Welcome back to another walk and talk episode of Sukany4 - The Podcast, where today, we had the pleasure of hosting the inspirational Katy Murray! Katy is a leadership coach, author, and creator of spaces where women leaders find their strength, focus on what matters, and elevate their impact – all while staying deeply connected to their well-being. We took a stroll through Kendal, and as we did, Katy shared invaluable insights about the journey of balancing self-confidence with the pressures of external validation, especially for women in leadership.
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Finding Strength in Inner Wisdom
Katy’s approach to leadership coaching is rooted in reconnecting people with their inner wisdom. Instead of offering prescriptive “shoulds,” Katy guides leaders to trust their intuition and listen to their bodies, emotions, and experiences.
She emphasized the importance of stepping back from the daily grind to gain perspective – a chance to “work on” rather than “work in” the business. This holistic view helps leaders prioritize, refocus, and thrive. Her philosophy? Transformation begins when we give ourselves the space to honour our own needs and wisdom.
The Magic of Connection
Katy’s career journey began with a fascination for group dynamics. Early in her career, she facilitated group work, sparking her interest in leadership and organizational development. Her love for working with people grew, culminating in her focus on creating environments where individuals can connect, grow, and thrive.
One standout moment she shared was a return to in-person coaching after months of remote work. The experience reminded her of the irreplaceable energy that comes from shared spaces – a dynamic that simply can’t be replicated online.
While online coaching has its conveniences, Katy treasures the energy of being in a room full of people, where creativity and collaboration can flourish in real-time. Balancing these modes of work is an ongoing part of her journey.
Celebrating Support and Solidarity
Katy spoke passionately about the importance of support networks, especially among women. Society often pushes us to compete or compare, but Katy has cultivated spaces that celebrate connection and shared success.
One theme we explored was the art of reclaiming agency – learning to rely on our own inner compass rather than seeking external validation. For Katy, this is particularly vital for women who feel the weight of societal expectations. Her goal is to help leaders rediscover their personal power and step into roles that align with their authentic selves.
Navigating Systems and Privilege
We also delved into how larger systems, like patriarchy and white supremacy, shape our behaviours and expectations. Katy shared her journey of unlearning biases as a white woman, while I reflected on my experiences as a brown woman navigating the complexities of compliance and people-pleasing. Together, we acknowledged the importance of dismantling these patterns to lead with authenticity.
Living Seasonally: Embracing Rest and Growth
One of the most impactful parts of our conversation was Katy’s perspective on life’s seasons – the ebbs and flows that mirror nature’s cycles. She talked about honouring “business winters” by intentionally stepping back to rest, recharge, and reflect.
This summer, Katy is fully embracing this philosophy, leaving space for joy and spontaneity. Whether it’s dancing, enjoying festivals, or simply spending time outdoors, she’s leaning into activities that rejuvenate her spirit.
This concept resonated deeply with me, as I’ve noticed similar patterns in my own life. Katy reminded me that by acknowledging and respecting these cycles, we can live more in tune with our needs rather than battling unrealistic expectations.
Finding Joy in Presence
A key takeaway from our walk was the power of mindfulness and savoring the present moment. For Katy, this mindset didn’t come naturally – it required practice to let go of future anxieties and embrace life as it is.
From enjoying a simple breeze to connecting with loved ones, Katy’s approach is a beautiful reminder that life’s richness often lies in the small, everyday moments.
Katy’s Journey to Authorship
Katy’s recently published book, Change Makers, represents a major milestone in her career. Writing on a tight schedule, she poured her insights and experiences into a resource designed to inspire and guide others. The book reflects her philosophy of small, consistent efforts leading to transformative change.
The Power of Making Others Feel Valued
We began by reflecting on a quote we both love (likely by Maya Angelou):
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Final Thoughts: Choosing Joy and Authenticity
Katy left us with an inspiring vision of her life: being the “older woman who marches, dances, and connects with people she loves.” It’s a vision grounded in joy, connection, and authenticity – values that ripple outward to positively impact others.
Reflecting on a beautiful quote often attributed to Gandhi:
"Your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits."
This reminded us that change often begins with the language we use and the intentionality we bring into our daily lives.
Thank you, Katy, for joining me and sharing your journey and insights. To our listeners, I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did! If you’d like to explore more of Katy’s work, check out her book, Change Makers, and follow her for updates on her upcoming events and insights.
If you found something in our conversation that resonated, share your thoughts with us on social media! We’d love to hear how you connect with the idea of living seasonally. Don’t forget to share this episode with friends who might benefit from Katy’s wisdom – and stay tuned for more walks and conversations.
As always, thank you for tuning in, and make sure to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations. See you on the next walk! 🌱
Until next then, take care and keep exploring!
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