The Year of Stepping Up and In
Oh What a Year!
There was no strategic plan–a joke that’s funny only because it’s true! And yet the response to my little book was SO big, I'm so grateful to have been able to step up and into this moment in wondrous ways.
Every single second of tender sharing, honest reflection, and deep connection happened because YOU stepped up and in and gave each other the gift of listening to each other’s authentic stories. Thank you for showing up with such an open and kind heart.
You’ve shown me that my story matters, a gift I hope I’ve been able to–or get to someday–give to each one of you.
Please celebrate with me as I share a few of your beautiful wishes and comments below as well as highlight some amazing partnerships from this past year.
Thank you again for stepping up and in with me on this journey.
My heart is full!
2024 Milestones
Fifty (yes, 50!) Speaking to What Matters Circles
Since my book launched in Sept 2023, I've had the honor of leading 50 authentic sharing circles. From personal homes to offices here in the Bay Area (and one in Maine🫶) the year was marked by in person and Zoom gatherings that brought people together to pause, reflect, and invite meaningful, deeper connections with themselves - and each other.
"Thank you to Katherine for creating a work that generates such bold authenticity, vulnerability, and togetherness...and for making the time to create a way to share it, and the magic it generates, with each other."
- Tiffany, Circle Host
Three 9-week personal storytelling online courses
Through my Winter, Spring & Fall nine-week Writing to What Matters online course, I had the privilege of supporting individuals learn how to find, write & share their deepest story.
“Katherine’s generosity, warmth, and open heartedness create a space where people feel safe and empowered to begin to share their own stories and find their voice. She clearly believes (and rightly so) that all of us are storytellers. It was a gift watching folks in my cohort shift their perspective from “I’m not a writer” to “I am.”
- Patricia, Course Participant
Two 'Discover Your Authentic Voice' reTREATS
In the spring and fall of 2024, I hosted two-day 'personal storytelling' retreats in Stinson Beach, CA. With the support of special guest practitioners, Ginger Layden Braun and Katy Barry, we guided over a dozen women to discover what they have to say, share their stories, and connect with themselves and the world, all while relaxing and rejuvenating in a stunning environment.
“We were brought together over two days to dive deeper into our own stories, and the narrative we tell ourselves. We emerged with the more compassionate view of our own story, as seen through the eyes of the other women in the group. It was magical, bonding, soul, enriching, and life-affirming.
Not to mention, we balanced this inner work with the outer beauty of Stinson, the fresh ocean air, walks, cold, plunges, Jacuzzi, meditation, breath work, an intimate dinner and delicious food throughout our time there. We nourished ourselves inside and out. Katherine, I couldn’t be more grateful for the beautiful experience you created!"
- Emilia, Retreat Participant
I'm also thankful to collaborate with incredible clients and mission-driven orgs. Below are spotlights on these partnerships, showcasing the diverse projects we embarked on together. Please feel free to click on their icon to learn more about their important work.
"Working with Katherine has been an absolute pleasure and a transformative experience. Katherine has not only helped me articulate the importance of the work Enterprise for Youth does, but she has also guided me in sharing my journey with clarity and impact. Katherine has an exceptional talent for helping individuals find their voice." - Carlo Solis, Chief Executive Officer
"I have the privilege of working with Katherine to help social impact entrepreneurs find their voice through clear, concise and compelling storytelling. Katherine possesses a unique talent helping our CEO’s capture their own human essence and connect authentically with their audience, in turn, amplifying their reach and impact." - Kathryn Shehade, Chief Communications Officer
"Working with Katherine helped us slow down our storytelling process and ask more questions to arrive at the heart of our "why." Today, we take a much more heart-forward approach, instead of getting stuck in the technical "how." We wouldn't have gotten here without Katherine's support." - Christina Svenson, Sr. Communications Manager
"Thank you so much for your incredible help with the speech for the 'Circle of Service' launch in D.C. and for leading such an awesome session at our board meeting. It’s already made a huge impact. Our board and leadership team feel more confident and authentic as ambassadors -- plus, it was such a great bonding experience!" - Aziza Musa, Chief External Affairs Officer
Watch a recording of Tilting Futures CEO Erin Lewellan’s speech here.
"In this world you never know when you will meet someone who propels you forward and is so giving of themselves. You did that for me the last two weeks reviewing my remarks and listening to me rehearse and proving thoughtful and meaningful feedback. am proud to report that my remarks were well received and the event was a huge success. We raised $850K for the challenge ahead. Thank you so much for being there when I needed it the most." - Jojo Annobil, CEO
"Katherine opened my eyes to an entirely new aspect of my personal story. In just two sessions, she helped me create a moving spin on my journey that has stayed with me throughout the year. She is attuned to both subtle nuances and the context of the bigger picture." - Becca Ringham Myerberg, Founder
"Once again, Katherine was a dream to work with this year. During her online course, I was able to dig deep in a loving and safe environment which helped me flush out the bones of a much-dreamed-about signature talk. During our 1:1 work together, she helped me refine the talk and improve my presentation skills. She does all of this with her usual flair of enthusiasm, positivity, honesty and love." - Jacque Saltsman, Leadership Coach
“Katherine was instrumental in me knocking it out of the park at my last speaking engagement at Texas A&M. She provided the structure, the invaluable feedback I needed, and the warmth and safe space to confidently prepare, and share my story. I'd work with her again in a heartbeat.” - Sarah Caliendo, Leadership & Career Coach
"Katherine was instrumental in helping me write my keynote speech. She brings a rare combination of thoughtfulness, insight, and curiosity to her work. She asks the kind of questions that help you dig deeper into your message, ensuring your ideas are not only clear but also resonate with your audience. Her collaborative style and genuine interest in capturing your voice make her an exceptional partner for any writing project." - Anne Robie, Leadership Consultant
"Katherine immediately connected with our scholars by sharing her own story as a high school student and getting to know each of them by name. Because of this, students quickly felt comfortable taking risks and sharing their own "why" for their Shark Tank projects. In one session, students developed a sense of confidence and were excited to incorporate their own stories into their presentations. It was very cool to see!" - Lauren Chelew, Director of College and Career Pathways
"Katherine’s segment on personal storytelling this quarter not only effectively demonstrated the power of vulnerability, it also gifted the power of humanity through an experience of loving connection amongst the students." - Grace Hawthorne, Professor, Creative Gym
“Katherine is an amazing teacher and storyteller. She immediately established a rapport and connection with my college students and helped them to craft and convey their own stories in the clearest and most compelling way. I know it must be a challenge to walk into a class of students whom you’ve never met and gain their trust and appreciation, but Katherine did. She is a true pro.” - Neal Rubin, Professor, Public Speaking
