ABOUT
KATHRYN ORFORD

Kathryn Orford is a luminary in transformational leadership and team dynamics, with a profound personal story of resilience and triumph. From a young age, Kathryn was a talented state-level athlete in softball, netball, and track and field. However, it was at age 13, when she took her first dance class, that she discovered her true passion. By 16, she announced her dream to become a professional dancer, only to be told she was 'too old, too tall, didn't have enough turn out in her hip sockets, and had flat feet and might as well forget it!'

Undeterred, Kathryn proved her critics wrong and turned professional at 21, dancing extensively across Europe before opening a highly successful school of performing arts in Sydney, Australia. She knows what it takes to create and lead a winning team, whether in business or sports.

A Journey of Triumph and Innovation

Kathryn’s journey didn't stop at dance. Her father, a former Australian Cycling Champion, was her first unofficial mindset coach, instilling in her the mental fortitude and resilience that would define her career. Despite battling her inner critic and facing moments of deep despair, Kathryn learned to turn this inner critic into her greatest ally and personal cheer squad. This personal transformation deeply influences her innovative approach to leadership and personal development.

Kathryn stumbled into catering at age 19, starting as the night cashier at Bennelong Restaurant in the Sydney Opera House. Within 18 months, she was promoted to Day Time Manager. After dancing extensively throughout Europe, she returned to the Opera House as the PR and Sales Manager for the Catering division, where she organized functions, book launches, and events.

All of these experiences honed her skills in team building and leadership, allowing her to effectively create and lead successful teams.

With over 20 years of experience in speaking, coaching, and training, Kathryn's rich background in performing arts allows her to view a team as a dance troupe, where each member’s strengths contribute to a harmonious performance. Her expertise is underpinned by her knowledge of NLP, neuroscience, and mental performance mastery, combined with an authentic understanding of human potential.

Kathryn Orford's story is one of triumph and innovation, inspiring others to realize their potential and lead with confidence and resilience.

Image: Kathryn with Oprah Winfrey

Empathy and Empowerment in Leadership

Kathryn's sessions are interactive and engaging, using her journey to connect with and inspire her audience. She specializes in identifying and nurturing strengths and guiding individuals and teams to reach their potential. Her approach is not just about leading, but empowering and transforming personal and professional challenges into opportunities for growth.

Creating a Legacy of Positive Change

Kathryn’s mission is to foster resilient, positive leaders capable of creating inspiring and innovative work environments. Her vision is a world where leadership is not just a position but a dance of motivated individuals, harmoniously led by transformational leaders.

Kathryn continues to inspire and transform the landscape of leadership and personal development, one story, one team at a time.

_{Image: Kathryn with Jack Canfield}