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life coach melbourne
  • About
  • Work with Kate
    • Business Coaching
    • Leadership Coaching
    • Half-day coaching intensive
  • Courses & groups
    • Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Workshop
    • The Confidence Course
    • Free Monday Talk & Meditation
  • Retreat
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    • Kate’s books
    • Free resources
  • Contact
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  • About
  • Work with Kate
    • Business Coaching
    • Leadership Coaching
    • Half-day coaching intensive
  • Courses & groups
    • Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Workshop
    • The Confidence Course
    • Free Monday Talk & Meditation
  • Retreat
  • Writing
    • Blog
    • Kate’s books
    • Free resources
  • Contact
  • 0 items

Build self-belief &
find your direction

Download our free guide to discover your values and strengths and to uncover what you really want.

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Build self-belief &
find your direction

Download our free guide to discover your values and strengths and to uncover what you really want.

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Personal Growth, Confidence & Leadership Support

Kate James is a business, leadership and confidence coach based in Melbourne. Since founding Total Balance in 2002, Kate has worked with thousands of women find direction, let go of not feeling good enough and discover a true sense of self-belief.

Kate is the founder of The Confidence Course, a small group coaching program for women and host of an annual mindfulness retreat for women in Byron Bay.

She is the author of six best-selling personal development books including Change Your Thinking to Change Your Life and Quietly Confident. 

Join over 30 million global meditators on the Insight Timer meditation app to listen to Kate’s free guided meditations and 30,000 others who have taken her ten-day audio course, Build Self-Belief through Mindful Action.

BOOK AN INTRO CALL WITH KATE

leadership and confidence coaching Projects

Work with Kate

Business, leadership and confidence coaching with Kate James.

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Coaching

Create a compassionate relationship with yourself and build self-belief.

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Workshops

Rediscover peace and harmony with a transformative retreat experience.

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Retreat

Life Coaching Melbourne Clients

Kate’s coaching clients

Kate’s coaching clients are women who want to discover greater clarity about their direction and a deeper sense of confidence in themselves.  You may find that some of the following qualities resonate.

  • You might be feeling stuck or lost.
  • You may be burnt out from over-functioning.
  • You may struggle with self-confidence or self-belief.
  • You may have an inclination to overthink things.
  • You have a tendency to be hard on yourself and even perfectionistic.
  • You want to live with purpose and meaning.
  • Even if you don’t meditate, you like the idea of living consciously.
  • You care less about the external measures of success and more about being true to yourself.
  • You may have always felt a little different.
  • You feel restored by spending time in nature and care about taking care of our planet.

BOOK AN INTRO CALL WITH KATE

About Kate

Kate James is an author, coach and mindfulness teacher based in Melbourne. Drawing on principles from Positive Psychology, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, coaching philosophy and other forms of therapy, Kate helps her clients create mindful and meaningful lives. Her work is about inspiring clarity, balance, confidence and inner calm and she’ll work with you to create a deeper connection to your true self.

She is the author of six best-selling personal development books including, Believe in Yourself & Do What You Love, Be Mindful & Simplify Your Life, Change Your Thinking to Change Your Life and most recently, Quietly Confident.

Kate studied coaching in Melbourne in 2002 and opened a practice where she could blend her business experience with her interests in psychology, creativity and mindful leadership with her love of deep conversation, and purposeful living.

More about Kate

Kate James is a life coach in Melbourne.

Join Kate live every Monday

Join over 100 people from around the globe each Monday morning at 9.30am (AEST)
when Kate shares a free talk and meditation on Insight Timer. With over 135,000 followers,
Kate’s popular guided meditations will help you find clarity, calm and confidence.

JOIN HERE

What people are saying

Clare Bowditch
Big Hearted Business

‘I absolutely adore Kate. She is a highly skilled, generous and enormously gifted business coach, especially for those who don’t traditionally consider themselves “business people”. I discovered her through sheer luck (thanks Google), and I remain sincerely grateful for the counsel she offered me back in 2010 when I was first fleshing out the bones for what would become Big Hearted Business. Thanks Kate!’

Catherine Morey-Nase
The Wellbeing Corner

‘Working with Kate has literally been life changing. In addition to being extremely professional and having the highest integrity, Kate is wise, kind and generous. She is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and does just that with her compassionate, grounded and creative approach. Working with Kate helped me gain clarity and, more importantly, develop the self-belief to pursue what is truly aligned and meaningful for me.’

