Kat Francis: Coach. Strategist. Working Mum’s Champion.

Kat empowers ambitious women to excel on their own terms. With 20 years of experience in creative agencies, leading teams, shaping brands and working with senior stakeholders across diverse industries, she combines a rare mix of sharp intellect, strategic vision, fearless determination and practical wisdom. An insatiable learner, Kat translates insight into real, lasting impact.

What made you pivot out of your agency career into coaching? 

After years in agency leadership, I realised I loved helping people grow just as much as I loved building businesses. The feedback I was receiving from team members I mentored, combined with my passion for leadership, gave me the confidence to know this was where I was meant to be. Coaching allows me to keep learning and growing while helping others do the same. It’s my dream job. And getting to do it alongside Jac and Ngaire, who are absolute legends, makes it even sweeter.

How did your time in agency leadership prepare you for coaching?

Creative agencies are the ultimate pressure cooker. After 20 years in this environment, I’ve worked out how to navigate complex teams, manage high-stakes projects, pitch ideas successfully, and think strategically under pressure. These skills translate directly into coaching. I’ve learnt to read people quickly, understand what motivates them, and adapt my approach to different personalities and situations. That experience helps me guide leaders with clarity and empathy, turning real-world challenges into growth opportunities.

What’s a belief or mindset that’s changed for you over time?

I used to think success meant doing everything myself and being everything to everyone. I’ve learnt that real leverage comes from asking for help, building the right team around you, and trusting others to show up. That shift has transformed both my work and life.

What has motherhood taught you? 

Besides how to juggle eleven things at once, motherhood has been a masterclass in patience, prioritisation, and letting go of control. It’s taught me to value presence over perfection (which is hard for me!) and to celebrate small wins and small moments. These are all skills that translate directly into how I coach leaders to perform without burning out.

What’s your morning ritual or non-negotiable habit?

It doesn’t always happen first thing because… kids… But exercising every day is a non-negotiable habit. Usually the goal is going for a run, a power walk, or mat pilates at home. I used to chase PBs and distance and heart rate, but now it’s all about how it makes me feel. In 30 minutes, I prime my brain for the day, boost my mood, get a hit of nature and sunshine, spark new ideas, and carve out time that’s just mine. It’s hands down the biggest ROI of anything I do all day… besides hugging my kids and being present with them, of course.

What’s a career or life risk you’re glad you took?

I have a healthy relationship with risk and believe that if you play small, you stay small. I’ve built a habit of saying yes to big opportunities, even when I didn’t feel ready or deserving. Not everything worked out, but I’ve never regretted taking the leap. Most recently, I walked away from my dream of running a profitable creative agency to coach full-time. It was scary, but stepping into the unknown has built a business and life that energise me every day.

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend? 

I love fast weeks and slow weekends. Monday to Friday, I thrive on being productive and organised. On weekends, I keep plans minimal and enjoy the in-between moments with my family. This involves plenty of exercise, movie night and ice cream on Friday, swimming and brunch on Saturday, picnics, books, games, and the Good Weekend quiz. Sunday nights are for throwback movies with my husband (Harrison Ford and Denzel Washington are favourites).

What’s something you wish more leaders understood about themselves? 

That influence is less about being right and more about understanding, listening, and creating space for others to step up. Leadership is about impact, not ego.

If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to take the leap. Not every risk will pay off, but the learning always does. Trust that figuring it out as you go is part of the process. The obstacle in the way is the way.