Hey, I'm Kat Francis.
I’m a Kiwi-born, Melbourne-based mum of two wonderfully energetic and neurodivergent boys, Patrick and Arthur. As a qualified Leadership Coach, certified by the Australian Institute of Professional Coaches, I draw on more than 20 years of commercial and strategy experience leading high-performing teams at top-tier creative agencies in Australia and New Zealand.
I'm here for the ones with the audacity to want both
These are women who hold big roles and little hands. Who pour themselves into the boardroom and the bedtime routine. Who are proud of what they’ve built at work and at home, but are frustrated by feeling that they’re always being asked to choose. Everywhere I look, I see brilliant women navigating this tension. They're striving to excel in systems that weren’t designed for them, while carrying the invisible load of motherhood.
Surely there should be a practical handbook for this. A blueprint. A roadmap. There isn’t. So I’m building one – with you.
My story
Over the last decade, I focused on leading high-performing teams, driving business growth, and forging strategic partnerships with senior leaders across both SMEs and large enterprises, spanning a wide range of industries. I loved every minute of my corporate career, but what lit me up most was mentoring emerging female talent, especially new mums and those navigating their path into motherhood.
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Why? Because for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted two things: to be a mum and to have a rich, meaningful career.
And while that should be a liberty, not a luxury, I’ve learnt firsthand that it’s anything but easy. After having children, I worked inside a system that demanded more than any one person should give. I was constantly stretching the limits of what I could juggle, achieve, and sustain. Over time, I figured out how to lead, deliver, and keep growing, all while still maintaining my well-being. That experience reshaped my view of leadership and gave me the tools and insights to help others.
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It sparked a deeper mission:
"To help ambitious working mums outperform without burning out."
Today, through coaching, I use those hard-earned lessons to help women redefine success on their own terms, reclaim space for themselves, and build careers that truly fit their lives.​
The core beliefs that shape my approach
1 / You shouldn't have to choose between ambition and motherhood.
You can be deeply invested in both your work and your family. And you deserve the support, structure, and strategy to make it sustainable.
2 / You don't need fixing, you need a different framework.
This isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about changing the conditions around you so you can thrive, not just survive.
3 / You can outperform without burning out.
High performance isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about knowing where to focus, when to rest, and how to use your influence wisely.
4 / Your career should serve your life, not the other way around.
You get to decide what success looks like and build a career that honours your values, energy, and ambitions.
5 / Leverage is everything.
Power at work doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from knowing your unique value proposition and using it to shape your terms.
Grace - Creative Lead
"Kat is a natural leader who has helped me build confidence in my career and shown me how to create a more supportive environment for myself and those around me. She guided me through a career-shaping leap and is now supporting me as I work toward the next one in my personal growth."
Talia - Marketing Manager
"Working with Kat has helped me clarify my career and family goals and build a vision for my future that I’m truly excited about. As a coach, Kat brings a rare mix of strategic clarity and emotional intelligence. Her incredible gift for asking the right questions challenged me to expand my thinking and turn complexity into simple, powerful steps."
Jonah - Chief of Staff
"Kat has been a huge source of courage and inspiration. She quickly understood exactly what I needed and provided the strategy and support to take my career to the next level. The sessions and check-ins between them have kept me focused, confident, and motivated. I feel safe, heard, and excited for what’s ahead."