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

Helping Women Lead with Clarity and Confidence

Become a creative & confident leader

Kate James is a leadership coach in Melbourne, working with current and emerging female leaders to build self-awareness, self-belief, resilience and overcome imposter syndrome. Her aim is to work with you so that you become a more confident, emotionally intelligent and purposeful leader.

  • Improve your confidence as a leader
  • Become more conscious of your leadership style
  • Get to know your innate leadership strengths
  • Overcome imposter syndrome
  • Learn the art of effective communication (including having difficult conversations)
  • Quieten your inner-critic
  • Cultivate inclusive and collaborative leadership
  • Understand and develop executive presence
  • Manage stress and the juggle of balancing work and personal life 
BOOK AN INTRO CALL WITH KATE
leadership-coaching

“I gained far more from the leadership coaching than I ever imagined.”
Samantha

Leadership coaching for women in Melbourne

As a leadership coach, I specialise in working with women who identify as introverts, perfectionists, or those navigating feelings of imposter syndrome.

Many of my clients share qualities and experiences that might resonate with you:

  • Your inner critic is vigilant, and you may identify with perfectionism or ‘over-functioning’.
  • You see yourself as an introvert, a deep thinker, or someone who cares about ‘conscious leadership’.
  • You find difficult conversations challenging.
  • You sometimes find it hard to set boundaries.
  • Leading in alignment with your values is a priority for you.
  • You want your work to feel purposeful and authentic.
  • External measures of success matter less to you than staying true to yourself.

Through leadership coaching, I help women like you embrace their unique qualities and turn them into strengths, cultivating greater confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Together, we’ll create a path that aligns with your values, empowers your authentic leadership, and brings greater fulfilment to both your personal and professional life.

BOOK AN INTRO CALL WITH KATE

leadership-coach

What people say

Samantha, Melbourne

I can’t recommend leadership coaching sessions with Kate James highly enough.  I was very sceptical before starting – imagining the sessions 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 sessions are interactive, conducted in a warm and positive manner that encourages honesty and self-reflection, and 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 counselling/coaching I’ve ever had.’

Maria, Melbourne

‘When I began leadership coaching 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 towards a more positive future. I strongly recommend Kate James to join your own personal team.’

Jennifer, Melbourne

‘My thanks to you for your leadership 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.’

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 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.’

Leadership coaching that’s supportive, empathic and forward-focused

My leadership coaching approach is based in kindness, empathy, encouragement, and unwavering support. Our coaching sessions will prioritise what’s most important to you as a leader. At times, our discussions may feel reflective and even similar to therapy, particularly when unravelling complex challenges however the emphasis will always be on forward momentum rather than dwelling on the past.

Action-oriented sessions with valuable resources

In every coaching session, we’ll collaborate to identify actionable steps that align with your leadership goals. Following our meetings, I’ll often provide supplementary tools such as worksheets, guides, or relevant resources to deepen your learning and support your development as a leader.

Getting started with leadership coaching

To ensure we’re the right fit, we’ll begin with a short phone consultation. Afterward, I recommend starting with a single coaching session to explore your leadership objectives. Before our meeting, you’ll complete a brief questionnaire designed to help you reflect on what you aim to achieve through coaching.

Once we’ve established your goals, we’ll discuss whether a structured coaching program would benefit you. While many leaders find value in a tailored program, others opt for ongoing, flexible coaching sessions to fit their evolving needs.

Sessions are held either via Zoom or in-person on the Mornington Peninsula.

Flexible coaching frequency

Leadership coaching is typically conducted weekly or fortnightly during a program, depending on your preferences and goals. Many of my clients choose to continue their leadership journey with monthly or quarterly sessions after completing their initial program, ensuring consistent growth and support.

If you’re ready to enhance your leadership skills, gain clarity, and unlock your full potential, this coaching process is designed to help you thrive.

BOOK AN INTRODUCTORY LEADERSHIP COACHING CALL

Why female leaders in Melbourne choose Kate James

Like many of the leaders I work with, I spent my early years striving for perfection and often prioritising people-pleasing over my own needs. At the time, I hadn’t yet discovered the transformative power of mindfulness, the strengths of introversion, or the importance of self-compassion in effective leadership.

I pursued coaching to create a space where I could merge my business expertise with my passion for psychology, creativity, and mindful leadership. This journey allowed me to combine a love for meaningful conversations with the drive to support others in leading with purpose and intention.

Today, my leadership coaching practice attracts like-minded women — those who value kindness, connection, and curiosity. They are leaders seeking to create lives and careers rooted in purpose, meaning, and authenticity. Together, we work to cultivate their unique strengths and inspire leadership that transforms both their lives and those around them.

Some key milestones in my own professional journey are:

  • Founding Total Balance in 2002, which was one of Melbourne’s first mindfulness-based coaching practices
  • Achieving PCC accreditation with International Coach Federation in 2005
  • Authoring six best-selling books, including my most recent book, Quietly Confident
  • Having over 135,000+ followers on the Insight Timer meditation app
  • 30,000+ students in my online courses
  • After working in a Collins Street practice, I now offer flexible online and in-person sessions from my home on the Mornington Peninsula
  • Combining my business experience with my studies in positive psychology, mindfulness, self-compassion, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems
MORE ABOUT KATE
Kate James is a life coach in Melbourne.

