Success isn’t only found by ascending to the C-suite. The “Power Middle” is where responsibility, achievement, and work/life prioritization converge—unlocking new and different paths for growth and leadership. Cate reframes the narrative around ambition and shares strategies and insights that will empower professionals to shape fulfilling careers on their own terms.

Your Work Won’t Speak for Itself—Why Self-Advocacy is Mission Critical.         

Many people struggle to talk about their accomplishments—whether due to imposter syndrome, societal stereotypes, or simple discomfort—which can hold them back from recognition, opportunities, and growth. Cate challenges common misconceptions about self-promotion and underscores the importance of embracing self-advocacy. She offers practical, actionable strategies for articulating achievements with confidence—empowering attendees to take control of people’s perceptions by demonstrating their unique and remarkable contributions—to enhance visibility, elevate influence, and role-model for others.

From Banker to Bootstrapper.

In 2018, Cate left a two-decade career in banking to bootstrap Luminary and has scaled it to a multi-million-dollar industry-leading global professional education and networking platform. In this session, she shares her non-traditional path to growth and scale, delivering practical insights on building strategically, prioritizing sustainable growth and profitability versus growth at all costs, all while keeping the customer as your North Star.

Acquisition—The Growth Playbook No One Told You About.            

Many people struggle to talk about their accomplishments—whether due to imposter syndrome, societal stereotypes, or simple discomfort—which can hold them back from recognition, opportunities, and growth. Cate challenges common misconceptions about self-promotion and underscores the importance of embracing self-advocacy. She offers practical, actionable strategies for articulating achievements with confidence—empowering attendees to take control of people’s perceptions by demonstrating their unique and remarkable contributions—to enhance visibility, elevate influence, and role-model for others.

Redefining Success—Why Small Business is Essential to Our Future. 

Entrepreneurship and small businesses are the foundation our country was built upon, and continues to fuel our economy and communities. In this session, Cate shares how she is lifting voices, driving civic change, and investing in communities, all while providing entrepreneurs access, opportunities, resources, and tools to build, grow, and scale whether they are building a 6-figure business or the next unicorn.