CREATIVITY AT THE SCALE OF OUR NEED

Climate Stripes, reversed. Credit to Ed Hawkins, University of Reading

I help founders and executive teams scale their work in the world, safely.

When any team grows from one scale of operations to another, things break.

Growing from ten to one hundred, a hundred to one thousand, from a thousand to ten thousand reps of whatever we do each year? Launching new markets, new products, new leaders? The challenge is exhilarating. And, every functional system will break. 

When we take on complexity, the ways we sell, fulfill, get paid, raise capital, and define our products must evolve. The way we listen, learn, and reach agreement with one another. Every system will need to be redesigned, multiple times. This part, we know.

Holding the vision and running the business, while evaluating which systems are good enough for now, and which need immediate attention is crucial, often invisible work. It is more than any single mind or nervous system can hold. It is not what we are taught. And, it can be learned.

Through the last 20 years, I have built, restructured and dismantled dozens of teams and found patterns that work across industries, disciplines and market cycles. I have never seen a team collapse for lack of intelligence, horsepower, or will. When teams run out of cash, capital or desire to keep going, it hurts - and it is never a surprise. Predictable is preventable.

My father, Jo Knight - whitewater World Championships, Austria 1965

The teams I serve seek opportunity and take calculated risks in churning, challenging, ever-changing conditions. Beloved teacher and mentor Ralf Biggadike described these conditions as ‘the whitewater world’.

My clients want to thrive there. They want to be profitable in any market. To create exceptional, enduring results while feeling vitally connected to the work, and to each other. They want to build something better than what they’ve experienced.

This is not too much to ask.

I am dedicated to helping teams navigate the joy and the trials of scaling, safely, so they can deliver the full impact of their work in the world, as broadly as they desire.

“Only one in ten startups will survive?”

Enough.

I believe scaling can be done profitably and in deep alignment. 

I believe that growing a business is like raising a child. It can consume everything you thought you had, and give you more than you dreamed of.

It can break your heart and bank account. It can be a gift that serves generations.

It is the creative act of a lifetime.

Scaling will always be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to hurt. And no one does it alone. 

Testimonials

Evan Mack, Founder and CEO, Win Win Eco Production

  • “The relief was immediate. I had never felt so understood, validated and genuinely cared for by someone as committed to our company as us founders.

    Kate listens with her body and mind, like an expert cryptographer. I watched her embody both expert and beginner minds daily. After a few short months and one 3 day intensive with Kate, she delivered complete blueprints and we laid the foundation for total reformation. It was disorienting, challenging work. The kind that gets inside your soul and stretches you in every way, beyond what you thought you were capable of.”

Andy Barrett, Founder and CEO, Vestis Systems

  • “People are drawn to her. She is very effective facilitating groups to both plan and implement strategic initiatives. I strongly recommend her.

    She serves on our Board and we talk regenerative farming on my ranch and her properties. This year I invited her to join the design committee for the Matt’s Place Foundation Home 3.0, our third ALS home which will be designed to address the unique needs of ALS patients and their families, achieve carbon drawdown, and incorporate nature inside and out”

Zoe Xu, Financial Business Partner, McKinstry + Dawson Ventures

  • Kate has an uncanny talent to gather and synthesize insights from various organizational levels. She possesses a dual mastery of big-picture strategic planning and the minutiae of execution.

    Her work has played a critical role in enhancing our team's capabilities and instilled more confidence in our ability to drive successful M&A strategy and process.

    Working with Kate is an absolute pleasure! “

Andy Swanton, VP Properties Group, Redfin

“There aren't many people who can think strategically at the very highest levels, and also get way down into the details and figure out what needs to be improved. Kate can.

She runs through walls to solve problems, she has an eye for talent and develops people, and perhaps the best part, she's a joy to work with.”

Will J. Reid, Interim Head of Home Services, Redfin

“Kate has the vision and temperament to help at every stage in a company's lifecycle, from scrappy, underground startups to scaling and market expansion. She builds people up and makes everyone around her better. She is a powerhouse, and a tremendous leader.”

Dennis Gierula, National Director of Central Support, Redfin

  • “She quickly identifies and solves complex financial issues. She works hard to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued, and their opinions will be heard. Her enthusiasm and positive energy inspire others to strive for excellence. She can connect with people from all walks of life and levels.”

Adam Weiner, Chief Growth Officer, Redfin

“Relentless pursuit of excellence.”

The shop at Vestis Systems, construction innovation, made in America