Coaching options

Single session

Begin with a 60-minute appointment, held online via Zoom or in-person on the Mornington Peninsula.

Fee: $275 AUD (includes GST)

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Three session program

3 x 60-minute appointments held online via Zoom or in-person on the Mornington Peninsula.

Fee: $795 AUD (includes GST)

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Five session program

5 x 60-minute appointments held online via Zoom or in-person. Option to pay in instalments.

Fee: $1,250 AUD (includes GST)

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Get in touch to chat about leadership coaching in Melbourne

Get in touch to ask a question that hasn’t been answered here or book a call
to tell me what you’re hoping to get out of coaching.

BOOK AN INTRODUCTORY LEADERSHIP COACHING CALL

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is leadership coaching, and how is it different from mentoring or formal training?

Leadership coaching is a collaborative, reflective process that supports you to lead in a way that feels right for you. I’ll ask you questions to help you understand yourself better so that you can make choices that align with your values, strengths and beliefs about what makes a great leader.

Unlike mentoring, I won’t tell you how you should be leading, but I will help you uncover your own answers. And unlike formal training, we’re not working through a set curriculum. Instead, the focus is on you – your challenges, patterns, and aspirations – and how you want to show up as a leader.

What is your leadership coaching experience?

Two years after starting my business, I moved to an office in Collins Street, Melbourne and began coaching lawyers, bankers, partners in consulting firms and leaders in government. My work focused on helping professional people in service-based roles to build self-belief and executive presence, become more conscious leaders and use their innate strengths to become effective and purposeful leaders.

I obtained a PCC Level Certification in 2002 with International Coach Academy and in 2005, achieved a PCC accreditation with International Coach Federation. I also have taken trainings in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Russ Harris, Mindful Self-Compassion Intensive for Professionals (developed by Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer) and Internal Family Systems by Dr Richard Schwarz.

Who is leadership coaching best suited for, and how can I tell if I am a good fit?

My leadership coaching works best for thoughtful, capable women who want to lead well without burning themselves out. Many of my clients are experienced professionals or business owners who are outwardly successful but sometimes experience self-doubt, have a loud inner-critic and a tendency to be hard on themselves.

You’re likely a good fit if you’re open and curious about your inner patterns, and willing to try small but meaningful changes. You don’t need to be in crisis – just ready to think more deeply about how you want to lead and live.

What specific results should I expect from leadership coaching, and how soon might I notice a change?

Clients often discover greater self-awareness and a stronger sense of what’s important to them within the first few sessions. Over time, this tends to translate into clearer decision-making, healthier boundaries, more confident and grounded communication, and leadership that feels less effortful.

The changes are usually subtle but significant. Rather than becoming a different person, most people feel more like themselves – calmer, more trusting of their judgement, and less driven by self-doubt or over-functioning.

How do I get started, and what are the package options and costs?

The first step is to book an initial conversation, where we’ll talk about what’s bringing you to coaching and whether it feels like the right fit. There’s no pressure – it’s simply a chance to see if working together makes sense.

From there, I offer a couple of coaching packages, as well as individual sessions. Prices are as follows (inclusive of GST).

Single session: $275

Three-session package: $795

Five-session package: $1,250

How does the leadership coaching process work?

We begin by clarifying what you want to achieve from the coaching process and I may invite you to undertake a few strengths assessments. Together, we’ll identify some clear objectives for your coaching and explore the obstacles you perceive as barriers to your growth as a leader. I’ll help you identify beliefs and assumptions that may be limiting your potential and ask questions to expand your thinking and open new possibilities.

During each coaching session, we’ll agree on action steps that will keep moving you toward your leadership goals. I’ll share a range of resources and tools to help deepen your self-awareness and provide insights and learning.

My coaching style has been described by other clients as professional, kind, supportive, wise, practical, intuitive and transformative. The coaching relationship is completely confidential and my approach is to be open-minded and non-judgemental.

I'm not sure if I need life, leadership, career or business coaching.

The truth is you don’t really need to choose but you can find out more about what we’d address in each of these programs by following these links: career coaching, business coaching, leadership coaching or life coaching.

I take a holistic approach and believe that it’s important that we spend a bit of time looking at the whole of your life. Having said that, the coaching sessions are your time so I encourage you to direct the content. You’ll complete some questionnaires when you make your booking to let me know what you’d like to achieve.

How many sessions do most clients need, and how frequently should we meet to keep momentum?

This generally varies, but many clients begin with a package of three or five regular sessions to build momentum. A common rhythm is to schedule fortnightly appointments initially and move to monthly or quarterly sessions, depending on your needs and workload.

Some people come for a defined period around a transition or challenge; others value an ongoing coaching relationship as a steady support alongside demanding roles.

“If you’re lucky enough to be different, don’t ever change.”

Khoudia Diop

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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 2025

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands we live and work on, the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

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