Meet Katie Corlis, the creative mind behind Outside the Box Solutions, a business she started in 2012 out of pure curiosity and passion for digital connection. From a side hustle in social media management to becoming a sought-after expert in LinkedIn optimization and monetization, Katie’s journey is a testament to self-belief and evolution. Her story stands as an inspiration for our 5M+ Humans of Fuzia community — reminding women (and men alike) that courage, clarity, and consistency can transform both careers and confidence.
Q: Katie, how did your journey as an entrepreneur begin? What inspired you to start Outside the Box Solutions?
Katie: I started my business back in 2012 because I’ve always loved thinking outside the box — that’s actually where my company name comes from! It all began when I was in direct sales and needed to market my products online. I had to learn digital marketing and soon realized I was really good at it. People started asking me to help with their own businesses, and before I knew it, I had clients — from automotive shops to real estate. What began as a side hustle became my full-time career, and over the years, I’ve evolved into focusing on LinkedIn optimization and monetization. It makes me genuinely happy to help people find success there.
Q: How did you land your first LinkedIn optimization client?
Katie: My first LinkedIn client came around 2019. A contact of mine asked me to help her husband update his profile. He knew LinkedIn was where his clients were, but didn’t know how to make it work. Once I optimized his profile and taught him how to engage with the right audience, I realized I had found my niche. Since then, LinkedIn strategy has become the number one thing people come to me for.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while establishing your brand?
Katie: One of the hardest things is helping people understand that LinkedIn isn’t as complicated as it seems. Unlike other platforms that change every few months, LinkedIn is consistent — if you learn its rhythm, you can thrive. My challenge has been convincing people that it’s actually the easiest platform for meaningful digital growth.
Q: What’s been your proudest milestone so far?
Katie: One client I worked with landed a six-figure job at a competitor company with a 30% salary increase — just two months after we wrapped up! She followed every step of the game plan I gave her. It was so rewarding to see her confidence grow and her success reflect that effort. If all my clients kept up the same momentum, I’d have hundreds of similar stories!
Q: What’s your perspective on women in leadership today?
Katie: Honestly, we need more women in leadership — and not just in corporate or political spaces, but everywhere. Women make up more than half the global population, yet we still lack equal representation in leadership roles. What we really need is diversity — women of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences leading together. When one woman rises, we all should. When the tide rises, all boats tied together should rise too.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Katie: Learn to balance your feminine and masculine energy. The best leaders know how to think logically but lead with empathy. And if you’re starting a business, choose something that makes your soul happy — but doesn’t define you. That balance between passion and identity is key. When you follow your soul’s fire, you can’t go wrong.
Q: How do you handle imposter syndrome?
Katie: I had imposter syndrome early in my business journey because I didn’t know what I didn’t know. The best thing I did was ask for advice from people already where I wanted to be. I found mentors who shared their pearls of wisdom. Now, imposter syndrome has been replaced by gumption — that old-school word for courage and soul fire. When women ask me how I found my gumption, I tell them: ask questions, seek knowledge, and keep your fire alive.
Q: What does success mean to you — professionally and personally?
Katie: Professionally, success means having consistent, qualified clients who align with my values. I’ve learned not to say yes to everything. Personally, success means living a life I’m proud of — being grounded, compassionate, and understanding that being human is about connection and empathy. We all bleed the same color — red — and that’s a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity.
“When you go with your soul, you really can’t go wrong. That’s one thing I’ve learned after almost 40 years on this planet.” — Katie Corlis
Connect with Katie Corlis:
Katie Corlis | LinkedIn
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