions), unexamined beliefs, and ruminating thought cycles, and behaviors that worked for past challenges but may not apply to present opportunities.
And this can leave us feeling cloudy, frustrated, confused, and stagnant more often than we'd like. Because we're not IN our present lives, delighting in the wonder of what's right in front of us, and the choices that presents.
It is my privilege to help incredible people -- people using their powers for good -- to uncover those stale thoughts and habits, decide how they really want to be thinking and feeling daily, and then actively create their lives and businesses in that image.
I coach leaders and visionaries to be utterly themselves and fully engaged in their lives, so they can do what matters to them and enjoy themselves. My clients love deeply, adventure widely, and let their values -- not somebody else's -- guide their actions.
My clients include biotech, AI, tough tech, fintech, healthcare, and climate tech founders, CEOs and CTOs, media entrepreneurs, Hollywood creatives and New York producers, activists and executive directors, MIT entrepreneurship educators, senior leads at Meta, Amazon, Toast, and US News, and more.
We work through opportunities and challenges big and small, professional and personal, mindset and strategic/tactical.
My approach draws on experience in startups, engineering, and creative fields – I was formerly an opera singer, acoustical engineer, and startup founder – as well as extensive research into wellness, meditation, and mindfulness. My deep dive into the the science and practice of self-discovery and personal growth was sparked by necessity -- I have had a constant low-level migraine since 2010 -- and it continues to be spurred on by a deep desire to help others.
I have a BA from Harvard, an MM from New England Conservatory of Music, an MS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and an MBA from MIT Sloan. I am a student of Zen Buddhism, and I am privileged to live in Colorado’s beautiful San Juan Mountains with my extraordinary partner, son, bernedoodle, and cockapoo.
"I feel so grateful to have taken a big step forward in my professional life with Kathleen's support. I have known a lot of coaches, and Kathleen, you are absolutely amazing. I really appreciate the depth that you wade into with your clients."
– Carly Chase, VP, U.S. News and Adjunct Professor of Business, Columbia Business School
More about me? You got it -
1.
Before founding an arts/tech startup and after a brief career as an opera singer, I was an acoustical engineer. Part art and part science, acoustics is a beautiful profession. What I loved most about it was the art part -- the art of listening, and creating environments for others to listen, feel, speak, and sing.
Now as a coach, I get to practice that art every day: I'm a professional listener. And I create a coaching container for each client in which they can say everything they need to say.
I was awarded "Most Inquisitive" by my 2nd grade summer camp counselors. At the time, I couldn't tell if it was a compliment or a slight! Over the years I've leaned into it, it's something I love about myself, and it's a superpower I bring to coaching with clients. I listen deeply, and I don't just ask questions -- I ask the questions that bring out the best of your thinking.
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I've been in pain every day for the past 13 years. One day in 2011, I woke up with painful pressure in my head, and it has never gone away. Some days I feel sad and frustrated by it, but it has been one of the biggest gifts in my life. It led me on a journey of self-exploration and well-being, working with over 50 physical and mental health practitioners of different backgrounds and methodologies.
What I learned from that exploration forms the backbone of my coaching. And, continuing to enjoy the shit out of my life in the face of pain requires perseverance and resilience. Those are essential qualities for success, and I enjoy helping my clients – particularly startup founders – cultivate them.
After living my whole life in large cities (Dallas, Boston, NYC, LA), I moved four years ago with my partner and son to Ridgway, a gorgeous tiny mountain town in Colorado. It feels like a bold choice to be here -- to live at 7000 feet, to choose a more serene pace over the hustle of the city. To me, being here -- fresh air, connection with our neighbors, outdoor fun, brighter stars -- is the height of luxury, and I'm grateful.
When I work with you, if you're not already living your definition of the height of luxury, we uncover what that is, and then you go create it.
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I believe our culture of do-it-all-yourself hustle has gotten out of hand.
If you want to take risks, say what you think, listen to your gut, and build habits so you can be 100% yourself in every room you walk into, a support team is a good thing.
The most successful CEOs, artists, and athletes have coaches on their personal teams, assisting them with their businesses, their thinking, their internal landscape, and more. When you're ready for accelerated growth, reach out.
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