Katie Duarte’s journey is a beautiful example of how life transitions can lead to powerful transformations. After a successful corporate career in sales and leadership, motherhood shifted Katie’s priorities and reignited her passion for meaningful work. Today, as the founder of Action Potential Solutions, she helps individuals and organizations bridge the gap between intention and impact through her work in organizational psychology. Humans of Fuzia is honored to feature Katie’s story for our global community of over 5 million members, united by the mission of advancing women’s leadership and entrepreneurship. At Fuzia, we believe in She for She and He for She—and Katie’s story reflects that spirit.
Tell us about the turning point that inspired your career shift.
The big shift for me came when I started a family. I spent the first part of my career in sales and leadership, working long hours, driven by ambition. But when I met my husband and became pregnant, everything changed. My values shifted completely—climbing the corporate ladder no longer mattered as much as being present for my family. When my son was six months old, I went back to school to pursue a master’s in organizational psychology. It wasn’t an easy decision—walking away from a high salary brought financial adjustments—but I felt it was the right path for me and my family. I haven’t looked back since.
What were some challenges you faced when building your business?
There were plenty! I wasn’t technically inclined, but I had to learn everything—from building my own website to developing online courses, recording content, and handling all the technical aspects. I couldn’t afford to outsource, so I taught myself with online resources and YouTube tutorials. Financially, it was a big adjustment too—going from two incomes to one, plus the cost of my education. But staying connected to my “why” and being passionate about my work helped me push through every challenge.
Do you currently run your business alone?
Technically, yes. I handle my business independently, but you’re never truly on your own. I’ve been lucky to be part of a supportive networking group of other solopreneurs—we meet monthly, share experiences, and help each other. I’m also incredibly grateful for my husband, who’s been my biggest supporter from the start. So, while I manage the business myself, I’ve had amazing support along the way.
What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
We’ve made progress, but there are still significant barriers—especially in certain industries where women in leadership positions are rare. It’s not due to a lack of capability, but often access to opportunities depends on networking and relationships, which can be harder for women in male-dominated spaces. That said, I think many women are also more intentional about balancing work and family, and not all want those roles—and that’s okay. There’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s a complex topic, but I believe women belong at every table where decisions are made.
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
For women leaders, I’d say—stay close to your values and trust yourself. Leadership is hard, and balancing being strong with being human is a constant challenge, but those qualities can coexist beautifully. For entrepreneurs, my advice is—keep going. The first few years fly by, but if you stay connected to your passion, you’ll succeed. Be open to evolution; your business won’t always look exactly as you imagined at the start, and that’s part of the journey.
How do you define success—both professionally and personally?
For me, success means living my values fully. I truly believe you can have it all—maybe not always in the exact way you first envision—but if you stay in tune with what drives you, you can build a life that honors both your family and your professional passions. Right now, I feel a real sense of contentment, balancing my work with being present for my children while doing work that fulfills me.
“Success is holding space for both your passions and your family,” Katie reflects. Her journey is a reminder that with clarity, courage, and community, women can redefine success on their own terms.
Connect with Katie Duarte:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieduarte/
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