Elise Bialylew
Mindful in May

‘I had some coaching sessions with Kate to help me in becoming clearer about a project that I dreamt of running. Kate is authentic, professional, sparkling with creativity and truly inspiring. She provided generous ideas and helped me to develop this idea into a reality. Kate’s practice is grounded in the wisdom of meditation and you can certainly feel her clarity in the room. I have already spread the word to my friends and would highly recommend seeing her.’

Quietly Confident

In Quietly Confident, Kate looks beyond the narrow scope of popular culture and paints a broader, more human definition of what it means to have confidence and be ‘successful’. In an era that rewards those with the loudest voices (and the most followers), Kate encourages introverts to let go of outdated ideas and beliefs so that they too might shine just as brightly. With a better understanding of an introvert’s many invaluable gifts and showing us how to tap into our infinite worth, Kate will guide readers towards the confidence that already exists within each of us.

Quietly Confident - Kate James

Read Kate’s recent articles

How to stop overthinking. Image includes three button flowers against a plain background

How to stop overthinking when you can’t switch off

If there’s one common trait that exists among my clients, I think it would be this – how to stop overthinking when you can’t switch off. Almost everyone who comes to see me says some…

Read more
Meg Callander Sexologisst

Changemaker: Meg Callander

  Just over a year ago, Meg Callander and I met for a few business coaching sessions. As soon as we started chatting, it was immediately evident how warm, open and intelligent Meg is. I…

Read more
Woman with arms wide holding a bunch of tulips with a background of white weatherboards.

Breaking the cycle of overfunctioning

How to start doing less and trusting it’s enough I’ve had so many lovely responses to my recent article about overfunctioning, with many people asking the question: what can we do about this? In today’s article,…

Read more
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WORK WITH ME

COACHING
COURSES
RETREAT
Clare Bowditch<span>Big Hearted Business</span>
Clare BowditchBig Hearted Business

‘I absolutely adore Kate. She is a highly skilled, generous and enormously gifted business coach, especially for those who don’t traditionally consider themselves “business people”. I discovered her through sheer luck (thanks Google), and I remain sincerely grateful for the counsel she offered me back in 2010 when I was first fleshing out the bones for what would become Big Hearted Business. Thanks Kate!’

Elise Bialylew <span>Mindful in May</span>
Elise Bialylew Mindful in May

‘I had some coaching sessions with Kate to help me in becoming clearer about a project that I dreamt of running. Kate is authentic, professional, sparkling with creativity and truly inspiring. She provided generous ideas and helped me to develop this idea into a reality. I had been to other career counsellors in the past but this was an entirely different experience for me. Kate’s practice is grounded in the wisdom of meditation and you can certainly feel her clarity in the room. I felt absolutely blessed that although I found her through a random web search, she proved herself to be so helpful. I have already spread the word to my friends and would highly recommend seeing her if you are needing inspiration and support to reach your goals.’ Elise Bialylew, Founder, Mindful in May

Angus Wurth<span>Bonsai Media</span>
Angus WurthBonsai Media

‘Kate’s approach in her coaching sessions is relaxed and friendly while being efficient and results driven. She very quickly understood where my business was at and as such was able to provide me actionable tasks that resulted in increased profit at a time when it was much needed. I will see Kate again and continue to recommend her to other business owners.’ Angus Wurth, Bonsai Media

Amy Crawford <span>The Holistic Ingredient</span>
Amy Crawford The Holistic Ingredient

‘Like everything that the gifted Kate James does, this delightful book is full of gentle, thoughtful and poignant messages that do as the very name says, it inspires the reader to Believe in Yourself & Do What You Love. This gorgeous book simplifies what can be a particularly overwhelming process of finding our true purpose; encouraging us to take time in this journey, to embrace vulnerability, to ask the deep seated questions of ourselves without judgement – but with self compassion and kindness. Gently directing our self discovery through her gorgeously positive words, Kate’s book is the perfect accompaniment to a comfy couch, countless cups of tea, scrap books and pencils. It is a must read for anyone questioning their journey and in need of further clarity and encouragement.’ Amy Crawford, The Holistic Ingredient

