Hi, I’m Kate!

I am a coach and consultant whose work is shaped by the experiences, values, and beliefs that guide how I partner with leaders. Explore more below to learn about my path and what it looks like to partner with me.

  • After more than 20 years advising clients on leadership development, culture transformation, and navigating change, I’ve seen how often leaders are expected to move fast, carry complexity, and deliver results—without the time or space to reflect on what truly matters to them or their organizations.

    My path to this work has been shaped by both strategy and storytelling. I earned a degree in American Studies from Vassar College and began my career in public relations, partnering with growth-stage companies to craft clear, compelling messages as they built their markets. I then earned my MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, with a focus on leadership, and spent over a decade in Deloitte’s Human Capital practice, where I worked with leaders and teams across industries to strengthen culture, build capability, and lead through change.

    Along the way, I deepened my focus on the human side of leadership—earning a coaching certification through Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and working as a leadership program designer. That combination of consulting rigor and coaching practice ultimately led me to start Iris Leadership.

  • I started Iris Leadership out of a desire to help leaders unlock their potential by creating space for reflection, growth, and exploration. I saw firsthand how powerful it can be when leaders are given the opportunity to slow down, think clearly, and reconnect with what matters most—especially in moments of change and uncertainty.

    Iris Leadership exists to support leaders and organizations during those moments, when clarity matters and how you lead has a direct impact on both your people and your business results.

  • Authenticity

    Showing up as your true self and harnessing your unique strengths to build meaningful relationships and drive real impact.

    Trust

    Building relationships rooted in trust, confidence, and genuine understanding—where honest conversation and growth can happen.

    Connectivity

    Working collaboratively and believing in the potential of each person to contribute, grow, and succeed together.

    Curiosity

    Asking thoughtful questions, reflecting insights and patterns, and going deeper to uncover what truly matters.

    • Master of Business Administration, Michigan Ross School of Business

    • Bachelor of Arts, Vassar College

    • Advanced Executive Coaching Certificate, Emory University - Goizueta Business School