Women Who Lead Online Feature | Katie McCauley

Meet Kate McCauley ... A Woman Who Leads!

Who or what has influenced you as a leader?

My life's journey has influenced my leadership skills. Both of my parents instilled leadership into my mentality from a young age. As an educator, I was a leader for my students every single day. It was important for me to role model positive behaviors and leadership skills. I have experienced a few leaders during my time as an educator who did not embody the attributes needed to cultivate a positive workplace environment. My journey has included great examples of leadership and examples of who not to become as well. Within my personal life as a mother and professional life as a business owner, I continue to learn as I go and from others who have traveled the path before me. I'm grateful for all of it.

What book would you recommend to a young woman beginning her leadership journey??

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown. It reminded me that there is a great need to be vulnerable and real with people. This brings empathy and connection with others. Failure teaches bravery. As a business owner, failure is a constant worry, but with failure comes lessons and new creative ideas. Integrity was another big takeaway. The book reminded me to practice what I preach. I liked the concept of choosing courage over comfort and to do what is right, not easy.

In your opinion, what are three (3) barriers or challenges women in leadership are still facing today?

Owning our success is a barrier for some women, myself included. Discussing success sometimes strangely feels as if I'm bragging. As I grow my business, I am making an effort to share openly what I have accomplished. Balancing it all is a barrier when a woman is in a leadership role. Parent entrepreneurs and especially women, wear many hats. Balancing it all is stressful. It has been extremely important that I have support in my journey to keep myself sane.?

Gender inequality is a barrier women leaders face. Women are often viewed as the caregivers and support system and when you are a leader, you face scrutiny. You are judged as too assertive, bossy or demanding but also judged if you aren't strong. Then you are too soft and sensitive. As a women leader, I need to constantly keep my mindset focused on the direction I am headed and walk that path with confidence and support.

What is your "why"?

I am founder and CEO of my business. My WHY for continuing to do what I do every day is my family. My WHY is my three children and my husband. I want my children to see what hard work can do. I want the freedom to set my own schedule to be there for my husband and children. I want to be fully present in my life. I want to live my purpose and make money doing it. When fear creeps in, I reflect back on my WHY and I keep going.

Please share your WORDS OF GRATITUDE for women who have come before you.?

I have overflowing, massive amounts of gratitude for the women who have traveled the path before me. I am supported by a tribe of female entrepreneurs in the coaching industry who guide me and push me to keep going. It is so valuable to share my creative ideas with others who are aligned with my views and what to see me grow. The feedback I receive is genuine and it has saved me years of trial and error.

I am also empowered by other female speakers who have graced stages before me. I am incredibly grateful for their tips and tricks that have worked and what hasn't. I am able to learn from them instead of navigating blindly and that is priceless. To see that other women have stayed the course and become successful is something I am extremely grateful for. It proves that hard work pays off. I appreciate all of the roadblocks they moved to make it possible and to show me that I can do it too.

Much love and gratitude to all of you amazing women.

Kate has 20 years of experience as an educator, is a workshop facilitator, an expert speaker on mindset and works with clients 1:1 and in group settings. Her company Danu, is a certified WBENC women-owned business and certified as a Woman Owned Small Business through The United States Small Business Administration. Kate helps people manage stress through building habits to use every day at home and at work to live as the happiest and healthiest version of themselves. It all begins with a mindset shift.

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