Kate E. Stephenson
Holistic Life & Career CoachTransforming Untapped Potential into Personal Power
Hi, I’m Kate— certified career and leadership coach, expert publisher, writer and editor with over 20 years of experience in this work.
My clients are dreamers and doers with something to say.
Whether you are a rising leader, busy parent, or a C-suite executive, seeking a new role or a life re-imagined, I help you own your story — powerfully — so that you can achieve your goals, make possibilities reality, and birth your dreams.
My Journey
Storyteller, Editor, Sounding Board
I started my career as an editor at the largest book publisher in the world at the time (Pearson Education), with my eye on one day becoming the next Jackie O or Toni Morrison of publishing.
Authors often joke that their editor is their best friend and their therapist (now I’d say masterful coach).
Resumes & Starting My Practice
Along the way to publishing greatness, a friend asked me to proofread her resume. In the end, I completely rewrote it, reframing the document to reflect not only her skills but also her professional character and unique value proposition. This reframing became the bedrock of my career services business, which I launched in 2006.
A Curious Coach
“If you could lock up all of your doubts and fears in a box and shut the box away in the deepest recesses of the attic of your mind, what would you want to do with your career/your life?”
“If you walked into your perfect job today, what would it feel and look like for you?”
“If you asked your favorite colleague or manager, what are the five words they would use to describe you?”
After many years of posing these deep questions to my resume clients in an effort to tell their stories, a longtime client asked me, “Kate, have you considered offering coaching as a service?”
As a resume writer, my work was to help clients get clear on who they saw in the mirror and what it was they wanted to reflect to the rest of the world. The truth was — I had already been coaching clients through project, life, and career goals for over a decade.
When I realized that, I decided to pursue my coaching certification. This led me to some life changing experiences in the Playing Big facilitators training with Tara Mohr and other programs, which deepened my practice even further.
Coaching was the final key to me. I knew that when we clear ourselves of anxiety and make space to hear the gentle voice of our true desires, something amazing happens — the path forward becomes clear. My coach raining taught me the tools and language to help people do this better.
Over the years, I have:
- Coached hundreds of professionals and facilitated group workshops across many industries.
- Consulted on & written hundreds of resumes, cover letters, professional bios, LinkedIn profiles and other materials that reflect who my clients truly are and bring visibility to their professional value
- Co-authored, ghost-authored, and edited dozens of books and articles, working with a diverse clientele to support clear, captivating communications
All of these years as writer, editor, and coach have given me the tools to understand how to tell your story and highlight what makes you unique.
Today, I am on a mission to write a new world, one brave and inspiring story at a time, so you can become the best version of yourself — at home, at work, and on the go.
WHAT ARE THE PILLARS OF PERSONHOOD
Unlock Your Personal Power. Say Hello to THE REAL YOU
I believe that the key to designing this future is understanding the pillars upon which you are building it. In my practice, I’ve developed a 5 P’s approach to help you show up as the person you truly want to be.
Throughout our sessions, you’ll explores the 5 Pillars of Personhood℠ by exploring:
Perception: What do you see?
Perspective: How do you see it?
Priority: What importance/time are you assigning it?
Purpose: What intention do you ascribe to it?
Practice: How do your daily actions support it?
MY APPROACH
Values
Laughter is good medicine
I believe that often we have a choice of whether to laugh or to cry—I choose laughter: it activates positive hormones that promote productive progress. It literally makes you feel better.
Judgement is a boomarang
When we see faults in others, often it is a reflection of the fault we see in ourselves. We judge ourselves harshly. I believe that we can choose differently—we can choose self love, self kindness, and self esteem.
Love is a powerful four-letter word
Unconditional love is the total acceptance of yourself: seeing yourself root, stem, blossom, thorns and all—AND—making generous, supportive space to become more of who you want to be. You are worthy.
Governing Principles
Sovereignty
I honor my power over how I prioritize my time, apply my gifts, and connect with others. I recognize your sacred sovereignty in kind.
Expression
I approach all levels of communication with mindful intention, seeking to express myself authentically.
Intuition
I bring my whole self into coaching, listening with my ears, body and spirit to hear the truth that wants to speak.
Elemental Connection
I celebrate and am sustained by my connection with the earth, with the elements, with other people, with myself, and with my higher power.
MY EDUCATION
Coaching Certifications
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coach Federation (ICF)
- Certified Holistic Life, Career and Executive Coach, Goal Imagery Institute
- Certified Relational Trauma Coach, BEAbove Leadership
- Certified Yoga Breath Coach, Yoga Body
Other Accreditation
- Master of Arts in Publishing and Writing, Emerson College
- Bachelor of Arts in Literature and the Arts, Vassar College
