About Your Coach

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

Hi, I’m Katharine.

I help leaders, teams, and career changers face their most challenging days in the office.

My clients often come to me when something critical just isn’t working anymore, the stakes are high, and the pressure is on.

Read My Story

How I Got Here

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

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

I was successful on paper, yet overwhelmed in life.

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

After burning out, I rebuilt everything.

I wanted to build a successful career, but I knew the next chapter 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.

- 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

ICF Member badge from International Coaching Federation with blue and white design.

Now I help professionals untangle what's limiting their success.

Today 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 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 strategy.

My approach is empathetic, grounded in structure, 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.

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.”