Kat So Coaching
Welcome to Kat So Coaching
Confidence. Self-Belief. Success
I coach professional women who don't accept the status quo and are ready for more. More recognition, more balance and more fulfilment. If you're going for a promotion or facing redundancy, negotiating your salary, finding your voice in the boardroom, or taking the leap into something entirely new, I can help you get there.
My Story
After spending decades climbing the corporate ladder at media agencies in London, Sydney and New York, I'm finally doing what I love; coaching professionals and leaning into my own creativity as an aspiring artist and fashion designer (the life drawings are mine!).
It hasn't been easy, and my challenges continue, but I know I'm on the right path because it's uncomfortable and exciting at the same time. What gives me confidence is the knowledge that whenever I've faced challenges before - moving countries, changing jobs, getting divorced, being a single mum - I've overcome them.
It all comes down to self-belief, confidence and commitment.​ I believe we all have what it takes, but sometimes we need an independent party to hold up a mirror to our actions to identify and remove the unhelpful patterns getting in the way of our progress.​​
Work With Me
I believe we all need a coach by our side, especially at times of such accelerated change and uncertainty.
Coaching helps us think more clearly. Under pressure, our brains go into fight or flight mode and our emotions can take over, resulting in anxiety, procrastination and constantly questioning ourselves, making us feel stuck.
Coaching challenges the beliefs we've stopped questioning and helps create new neural pathways so we can choose a different response instead of defaulting to old behaviours that no longer serve us.
Coaching enables self-discovery and a deeper understanding what drives our thinking and shapes our behaviour so that we can become the creators of our life.
Coaching Principles
Curiosity
Change starts with a simple question: what if 'more' IS possible? Curiosity is what lets us imagine a different future. It's what gets us exploring who we are and who we could still become, including the creative parts of ourselves we may have relegated to the bottom shelf. It's never too late.
Courage
Courage is what lets us challenge the status quo, face the things that scare us and make the decisions we've been avoiding. It's also what lets us say our dreams out loud, which is often the hardest part because of our deep rooted fear of failure. Courage is being bold in the face of uncertainty.
Commitment
None of this works without showing up fully to the sessions and to yourself, reflecting between our conversations and holding yourself accountable to the goals you've set. I believe we're all 'naturally resourceful, creative and whole', commitment is what turns that potential to real change.
My Services
Professional Experience
I am a certified executive and leadership coach (ACC, ICF) with a career spanning 25+ years of senior leadership in global media agencies in London, Sydney and New York.
In 2005 I launched Lead With Us, offering executive 1:1 coaching, as well as team and leadership development for organisations navigating change and experiencing performance pressure given the realities of hybrid and AI-driven workplaces.
Prior to coaching, I held Managing Partner roles at Initiative and MEC in NY, leading global client accounts including Nike, IKEA, LEGO, KPMG and Citibank, and serving on US leadership and advisory boards.
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Alongside my client-facing roles, I created and led internal talent and mentoring programmes, work that became the bridge to my coaching practice which I started in 2019.
My coaching integrates diagnostic tools like the Leadership Circle Profile (LCP), Principles You and the Enneagram to help senior leaders and teams build self-awareness, strengthen emotional intelligence and remove the patterns that limit performance and reaching full potential.
CPCC (Co-Active Coaching) · ACC (International Coaching Federation) · Systemic Team Leadership Practitioner & Certified Coach (GTCI) · LCP (Leadership Circle Profile) Certified Practitioner · Principles You & Us Certified Practitioner · Executive & Leadership Coach (OptimalMind International) · Enneagram Fundamentals Trained (Riso-Hudson) · Reimagine Leadership (Coaches Rising, 2024) · BA Social Psychology, University of Kent
Professional Memberships: International Coaching Federation (ICF) · Coaching.com · Humanitarian Coaching Network (HCN)
Testimonials
Kristina B, Media Sales Executive, NY
“Kat’s coaching led directly to a promotion and greater self-awareness.
Over nearly two years, she helped me clarify my career path, accelerate my progress and identify my values, impacting both my professional growth and understanding of myself".
Lars H, Head of Media Planning, NY
“Kat helped me gain clarity on what I truly want in work and life. She was able to guide both big picture thinking and focused action. With her thoughtful, goal-oriented coaching (start with the finish), I’ve improved how I prioritize, communicate my value and create longer term healthier habits.
Heather L, Head of Partnerships, London
“Kat helped me gain clarity and direction in my career. Her coaching gave me space to focus on my goals, refine my core values and build a clear path forward. With her practical tools and confidence-building support, I was able to start making real progress".
George S, Financial Services, London
“Kat helped me become a more effective leader and a better manager of people. Her coaching was methodical, insightful and grounded in real-world experience. Despite not knowing my industry, she helped me navigate complex organisational dynamics and everyday challenges. Her supportive yet goal-focused style, thoughtful follow-ups and deep understanding of leadership made a lasting impact on both my confidence and performance".
Zsusza S, Senior Media Executive, NY
“Kat’s coaching gave me tools I still use daily. She helped me clarify my core values, reduce work stress and manage complex situations more confidently. Her support was key to improving my professional relationships and transitioning into a new role".
Rebecca F, Creative Agency Executive, NY
“Kat helped me uncover my true values and passions. Through creative sessions, vision setting and accountability, I finally worked out what it is I really wanted to do and made the big decision to change career direction entirely, moving cities and going back into education and towards a new career I’m truly excited about".
