Katie Kurtz

Connection is what I am all about.

If we were connecting in real life, I’d look you square in the eyes and ask how your heart is, because I want to know how you really are, in the moment- beyond the fine’s and good’s. I want to know what lights you up and gives you that spark of joy every day. If that is already making you feel a little uncomfortable, then good. Because I believe in order to make real connection, real impact and real change-we have to get uncomfortable.

If you are still living, leading or building with the goal to serve, impact or create a shift and you are not rocking vulnerability, harnessing courage or centering connection-then I can’t imagine you are getting very far beyond the status quo. Real magic and movement begins once we cultivate the courage to get uncomfortable, a little messy and break down the shoulds and “this is how it’s always been” mentalities to start coming up with truly innovative possibilities.

I used to live in the silos and follow all the rules that created divisions and gave me a false sense of belonging and worth. I have been told I am too much, too little, not smart enough, not old enough, too rebel hearted, too loud, and that I care too much. I used to sit at jobs where they continued to perpetuate broken systems and stale programs that caused more harm than help. The risk of thinking differently or trying something new was deemed too hard and therefore, settling was the only option they felt was possible. I couldn’t shake the fact that there had to be a way to do things differently; that my passion and determination wasn’t “too much”, in fact, it was just what we needed to disrupt the settledness. So, I got real with all those boxes I was being placed in by systems, society, culture, my fear, etc. and decided to smash the box. Once I started defying the status quo, I realized how possible it was for not just myself but our organizations, systems and businesses to do the same. I realized I had to start seeking out fellow disruptors and the creatively courageous who were willing to see beyond the boxes and status quo and be open minded and willing to try to do it differently.

I have an unwavering passion for this work. I prefer deep dives and courageous conversations because whether it’s a personal, business or professional connection-in the end it’s connection and it’s why we are here as humans. That’s why I created The Gatherings and founded Her Turn, Co. - a movement that is redefining how womxn connect. I like to learn who you are and why you are here rather than hearing your resume or learning your titles. Brene Brown is my spirit animal and I infuse her teachings and work into how I live and work.

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