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  • About
  • Coaching
    • Life coaching
    • Business Coaching
    • Leadership Coaching
    • Half-day coaching intensive
  • Workshops
    • Compassionate Conversations
    • Write Your Life Stories Workshops
    • The Confidence Course
    • Free Monday Talk & Meditation
  • Speaking
  • Retreat
  • Resources
    • Kate’s books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • 0 items

About Kate James

I’m Kate James, an author, coach, mindfulness teacher, and guide for women ready to create meaningful, sustainable change.

It’s likely that you’ve spent years (maybe even decades) doubting yourself. Being the person you believe others want you to be. Over-functioning and high-achieving or over-thinking and procrastinating. Feeling like an imposter, people pleasing.

So focused on being who you think you should be, that you’ve lost sight of who you really are and how you want to be.

I’ve experienced all of these things, and to be honest, sometimes still do, but I’ve also learned about mindfulness, positive psychology, self-compassion and equanimity (which is really just a fancy word for balance).

I’m here to help you find the middle ground. The balance between making peace with you are and the courage to change old unhelpful habits so you can live with more clarity, confidence and presence.

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Kate James in front of bookcases.

Over the past two decades, I have gathered more than 6,000 hours of coaching experience and many hours of meditation teaching.

After gaining my PCC level coaching accreditation from International Coach Academy in 2002, I was one of the first coaches in Australia to achieve a PCC accreditation with International Coach Federation.

A year after starting my business, I became one of the early teachers of ‘mainstream’ meditation in Melbourne. These days, I share my meditations with a global audience on Insight Timer and each week, I host a live session with around 200 meditators from around the world.

I have trained in mindfulness, Positive Psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion and Internal Family Systems. Some of the authors I love most are noted here.

Kate James is an author and life coach supporting women.

How can I help you?

If you’ve found your way here, it’s likely you’re ready for change.

My work will be right for you if…

  • you want to move away from the voice of self-doubt and start to trust your own inner wisdom
  • you’re ready to let go of over-planning and perfectionism and start moving forward
  • you’d love to worry less about what others think and focus on what matters most to you
  • you want to feel confident to start or grow a small business you believe in
  • you want to feel grounded and confident in your ability to lead others
  • you’re ready to believe in your ability to be creative or intuitive
  • you want to feel lighter and more present in your relationships
  • you want to feel more at peace and in tune with yourself

Why I do what I do

 I believe that each of us has a unique set of gifts to offer the world and
my aim is to help you discover what yours are.

I’m passionate about helping people to live more mindfully – to be more self-aware, more conscious of our choices and behaviours.

I’m committed to making a difference through my work and more broadly by contributing to causes I believe in.

I’ve learned from many great teachers and worked with some brilliant coaches and I love sharing the things that I’ve discovered.

My top personal values are inner harmony, kindness and generosity, connection, contribution, freedom, creativity and courage.

Kate James: in my personal life

In 2017, my husband Chris and I made a tree change to a small acreage on the Mornington Peninsula, which had been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. We’ve spent the past 8 years renovating our 80’s style farmhouse and restoring a very run down garden. We now share our home with our daughter and grandson.

When I’m not coaching, teaching, writing or weeding, you’ll find me meditating, walking the local bush tracks, practising yoga, gardening, cooking, taking photos, paddle boarding, reading and babysitting my grandchildren, Oscar, Milla and Clover.

I’m very much an introvert but I love spending time with close friends (and not so much, going to parties). Each year I try to do something that takes me out of my comfort zone. This year, I’m learning to sail a small dinghy off the beach so I can spend more time on the water.

kate-james-coach

“Kate listens with an open heart, cuts through the rubble of self-doubt and practises non-judgement.”

Stepping Stones Program

Giving back

As well as caring for the natural environment and supporting organisations that value diversity and inclusion, I contribute time and a percentage of income to a range of not-for-profits that focus on the wellbeing of women and children.

Read more about current causes I support here.

What people are saying about Kate James

CH, Lawyer, Melbourne

CH, Lawyer, Melbourne

‘Hi Kate, it’s a while now since I’ve seen you, so I hope you remember me. I came to see you in the first half of 2005, when I was working at a big corporate law firm and trying to work out what to do with my life – primarily in a career sense, but, of course, that led to all sorts of other questions. As you may remember, with your encouragement I eventually applied for a different role which fit much better with my personal goals and values.

I was so ready to change directions, but I just couldn’t find a way to do it without that support. And the conversations that we had and the resources you gave me – the questions about values and the books you referred me to – were so helpful then and are still helpful now. I really value the experience of working with you, it has made me appreciate the choices I have so much more and realise that whenever I feel like I’m not where I want to be, I can do something to change it.’

Grace, Queensland

Grace, Queensland

‘My thanks to you for your career coaching guidance and direction over the past six weeks. You have provided me with the focus and tools to think deeply and broadly about where I am at and what I want to be and given me insights that have shone a light on what I need to do and how to go about it. It has been a truly rewarding learning experience.’

