Katy is a retired Army Officer, an experienced horsewoman, a dyslexic who was diagnosed in her 40’s, a businesswoman, keynote speaker and loves leadership. She is passionate about spreading the message that we are all leaders and are the heroes or heroines of our own life’s story.
Katy’s leadership experience is gained from living through abuse from a family member who sexually abused her as a child under the age of 8. As a teenager she made the decision to not let that man ruin her life and to live her life to the full.
Joining the Army in her mid 20’s, on a personal mission to do a very unordinary job for a woman. Katy has served in many overseas postings, working in hostile environments such as leading teams of soldiers on operations in Bosnia, Northern Ireland, and as a Squadron Commander in Iraq. Whilst also being a female leader in a man’s world where bullying, sexual discrimination and sexual harassment by male leaders is all too readily accepted as the norm. She left the Army shortly after being politically expelled from Russia as a Military Attaché in 2014.
During her 20yrs in the Army, she married her long-term boyfriend, who became increasingly emotionally and psychologically abusive as his narcissistic behaviour came to the fore. This drip-fed destructive behaviour had a long-lasting detrimental effect on her.
Katy’s learning from life is that abusive behaviour destroys trust and undermines the leadership it hides behind. It damages self-esteem, self-confidence, belief, and trust in yourself. BUT with awareness and a decision to create change, all can be rebuilt.
When Katy was 8yrs old she was given a pony called Taffy, which was a life changing event. Horses have been her mentor, escape from life’s pressures, her silent best friends. Katy’s dog Sally and horse Pergamos were her travelling companions for 16 1/2 years during her Army career, and her Stallion Alegre is now her muse for civilian life. Horses have taught her how to lead, trust, have belief, take responsibility and to never give up.
Katy’s leadership experience is gained from living through abuse from a family member who sexually abused her as a child under the age of 8. As a teenager she made the decision to not let that man ruin her life and to live her life to the full.
Joining the Army in her mid 20’s, on a personal mission to do a very unordinary job for a woman. Katy has served in many overseas postings, working in hostile environments such as leading teams of soldiers on operations in Bosnia, Northern Ireland, and as a Squadron Commander in Iraq. Whilst also being a female leader in a man’s world where bullying, sexual discrimination and sexual harassment by male leaders is all too readily accepted as the norm. She left the Army shortly after being politically expelled from Russia as a Military Attaché in 2014.
During her 20yrs in the Army, she married her long-term boyfriend, who became increasingly emotionally and psychologically abusive as his narcissistic behaviour came to the fore. This drip-fed destructive behaviour had a long-lasting detrimental effect on her.
Katy’s learning from life is that abusive behaviour destroys trust and undermines the leadership it hides behind. It damages self-esteem, self-confidence, belief, and trust in yourself. BUT with awareness and a decision to create change, all can be rebuilt.
When Katy was 8yrs old she was given a pony called Taffy, which was a life changing event. Horses have been her mentor, escape from life’s pressures, her silent best friends. Katy’s dog Sally and horse Pergamos were her travelling companions for 16 1/2 years during her Army career, and her Stallion Alegre is now her muse for civilian life. Horses have taught her how to lead, trust, have belief, take responsibility and to never give up.
What Can the Audience Expect
An inspiring story of strength, moral courage, that many will relate to. A story of how Katy held her own life’s course. Picking herself up from those who have tried to pull her down because of their low-grade values and behaviours. Learning from herself, her horses, and others that good leadership comes from inside, from the heart and soul of the individual and not from a title. And that she is her own heroine.
Presentation Approach
Katy speaks from the heart, is open, honest and speaks passionately. She will tailor her speech to the audience with the aim of leaving you inspired and determined to go forth and be the best hero or heroine that you can be for your own life’s journey.
