About
I help leaders find the joy of leading!
Katie Spencer
I won’t bore you with my full story – but basically, after working in PR and communications in the for-profit sector, I returned to graduate school to study anthropology. I wound up working in the nonprofit world for nearly two decades in both local and national-scale organizations. Along the way, I’ve had triumphs, made mistakes, and learned a ton, always keeping my anthropologist’s ear bent toward the way things work and the things that don’t work so well.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as a consultant for nonprofits and small-to-midsized companies. I have developed a talent for pinpointing where organizations get stuck, naming what gets in their way, and helping leaders understand their organizations and how to lead their teams to achieve results.
I’ve worked with many, many amazing leaders. Each one has her own style and expertise. Each one has the capacity the lead her organization to success. And every leader I’ve ever met needs help – not because they’re not up to the job. But because no one leads well in a vacuum.
I have a master’s degree in social sciences from University of Chicago, love teaching as an adjunct professor when time allows, and have served on the board of several nonprofit organizations. I currently reside in the greater Chicago area with my lovely, busy family and one nutty cat.
My Approach
I’m an organizational anthropologist and consultant who is completely fascinated by how organizations and the people who make them up work together, or don’t so much. I have a knack for delving deep into an organization to understand the culture and identify strengths and challenges. I pinpoint what propels you forward and what keeps your organization stuck.
As an engaging and experienced facilitator, I help you craft a plan to leverage what works and tackle what gets in the way. I help you articulate your vision and how to get there. And I do it in a way that is inclusive across your team, your board, and key stakeholders; so everyone’s voice is heard and everyone has ownership over the plan and how it gets brought to life. We claim your vision, chart a path, establish how you’ll measure progress, and define how you’ll hold yourselves accountable to driving results.
I also facilitate when you just need to get on the same page, make a difficult decision, reclaim your aspirations after disruption, or deal with some challenging dynamics.
As a coach, I serve as a thought partner and sounding board helping you understand your style, setting your vision for yourself as a leader, and laying out steps to move you there. I believe you have what it takes to be both a successful and a joyful leader. I’ll help you tackle the tough stuff, find clarity and focus, and source the joy of leading your organization to achieve results.
As an energetic, long-time educator and trainer, I help you develop your team, build a culture of learning, nurture team cohesion, and continually strive to remain relevant and curious as an organization.