Audrey Reis<span>Melbourne </span>
Audrey ReisMelbourne

‘I came across Kate’s website by chance when searching for coaching. I was immediately drawn by her work and what she was offering. My life has turned a big corner after my discovery session with Kate. I was feeling very lost, unmotivated and in a very negative state of mind about my present and future professional life and my life general. After 10 years of successfully running a business in Australia I become a full time mum and my life changed direction. I was struggling to find out what I was really passion about and which direction I wanted to go after my career gap. Kate worked with me in a very powerful and honest way that help me to leave the session empowered and with a completely different outlook about my future. She helped me to realise my true potential and to work with what I know and am very good at. At the moment I am working on my new own business, and am very confident about my choices.  Kate is very professional, wise and grounded and when working with you she is fully present and committed to you.’

Kerry Rowett <span>Awaken Kinesiology</span>
Kerry Rowett Awaken Kinesiology

‘Kate has a real gift for helping her clients stabilise when they’re going through challenges, or a time of growth. She has a wonderfully calm presence. Her advice is practical, grounded and strategic and she expertly guides you to seek your own solutions. In working with me on my kinesiology business during a time of expansion, Kate was able to help me formalise plans, work through many decisions and provide strategic guidance. Kate is generous in her nature and wonderfully affirming and encouraging. I have also seen the highly positive effects working with Kate has had on some of my clients, who always speak of her with the greatest respect.’

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LATEST FROM THE BLOG

How to stop overthinking when you can’t switch off

If there’s one common trait that exists among my clients, I think it would be this – how to stop overthinking when you can’t switch off. Almost everyone who comes to see me says some…

Read More »

Changemaker: Meg Callander

  Just over a year ago, Meg Callander and I met for a few business coaching sessions. As soon as we started chatting, it was immediately evident how warm, open and intelligent Meg is. I…

Read More »

