DENA JENSON
Director of Center for Nonprofit Leadership,
California Lutheran University
Following the Thomas Fire in late 2017, local nonprofit leaders were reeling from the unanticipated demands of community recovery and needed Catherine’s expertise to help shape and inform their leadership during this most unprecedented time. Catherine was careful to listen actively and to tailor the pre-event discovery calls prior to the workshop to meet the unique needs of local leaders.
The day-of the event, Catherine was received by our colleagues and peers as a respected thought leader. That special rapport allowed our constituents to achieve trust and candor in a very short period of time, freeing us all to absorb the session content. The session was at capacity with a diverse learning community and included a valuable blend of theory and practical tools, techniques and role play. Our time with Catherine was fun, high energy and the seminar evaluations were stellar.
CHRISTINE GRIMM
Founder & Principal Consultant
Aria Consulting International and Forbes Coaching Council
Catherine is a kind and collaborative person to work and partner with. She is a great listener, a visionary leader and likes to make the big ideas come to life. Her genuine compassion and interest in other was at the core of the success we had establishing the Alumni Leadership Council and overall, reorganizing how alumni volunteers were engaged with Pepperdine. Catherine has a real talent for engaging people and connection, in a group and one on one. I also have to say that Catherine isn't afraid of hard work so she will put in significant effort to see things through to the end and the accomplishment of a vision.
NANCY SHONKA PADBERG
President and CEO
Catholic Education Arizona
Catherine is a results-oriented professional with tremendous integrity, is highly organized, has a terrific network, excellent communication skills and outstanding business sensibility. I have known Catherine for years, witnessed her many successes and am proud to call her a colleague.
DR. MARA L. “Coach” TAYLOR
Founder of GOGI (Getting out by Going In)
Author and Strategist for executives and high net worth clients
Were it not for Catherine Kort's coaching and support, Getting Out by Going In (GOGI) could not have risen to its respected position as a viable solution for reducing recidivism and returning incarcerated citizens to their communities successfully. Her ability to lead, coach, train, and facilitate has played a major role in our successes. As the founder of Getting Out by Going In, I personally relied on Catherine's ability to see beyond the obvious, as well as point out potential dangers as, together, we charted a course that can PowerUp! all communities.
SUZANNE ELLIOT
Vice President, Envision Consulting, Los Angeles/New York
Consultant for Nonprofit Organization and Mission-Driven Businesses
I've seen Catherine skillfully and graciously lead groups as both a nonprofit executive and a volunteer. She lives and practices the coaching techniques that she teaches to others. Catherine's depth of experience and generous soul make her a leader who can bring out the best in individuals and teams.
KELLY BROWN
Director of 2-1-1 Ventura County, Interface Children & Family Services
Operations Director, 2-1-1 Partnership for California
Since 2016, Catherine has served as a coach and mentor who has guided me to a level of career growth and success beyond that which I imagined for myself. I started as a manager when Catherine reached out to me as a coworker in an executive role. Since then, I have received many honors and advised on national disasters, serving as the Operations Director for the 211 Partnership for California and now, a Director at Interface. I oversee more than 100 staff servicing 40 counties in two states and a multi-million dollar budget. I was ready when called upon to lead – she helped me be fearless and feel supported while taking on disaster response responsibilities during life-threatening hurricanes, floods, fires, and pandemic. What I most appreciate about Catherine is what a good listener she is and how easily she helps me to remain focused, and set and achieve goals that are in alignment with my vision during highly stressful times. I do not hesitate to call on her in times of challenge and for ongoing visioning and goal setting.
GRACE HAO
Co-Founder of the Coach Excellence School
Catherine is a skilled and knowledgable communicator, coach, and facilitator. I value her years of experience and expertise in non-profit. She has been instrumental in expanding and customizing our curriculum to serve non-profit organizations globally.
Catherine is timely, professional, creative, and an excellent collaborator. I highly recommend her and hold her in high regard.
AMY TOWNER
Chief Executive Officer
Health Care Foundation for Ventura County
Catherine has been masterful in bringing together various stakeholders in a variety of situations and skillfully gets to objectives efficiently and effectively while empowering everyone involved.