Dennis Danaher, Director Danaher Legal

Dennis Danaher, Director Danaher Legal

‘I’m a lawyer and I approached Kate for career coaching to seek direction about my future practice. Kate was fantastic. Together we worked through the ideas and workshopped the different career options available. From our discussion, I decided to start my own law firm which was something I previously had not fully considered. I have not looked back. Through this process, Kate offered advice and assistance from the preparation of the business plan and projected earnings to advising on the branding of the business. Without her assistance, I would not have achieved what I did in such a short space of time. Highly recommended.’

Leader, Sydney

Leader, Sydney

‘When I began career coaching sessions with Kate, I was at a very low point in both my personal and professional life. Kate’s thoughtful guidance has proved to be a turning point. She created an environment of complete trust that allowed me to provide information that was at the heart of the matter. In response, Kate was both kind and firm, as required. Her personal follow-ups created a clear set of practical action items, without losing sight of longer-term life goals. I have now emerged from my darkness, and Kate’s advice continues to guide me toward a more positive future. I strongly recommend Kate James to join your own personal team.’

Executive, Melbourne

Executive, Melbourne

‘I can’t recommend the coaching sessions with Kate James highly enough.  I was very sceptical about them before starting – imagining they would be full of corporate psychology jargon.  But in fact, I gained far more from them than I ever imagined, on both a personal and professional level.  The career coaching sessions are interactive, conducted in a warm and positive manner that encourages honesty and self-reflection, and are extremely practical in focus.  Their great strength is that they focus on your whole life and the way you live it, not just on your role as a manager.  I’ve learned a great deal both in terms of how I lead my life and how I perform in management, the one informing the other.  This holistic, down-to-earth approach has been the most helpful and realistic career counselling I’ve ever had.’

total balance books

Writing

In 2014, I fulfilled a lifelong dream when I wrote, and had published my first book, Believe in Yourself and Do What You Love. Since then, I have written several other titles including Be Mindful and Simplify Your Life, Change How You Think and Be Happier Now, Create Calm and Change Your Thinking to Change Your Life.  Two of my books were listed in the top-ten best-selling personal development books in 2017. Believe in Yourself and Be Mindful have also been released in the US.

My latest title, Quietly Confident was released in 2024.

Meditation

Meditation

I was first drawn to meditation in my early 20’s and almost a decade later, finally enrolled in a course. For over 30 years now, I have had a daily meditation practice and I credit this with changing my life. Meditation is about more than just creating inner calm – it helps you to see yourself with greater clarity, connects you with your intuition and helps you to see where you’re not being true to yourself in life.

These days, my guided meditations are freely available on the Insight Timer meditation app, home to over 30 million meditators around the world.

Organisations Kate James has worked with

I’ve spoken at conferences for The Body Shop, Serious Women’s Business, Flying Solo amongst others. Clients include Origin Energy, University of Melbourne, Latrobe University, RMIT, Sensis, Freehills, Middletons, Mallesons, Phillips Fox, Bolle, IBM, Aviva, Coles Myer, Tabcorp, CSIRO, Linfox, Toyota, Cadbury Schweppes, Urbis, Macquarie Bank, ANZ, NAB, Bank West, Clemenger, CHE, George Patts, Ogilvy, BWM, Village Roadshow, Department of Transport, Department of Human Services, Department of Sustainability & Environment, Department of Justice, Financial Ombudsman Service, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Whitelion and Kids Under Cover.

What’s it like to work with Kate James?

Clients describe me as kind, intuitive, supportive and compassionate. These are the qualities that matter to me. I’m a gentle kind of coach and my approach sometimes feels a bit like therapy. In order to move forward confidently, it helps to understand your old patterns so you can avoid falling into them again. I’ll share resources and ideas when it’s helpful, but mostly, I’m interested in listening to you and helping you to draw out your own ideas.

If you can spare the time to travel from the city, I see clients in my home office on the Mornington Peninsula. Or alternatively, I work from people from all over the world over Zoom.

