Meet Kathy James
Resilience Strategist | L&D Leader | Founder of CatapultU
Kathy James doesn’t just speak about resilience—she embodies it. Her journey from surviving instability and illiteracy to leading corporate training initiatives for Fortune 500 companies is proof that growth is possible no matter where you start.
As a Corporate Learning & Development Leader and Resilience Speaker, Kathy blends lived wisdom with decades of professional experience to help individuals and organizations navigate challenges with clarity, courage, and compassion. She’s trained thousands of professionals across supply chain, finance, and technology teams—empowering them with the tools to adapt, communicate, and lead through change.

​In 2025, Kathy founded CatapultU, a social enterprise dedicated to bridging the gap in accessible learning and continued education. Through free online courses and community-powered insights, CatapultU offers career and life skill development to those experiencing financial hardship. It’s a full-circle mission rooted in Kathy’s own story of overcoming educational barriers and building a future on her own terms.
Her signature framework help professionals and youth alike break through burnout, reframe setbacks, and build purpose-driven momentum. Whether on stage, in workshops, or through her writing, Kathy equips audiences to transform obstacles into opportunities.
When she's not speaking, mentoring, or developing programs, Kathy enjoys time as a wife, mother of three, and proud “Mimi.” Her story is a reminder that resilience isn’t a buzzword—it’s a lifelong build.




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Resilience & Mental Strength – How to develop perseverance in the face of adversity.​
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Leadership & Personal Growth – Strategies for leading with authenticity and purpose.​
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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – Shifting self-doubt into self-empowerment. ​

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Accessible Adult Learning – Not Everyone Starts at the Same Line​
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Kathy's TEDx talk and various speaking engagements have inspired audiences worldwide, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose and action.