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My end-of-year wish for you, your loved ones, and for all of humanity is greater peace. 🙏
After posting some of our photos from last week’s trip, I thought I’d share one more that I took while we were exploring rock pools.Chris has always been good at going slowly. He has taught me a lot about being in the moment and even more about noticing beauty.This was a lovely reminder that lessons in presence are everywhere.An invitation for you this week – watch the people around you and observe the different ways they engage with the present moment. And see if there's something that inspires you. ✨#slowingdown #noticingbeauty #everydaymindfulness #presentmoment
“The real work of the artist is a way of being in the world.” Rick RubinJust before we came away for the weekend, I started reading Rick Rubin’s 'The Creative Act: A Way of Being'. It was the perfect invitation to look at everything through the lens of curiosity and wonder.Despite rain being predicted, we decided to hike a section of the Great Ocean Road Walk and spotted this beautiful koala sitting quietly in a tree, watching us with its own sense of wonder.We’ve discovered the sweetest little bays, incredible sections of forest and a beach that at first glance looked mostly grey. When we looked more closely, we found all sorts of small wonders and every colour of the rainbow.Sometimes it takes slowing down to recognise the little miracles that exist all around us.They can change the way we interact with the world, make us more open to the innate creativity that exists within every one of us, and fill us with hope when we remember that the natural world is still full of the most exquisite beauty. ✨Thanks @chrisjamesphotos for the koala pic. 🐨#greatoceanroad #greatoceanroadwalk #mindfulliving #slowliving #creativeact #rickrubin #australianbeaches #naturelover #curiosityandwonder #mindfulmoments #everydaybeauty
“Who would you be if you trusted the basic goodness and beauty that lives through you?” Tara Brach ✨#selfworth #selfkindness #confidenceforwomen #innerstrength #mindfulgrowth #personaldevelopment
I’m in Byron this week, running my annual retreat. It always amazes me how different life feels here. The days are long and time moves slowly. It feels like there’s room to breathe.We meditate, do yoga and Pilates, walk along the beach and swim in the tea tree lake. We eat beautiful vegetarian food and there’s plenty of time to rest.I think all of us could benefit from a place like this, but when it’s not possible, stepping away from your everyday life can help you remember what’s missing.So here’s a thought for the week: make some time – even half an hour – to sit beneath a tree. Cook a wholesome meal. Walk slowly through your local park. Write in your journal. Make a mandala. Breathe.Let the rest of your life wait for a bit, and give some time to yourself. ✨#womensretreat #byronbayretreat #mindfulnessforwomen #yogaretreataustralia #meditationretreat
I read a beautiful article last week about the concept of fragility, and how it applies in just about every area of life. I know this is true, but it also reminded me that when we're willing to accept our vulnerability, we come to discover our true strength.The way we keep showing up through moments of uncertainty.The way we stay open to love when we've been deeply hurt.The way we adapt when life throws us a curve ball.The way we stay hopeful, even when we're afraid.The way we find meaning in the smallest of moments.Fragility isn’t weakness. It’s part of what it means to be fully alive.When we recognise it, we learn to handle ourselves and one another with more care.To cherish what matters and to stay open to the life that we're living.✨#vulnerability #fragility #innerstrength #tenderness #selfcompassion #mindfulliving #emotionalwellbeing #personalgrowth #slowliving #healingjourney #beinghuman
I've just finished listening to the audio version of Jacinda Ardern's book, A Different Kind of Power. What a beautiful book – and what a beautiful woman.For decades, I've looked for role models to show me how to be both a mother and a businesswoman, and I've struggled to find someone I can truly relate to. Until I heard Jacinda's story.As she writes in one of the final chapters, when asked about what it means to be a leader:“If you have impostor syndrome, or question yourself, channel that. It will help you. You will read more, seek out advice, and humble yourself to situations that require humility to be conquered. If you’re anxious, and overthink everything, if you can imagine the worst-case scenario always, channel that too. It will mean you are ready when the most challenging days arrive. And if you are thin-skinned and sensitive, if criticism cuts you in two, that is not weakness; it’s empathy. In fact, all of the traits that you believe are your flaws will come to be your strengths. The things you thought would cripple you will in fact make you stronger, make you better. They will give you a different kind of power, and make you a leader that this world, with all its turmoil, might just need.”This book is a brilliant read. I highly recommend it. Thank you @jacindaardern for sharing your story with such warmth, humility and kindness. ✨Image: @penguinbooksnz#jacindaardern #adifferentkindofpower #leadership #empathy #womeninleadership #kindness #audiobookrecommendation #personalgrowth #mindfulleadership #inspiringwomen
After writing the first article about overfunctioning, so many women have reached out to say, ‘this is me’ and ‘what can I do about it?’.Later this week, I’ll be sharing an article about breaking the cycle of overfunctioning, but first, I thought it might be helpful to remember why we do this and why it can be such a hard pattern to break.Scroll through the carousel for quick tips, or read the full article (the link’s in my bio). And keep an eye out for the new article later this week where I’ll share more about doing things differently.This is something I’m working on myself, and I have to say that even with awareness, I don't find it easy. Those long-held habits can be hard to shift but when I can catch myself and go a little more gently, it makes the world of difference to how I'm feeling. ✨#overfunctioning #personaldevelopment #mindfulcoaching #selfkindness #selfawareness #wellbeingjourney #womenwhothinkdeeply #innergrowth #mindfulnessmatters #doinglessfeelingmore #confidencecoachmelbourne
When I was taught to meditate, over thirty years ago now, the advice was very rigid. You had to practice twenty minutes, twice a day or you might as well forget it. For so many people who learned, this ended up being off-putting and often not realistic.These days, there are so many different approaches and it's much more flexible – which is exactly what we need.Almost everyone I work with is short of time, but they're still keen to be mindful. And the reality is, you can achieve this even in just a few minutes.In its simplest form, mindfulness is really about two things – paying attention and non-judgement. When you start there, you realise you can practice in so many small ways and the impact can still be incredible.You don't need to head off on retreat (although it is pretty amazing) or block out huge amounts of time to simply tune in and pay attention.Try one or more of these small pauses today:▫️ Drink your tea, coffee or water with your full attention. Slow it right down and notice what you taste, smell and feel – bringing a sense of appreciation.▫️ Take five long, slow breaths. Pay attention to extending your out-breath to engage your parasympathetic nervous system.▫️ Before you send an email or make a call, pause and think about your intention. What matters most in this interaction?▫️ When you're at your computer or using your phone, notice your breathing. It often becomes more shallow (or we hold our breath without realising).Small moments of mindfulness really do make a difference. A few simple pauses through your day can bring you back to calm, clarity and presence. 🙏#mindfulness #presence #selfawareness #mindfulliving #mindfulnessretreat
© Kate James 2026

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