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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
I’ve been thinking a lot about boundaries lately, mostly after chatting with my wise and insightful daughter, Meg and my wonderful colleague, Catherine. Both of these women know all about setting healthy boundaries. I still find it difficult at times, even though I'm aware how deeply this affects the way that I feel.Healthy boundaries aren’t walls that keep people out. They’re more like an inner framework that helps us stay true to ourselves while staying open to others.When our boundaries are clear and flexible, we can be giving and loving, and we can listen without feeling drained or resentful. When they’re blurred, we can feel overextended, irritable, and even anxious, not because others are asking too much of us, but because we’re not honouring our own limits and needs.If you’re wondering whether your boundaries are healthy, reflect on these questions this week. If you find yourself answering 'yes' to several, consider where you can be a little more true to yourself.✨ Do I say yes when I really mean no?✨ Do I feel guilty when I take time for myself?✨ Do I often feel responsible for other people’s feelings?✨ Do I worry about expressing my own needs and preferences?✨ After spending time with certain people, do I feel somewhat depleted?Healthy boundaries come from a place of self-respect. They’re not about shutting the world out, but about creating the conditions where connection feels safe, sustainable and uplifting.Like anything, our boundaries need care and attention. They can shift as we grow and change. They can strengthen as our self-respect deepens.Working on your boundaries isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about noticing when you feel out of balance, pausing to listen, and making small, honest adjustments that bring you back into alignment. 💛#leadershipgrowth #healthyboundaries #womeninleadership #personaldevelopment #emotionalintelligence #mindfulleadership #selfawareness #confidentleaders
Yesterday I stumbled across some photos from the launch of my first book, Believe in Yourself & Do What You Love, held just over a decade ago. I’d forgotten how magical it was – the celebration of a lifelong dream to become a published author.It got me thinking about how so many of us, introverts in particular, rarely reflect on our best moments. The strength of humility is wonderful, but we can overuse it at times.As I flicked through the photos I remembered the joy of that night and how meaningful it was to share it with so many of my favourite people.So here’s an invitation for you this week. Scroll through old photos, glance back at your CV or spend some time reflecting and see if you can recall a moment you feel genuinely proud of (it doesn't need to be a big thing). And then, rather than keeping it private, share it with someone you trust. Let them know how it felt and allow yourself to re-celebrate. If it feels right, you might even share it more widely – perhaps in a post of your own.A big thank you to everyone who joined me on that fabulous night including my beautiful Meg, @ramaekerskaren, @enaproducts, @thewellbeingcorner, @lbeavan, @sarah.rudledge, @denu_australia, @lizzycphoto, @thegaleriefitzroy and many others I don't have photos of including @naids, @mindfulinmay, @ofkin, @christinaredlich, @louise_weigall, @linda.salo, @simbeever, @theholisticingredient, @corporatechillout, and anyone else I have missed. Special thanks to the gorgeous Sarah from @babylonflowers for making the tables look so stunning and to Emma Murray for the great photos. 🌸#reflection #celebrateyourself #introvertstrengths #joyfulmoments #selfkindness #confidencecoach #womenwhowrite #lifecoachmelbourne #believeinyourself
I’ve been exploring the theme of ‘not good enough’ for a while now, and the more I research, the more I see how deeply it touches every aspect of our lives. It doesn’t just shape the way we see ourselves – it influences our career, health, relationships, friendships, even the way we handle money.I’ll share more on my latest findings in next week’s article but for now, I want to leave you with this beautiful reminder from Hafiz.If you’re doubting yourself, comparing yourself to others, or feeling like you’re falling short in some way, keep these words close this week and remind yourself that you are valuable, loveable, and entirely unique – not because of what you have, how you look or what you achieve, but simply for being yourself. ✨#selfworth #selfkindness #innerlight #confidencecoach #healingjourney #mindsetmatters #notgoodenough #selfacceptance #gentlegrowth #personaldevelopment
I've had so many lovely responses to my recent articles about the four patterns of not feeling good enough and the signs of overfunctioning. It seems that this one is a common pattern for many of us.This week, I've written about why we overfunction and why it can be difficult to change –even when we know we're doing it. These behaviours often feel hard-wired into our being.If this sounds familiar, you might like to read my latest piece (links to all three articles are in my bio). I share the hidden pay-offs and the costs we often overlook, along with journal prompts to help you explore how and why overfunctioning might be showing up in your life.Over the coming weeks, I’ll write about how to transform overfunctioning, as well as exploring the other patterns of avoidance, procrastination and people-pleasing.#overfunctioning #selfdoubt #confidenceforwomen #notgoodenough #journalling #personaldevelopment #womenandwork
Just over a month ago, Chris and I had to move out of our house while it was being repaired from flood damage, so we decided to take a little road trip. We drove across to Mallacoota, up the south coast of NSW, across to Canberra, and back down through the mountains.Usually, in the middle of winter, if we were planning a trip we’d head somewhere warm. This time, we chose the opposite and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful holidays we’ve had.I think it helped that we stopped in so many places where we could immerse ourselves in nature, but I’m also aware that we expected very little. It was a simple trip with lots of home cooking, slow days, and finding delight in small things. When the days were sunny, we were grateful; when it turned cold, we were ready for it.It has me reflecting on how good it feels to do things differently, to challenge the ways we get set in our thinking. Because we loved this trip so much, I came home planning to repeat the same route next year. Then I realised I was missing the point – what made it special wasn’t the path we took, but all the things that were so unexpected.Sometimes real magic unfolds when we change our habits, let go of expectations, and allow ourselves to be a little more adventurous.An invitation for this week: where could you be more curious or open, or let go of one of your usual patterns? ✨📷 @chrisjamesphotos#innercalm #quietconfidence #mindfulleadership #wellbeingjourney #authenticliving #gentlewisdom #selfacceptance #findingpeace #womenempowerment #innerstrength #emotionalwellbeing
“In an age of speed, I began to think, nothing could be more invigorating than going slow. In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still.” Pico IyerWise and beautiful words from one of my favourite writers.Even in the midst of a busy week, maybe this could be your focus? ✨#slowliving #mindfulmoments #simplewisdom #beingpresent #quietmind #innercalm #thoughtfulquotes #picoiyer #intentionaldays #findingstillness
© Kate James 2025

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