Since childhood, Katherine has been the go-to leader, organizer, and problem-solver—whether mediating playground squabbles, color-coding friends’ closets, or rallying classmates to ace group projects. She has always loved a good puzzle, from tricky crosswords to unraveling the real issue behind a business challenge. Pairing this with her knack for reading people, it was only natural that she would be drawn to helping others navigate both people and process problems.
In her mid-twenties, while serving as an executive in the hospitality industry and managing nearly 100 people during a period of rapid growth and leadership turnover, Katherine hit a wall with stress and overwhelm. That’s when Janice, a business coach who introduced her to mindfulness, entered her life. Drawing from six years in a spiritual community, Janice taught Katherine the power of self-awareness and energy management. Around the same time, a close friend pursuing yoga teacher certification introduced her to various workshops and mindfulness practices. This intersection of strategy and self-discovery marked the true beginning of Katherine’s journey into mindfulness.
Today, she helps small business owners get organized, lead with intention, and build businesses that are both efficient and meaningful. With a mix of operational expertise, strategic insight, and a passion for emotional intelligence, Katherine partners with her clients to streamline systems, clarify vision, and build environments where people and results thrive. She believes that when leaders are grounded in self-awareness and guided by their values, they build stronger businesses and become catalysts for positive change in every area of life.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
The hummingbird is my chosen mascot because it reflects the essence of mindful leadership and transformation that defines my work with small business owners. Hummingbirds are renowned for their ability to see above and beyond obstacles, much like the mindful leaders I empower to rise above daily challenges and maintain clarity of vision. Their focus and efficiency in seeking out what sustains them mirrors my approach to helping clients organize their operations and prioritize what matters most for sustainable success.
Hummingbirds are also a symbol of resilience and joy. Despite their delicate appearance, they undertake extraordinary journeys and adapt to diverse environments, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, strength and perseverance lead to transformation and growth. Their constant search for nectar is a metaphor for seeking out the “sweetness” in business and life, encouraging leaders to savor each moment and find purpose in their work.
While the hummingbird carries spiritual significance in many cultures, I am drawn to its practical lessons for mindful leadership: to remain light, focused, and present; to embrace change with grace; and to lead with both wisdom and heart.
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
To maintain a healthy work-life balance while running my business, I rely on a combination of intentional daily practices and structured strategies. Each morning, I start with my “20/20” routine which is 20 minutes of meditation followed by 20 minutes of mindful movement. This helps me ground myself, set a clear intention for the day, and ensure I’m approaching my work from a place of focus and presence.
Throughout the day, I use time blocking to dedicate specific periods for deep work, meetings, and personal time, which helps me stay organized and avoid overwhelm. I prioritize tasks based on what will have the greatest impact, and I set clear boundaries to protect both my productivity and my well-being. Regular self-care practices, such as stepping away from my desk for a breath of fresh air or a short walk, are non-negotiable parts of my routine. These strategies allow me to show up fully for my clients and my business, while also honoring my own needs and maintaining a sense of balance.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
When unexpected detours arise in my business, I lead with radical transparency and vulnerability. I believe that “if I can name it [the challenge], I can tame it,” so I start by acknowledging the need for change, both to myself and to those directly affected. This honest admission is the first step toward finding a better path forward.
Rather than dwelling on setbacks, I quickly shift my focus to solutions and the end goal, ensuring that my energy is directed toward progress. I’m mindful not to overshare or broadcast every challenge, choosing instead to communicate with those who need to know and then take decisive action. This approach models for fellow women entrepreneurs that resilience isn’t about avoiding or disguising obstacles, but about facing them openly, learning from them, and moving forward with clarity and confidence.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
I measure the success of my business by looking at the quality of my client relationships and the fulfillment I find in my work. I regularly reflect on whether I’m attracting clients whose values and work ethic align with mine, and whether our collaboration feels positive and inspiring. Equally important is assessing if the work itself is meaningful and energizing for me—if it sparks growth and purpose, both for my clients and myself. When both of these elements are in place, I know I’m on the right path. If not, it’s a signal that it’s time to recalibrate. For me, true success is about building a business that feels aligned, impactful, and genuinely rewarding on every level.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
One of the most memorable moments in my business was working with my very first Katalyst Consulting client in 2021. It was a stand-alone business in judicial receivership. The management team was struggling with trust issues, burnout, unclear roles, and ineffective systems. I facilitated a full-day, off-site workshop for their team, focused on surfacing challenges, clarifying roles and goals, and building a practical action plan for progress. To support emotional wellbeing, I brought in a meditation instructor, and we integrated several grounding and centering practices throughout the day.
The feedback was incredible. The team felt truly seen and heard and left with renewed clarity and a greater sense of connection with one another. Witnessing their shift from disarray to alignment and knowing I had helped create a safe space for honest dialogue and transformation, was deeply rewarding. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that mindful, intentional leadership development can have not just on business outcomes, but on the people behind them.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
Mentorship plays a pivotal role in the success of small businesses. Mentors offer invaluable wisdom, guidance, and perspective drawn from their own experiences, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and accelerate their growth. I see mentors as trusted advisors, sometimes even like a pseudo-parent, who can help you master both the technical and emotional aspects of running a business.
Equally important I believe is the support of peers, especially fellow women entrepreneurs who are facing similar challenges. Peer groups provide a unique sense of camaraderie, understanding, and real-time problem-solving that is different from the mentor-mentee dynamic.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors in many areas including work, life, and especially in the spiritual and mindfulness space. These mentors have profoundly shaped my approach, teaching me the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in every aspect of business and life. Without their guidance, I know my path would have looked very different. Their support and insight have been essential to both my personal growth and the evolution of my business.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
My work is about empowering small business owners to raise their own consciousness as leaders, so they can create more conscious and successful businesses by harmonizing strategic excellence with mindful leadership. While I help clients develop effective strategies and build robust systems, an equal if not more important focus is placed on developing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and core soft skills like empathy, adaptability, and authentic communication.
I believe that mindful leadership is the foundation for a healthy workplace culture and sustainable growth. In today’s world, where so many people leave jobs due to poor management, helping leaders develop presence, emotional regulation, and the ability to lead with integrity is more critical than ever. I guide business owners to stay connected to their values, using them as a north star to ensure their business remains purposeful and aligned as it evolves.
By integrating proven business strategies with mindful leadership development, my work helps leaders build organizations where people and profits flourish together. This approach not only optimizes the business, but also transforms leaders themselves, enabling them to show up with greater clarity, resilience, and fulfillment. When leaders are more mindful and aligned, they uplift everyone around them whether coworkers, staff, friends, or family, and, in doing so, truly make an intentionally positive impact in the world.
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