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About Your Coach

Katharine Smith, MA, CPCC, ACC, CH
Executive Coach | Organizational Psychologist

Katharine a woman with blonde hair and glasses sits confidently on a black chair. She's in a black blazer and blue shirt, with a background of lush green ivy.

Hi, I’m Katharine.

I help leaders, teams, and career changers navigate the most challenging chapters of their careers.

Because when the stakes are high and the pressure’s on, you need a strategic partner who gets it.

Read My Story

How I Got Here

I spent a decade in rooms where the tough decisions were made.

In the first chapter of my career, I worked alongside groundbreaking executives—securing major sponsorships for NYC cultural institutions, facilitating leadership development programs for large healthcare organizations, and delivering workplace transformation initiatives for national and multinational corporations such as Nike, KinderCare Education, National Grid, and Genentech.

I was successful on paper and completely overwhelmed.

By 35, I was carrying two Ivy League degrees, a global network, a high-achieving spouse in surgical residency, and two children under three. I'd done everything 'right,' and I still felt overworked, resentful, and exhausted.

After nearly burning out, I rebuilt everything.

I knew the next chapter of my career couldn't just look better, it needed to feel better, too.

So I didn't just read books—I did the work. I sought out brilliant coaches and mentors, and got radically candid about what I truly valued, which beliefs and behaviors were quietly undermining my success, and where I needed to re-invest my energy.

I rebuilt from the inside out, and that process became the foundation of everything I do with my clients.

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- Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religion, Dartmouth College
- Masters of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University
- Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, CoActive Training Institute
- Associate Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation
- Certified Hogan Independent Consultant, Hogan Assessments
- Certified Hypnotherapist, Cascade Hypnosis Center
- Group Relations Conference with the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations
- Positive Intelligence with Shirzad Chamine
- Playing Big Facilitators Training with Tara Mohr
- Transforming Teams with Jim Dethmer of the Conscious Leadership Group and Coaches Rising
- Unlocking Leaders Training with Jim Dethmer of the Conscious Leadership Group and Coaches Rising

ICF ACC Associate Certified Coach badge with blue and orange design.

CPCC Certified Co-Active Professional Coach badge

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Now I help high-achievers untangle what's limiting their success.

I work with ambitious professionals at Fortune 500 companies, startups, and non-profits who are self-aware enough to know something is off, and motivated enough to do something about it.

I help my clients build a new kind of self-trust: not the brittle kind that comes from crossing items off a to-do list, or waiting for external validation, but the kind that helps you trust your gut in the room, make decisions you can stand behind, and finally stop tolerating burnout as a career strategy.

My approach is empathetic, structured, and grounded in science—and a little irreverent because if you can't find the humor in the chaos, the chaos wins.

You don't have to figure this out alone. Let’s work together.

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Katharine Smith, MA, CPCC, ACC, CH
Executive Coach | Organizational Psychologist

What My Clients Say

Ben, Executive Director, Central Oregon LandWatch

“Working with my team feels totally different than it did six months ago. I trust them more and I trust myself more. Our interactions feel so much better and we’ve steadied the ship operationally and financially. We are finally accelerating together, and while I’m reluctant to take credit, I am extremely proud of the progress we've made.”
Michelle, Director of Procurement, Suterra

“I used to worry that I wasn’t exceeding everyone’s expectations, but now I see how I picked on everyone else's fears along the way, and they’re not mine to carry anymore! Because of our work, I’m no longer questioning my place. I’m no longer waiting for permission. I’m bringing different energy and my work is getting more attention.”
Matt, CEO, Remitly

“My wife and I joke that deciding to hire you was one of the best decisions I ever made...even though she's the one who suggested it! These sessions have a way of slowing down my racing thoughts and making me feel more relaxed and ready to handle the really hard stuff - and your detailed notes are priceless!”
Carol, Account Manager, Planview

“I accepted a new role with a strategy firm that feels so much more aligned, and their offer exceeded my expectations! They definitely feel like my people and my contributions are already making an impact. Thank you for all your support. It matters and makes a huge difference.”