3 minutes with Kat

Interview by Hailey Eisen. Writer, Editor, Story Teller.

What’s the best way to describe who you are and what you do?

I’m often referred to as “Mary Poppins.” I show up when entrepreneurs or NFP leaders need me to help cut through barriers to personal and/or business growth. Sometimes they aren’t sure what they need. I show up anyway. It just always seems to work that way. Then, up goes my umbrella, and off I fly to help another. However, before I move on I focus on ensuring they are set up with all they need to move forward. If they need a ‘touch up’ then I return.

What was your very first job?

My first job was at the age of 16. While attending school in England, I worked at a very posh ladies wear store, fit for the Queen. The Samuels, who owned the store, were tough Generals who cultivated and unleashed the diplomat and negotiator in me. It was a defining time. Some would say it launched my love of and obsession with all things far too expensive. It was also the beginning of my love affair with small business and entrepreneurship.

What’s the boldest thing you’ve done so far?

My goodness….my entire life has been one bold move after another. Some moves were very successful, while others failed miserably. All good learning though. My soon to be published book tells it all. I’ll share two. 

1. Breaking the Mad Men code of conduct in the Ad Biz. As a young advertising woman, I, like most women back in the late 80’s and 90’s, was not taken seriously. But that just motivated me more to prove myself worthy of being part of the “club” and to redefine it, so I could play with the big boys and prestigious global brands, like Budweiser. With a number of well-earned scars, I did just that. This is when I became known as the “Rebel.”  I’ve since evolved to become a “Rebel with a cause.” I like that much better.

2. Co-creating the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (G20 YEA) and Global Summits. I love entrepreneurs. I’m fascinated by their unique DNA, and unbridled passion and tenacity to make s*&% happen. But for too long entrepreneurs of all sizes hadn’t received support, or the recognition, for the enormous economic stimulus they have contributed or can contribute to this world. So, I, along with a few unflappable people, created the world’s first global organization that presented to and negotiated with world leaders to change all that. It was no small feat and definitely not for the faint of heart. We were met with many powerful naysayers along the way. But we never lost sight of our vision. Today, the G20 YEA is thriving, antiquated polices have changed, and entrepreneurship is at the forefront of government conversations and more supported than ever before, and in both developed and developing countries. It still makes my heart skip a beat!

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I’m very proud to be a misfit on a mission. Many years ago, I cracked the code of not living my life based on the opinions or expectations of others. I’ve stayed true to my values, my integrity, and to my evolving mission. My very diverse career, interests in the human mind and condition, and my absolute love for traversing the unknown and unexpected, has never fit into a tidy societal box. This has served me, and those around me, including everyone I’ve worked with, very well. After all you can’t change what doesn’t work by doing or looking at it the same way, and then expecting a different outcome.

Whether it’s my son’s riveting journey, or the extraordinary advancements my clients make in both their personal and professional lives (after all we are just one person with many tentacles) I am proud of the contributions I make, however small. It brings me great joy. That’s why I do what I do.

You’ve chosen to work with both non-profits and entrepreneurs. Most people just pick one focus in their business. Why do you support both?

They both keep knocking on my door. The fact is….

Entrepreneurs fascinate me. Having worked with literally thousands of them over the years, I am always ignited by their unwavering passion to bring something to market, while creating their own meaningful life. I just love helping them break through barriers to achieve even greater impact. Also, there’s often a social cause connected to the entrepreneurs I work with. Helping them to grow ultimately helps them to give back to this world in transformative ways.

Non-profits/charities are equally critical to our economic and social health. This sector has been a part of my life since the age of six, when I started volunteering at local homes for the elderly. My Father was a Grand Master Mason, and my mother was a deeply caring community volunteer. It’s in my DNA. Fast track to adulthood. I have spent more than 20 years being involved with this sector as a corporate funder, as a CSO running a non-profit, and now as a strategist and confidante for leaders and their boards. It’s a privilege to share my business prowess, and lessons learned, with people who desire to make a profound difference in this world.

A perfect example of why I love working with both, was my involvement in the creation of The Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur, that was led by HRH The Prince of Wales (now His Majesty King Charles III). In collaboration with the brilliant Enactus students at Memorial University, we created the world’s first entrepreneurship program for transitioning Canadian Military. It was so successful that it’s being rolled out throughout the Commonwealth. It’s the perfect convergence of an entrepreneurial solution to a human and economic challenge. Just brilliant!

What surprises people about you?

That…

• I am a recreational pilot. It provides me with a detached awareness of the busyness below. It puts things into clearer perspective, crystalizing for me how we are capable of being and doing anything.

• I was accepted into The Juilliard School. My staunchly British parents wouldn’t allow me to live in NYC, so I stayed in Canada doing community theatre, but my projection chops have come in very handy in many areas of my life, especially as a spokesperson and country ambassador at international conferences.

• I’m not afraid to try anything, learn new things, or meet anyone. From facing poisonous snakes in the dense rainforest, to hiking mountainous terrain, to speaking in front of thousands of people. Or, meeting with presidents and princes, CEOs and celebrities, I’m always up for a good gab, and getting to know what makes someone tick. I learn from everyone I meet. After all, I believe we are here to explore, dare, and advance one’s SELF. Why waste a minute stuck in the false safety of the known?!

What advice have you given others that surprises them?

I always surprise people when I tell them they can achieve their heart’s desires – that’s assuming they actually know what they truly want. People often look at me sideways, and initially balk at that advice. Then they provide me with far too many excuses as to why they  or their business team, can’t do it. That’s their restricted belief system that blocks the very things they desire most from manifesting. Nothing else. I’m a flashing billboard for this advice. Once they shift this thinking they start attracting who and what they need.

When you’re not working, where can you be found?

Great question. Simple answer… I’m always working. The word “work” doesn’t make me cringe. It’s quite the opposite. Let me clarify that. My work and my personal life are one. I don’t separate them. If I’m not working with others, then I’m working to advance my mental, physical, and spiritual health. This in turn enables me to give more of myself to others. Works for me.

So if that’s the case, where do you go to reboot?

Inside my head. Meditation is a big part of my daily life. It keeps me focused. Physically, there’s no other happier place then absorbing myself in nature. Specifically, reading and writing in my hammock or body surfing in the ocean in the magnetic and mountainous jungles of Costa Rica – my second home.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

I have two pieces of very valuable advice that come from a number of iconic leaders including: Ron Joyce (co-founder of Tim Hortons) and Dr. Wayne Dyer (the Father of Motivation). Their no-nonsense advice has served me, and others, very well.

1. Be very careful who is playing in your sandbox. We must always surround ourselves (this includes our business world) with people who genuinely care enough about you to challenge your BS, to scream at the top of a mountain with you when s&*% happens, and who fearlessly ride the Harley with you, no matter what.

2. Sometimes we are faced with people who do not have our best interests at heart. I call them energy vampires. Some are nasty. Some are downright vicious and harmful, living out their fears. These people, however, can be our greatest teachers. We must pay careful attention to our reactions to and our learning from being in their presence. Believe me when I say that they always show up to teach us something we must know to advance ourselves. Painful but true!