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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

Business Coaching for Women in Melbourne

Kate James is a business coach in Melbourne, Australia. With over 40 years experience in small business, Kate offers coaching to creatives including designers, healers, artists, marketers, musicians, yoga teachers, kinesiologists, psychologists and counsellors. She specialises in helping women who are starting out in business or launching a new side-project.

What You’ll Gain from Business Coaching

  • Develop a vision for your business and a plan for achieving your goals
  • Overcome your self-limiting beliefs
  • Identify your ideal client and learn how to communicate your message authentically
  • Develop a simple but workable marketing plan and the confidence to sell without being ‘salesy’
  • Establish a positive mindset around making money
  • Understand your unique strengths (and what you can delegate)
  • Network in a way that makes you comfortable
  • Find greater balance between business and life
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Business coaching

Flexible Coaching Options for Women in Melbourne

Kate’s business coaching is about offering you the support you most need. Kate will help you find a greater sense of clarity about your direction as well as the confidence to start moving forward. Clients begin with a single session and most find it helpful to book a five-session coaching program but Kate is happy to keep it flexible.

Why Choose Kate as Your Melbourne Business Coach?

Kate’s coaching style is kind, intuitive, insightful and supportive. While she’ll motivate you to work on your goals, her approach is to nudge you gently rather than push you ahead in a hurry. Her clients describe her as a thoughtful listener and someone with a great sense of professional integrity.

business-coach

Business Coaching for Female Entrepreneurs

I work with female business owners in Melbourne who are have a creative, wellness or spiritual business.

The women I work with share some of the following qualities:

  • You might be starting out or if you’ve been in business for a while, feel that you’ve lost confidence or clarity about your direction.
  • You’re in a purpose-led business.
  • You love the idea of approaching your business with more creativity.
  • You care about making a difference.
  • You love what you do but sometimes find it lonely working alone.
  • You value freedom, autonomy and independence.
  • You might be inclined towards perfectionism.
  • You often put others first and worry about burning out.
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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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What people are saying

Clare Bowditch Big Hearted Business

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!’

kerry

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.’

Sarah Fisher

Sarah Fisher

denu

‘I loved my coaching sessions with Kate and miss them now we’re done! In a very friendly and positive manner Kate helped me to pinpoint exactly what I was looking for in my career. We identified my passions, my strengths, ultimate job criteria and a whole lot more, including balancing career and family life. As a result of our sessions, I am about to launch my own business – something Kate helped me realise I’d been wanting to do for years and that if I didn’t give it a go, I’d likely have regrets. Her supportive and no-nonsense approach, including a wealth of experience and professional network were invaluable in assisting me to take the first very exciting steps.’

jodie

Jodie Holmes

Seaside Creative

‘What has been true with your approach right from the beginning is that you’re not like any other coach. You listened to my personal/business challenges, and provided tools and insights to enable me to understand ways I could overcome the challenges I was faced with. You understood me and what I wanted from the coaching. I could not have envisaged the benefits that your coaching has made, or the results I’ve achieved after such a short period of time. The investment has paid for itself well over: in my new efficiencies, and releasing my focus on the one thing that had me frozen – unable to make progress. I now approach the future with excitement, anticipation, and empowerment. I would not hesitate to recommend Kate James of Total Balance to anyone who has goals and dreams, be it for life or business, that they want to achieve and don’t know where to begin, or how to get there.’

leanne-clancey

Leanne Clancey

Food & Travel Writer

‘I first met with Kate when I was at a real career crossroads. Kate helped me to nut out my values and aspirations, recognise my natural talents and then identify opportunities and pathways for me to put that all together so that I could actually make stuff happen. I love the way that Kate was able to calmly and pragmatically break things down to the basics. Put simply, working with Kate helped me to get clear – which has been nothing short of life changing.’ Leanne Clancey, Food & Travel Writer

cress

Cressida Bradley

Explosure

‘Kate showed me how to plan towards goals and activities that match my vision and strengths. Change is not scary or unsettling, it’s reinvigorating and natural. It just makes sense. These are life-long skills taught with such grace, logic and empathy. I’ll always be grateful for Kate’s insight and support.’ Cressida Bradley, Director of Explosure’

liz-circle

Elizabeth Bull

Lizzy C Photography

‘I first engaged the services of Kate James as a business coach back during the initial stages of starting my business. Running a small business was still an unknown for me, and I felt alone and unsure of what I needed to do to make my business a success. Working with Kate really helped me clarify what I wanted to do and how I should go about doing it. She always gave me practical and achievable advice that worked well for my business and, importantly, aligned with my business ethics. Even many years after my initial meetings with Kate, I still regularly draw upon much of the advice she gave me. I credit a large part of my success to the advice and guidance she gave to me in the early days of my business, and the support she gives me to this day.’

Kirsten MacKelden

Kirsten MacKelden

Real Weddings

‘Like many small businesses, our growth was rapid and exciting. Working with Kate as our business coach enabled us to put much-needed systems and processes in place to effectively streamline and manage our business. Kate worked with us to clarify our business focus and the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Sometimes I couldn’t see the forest for the trees, but Kate had a knack for giving things clarity and putting things into perspective in a succinct and professional way. Meeting with Kate was always an enjoyable experience and we hope to continue our relationship with her as we take the business to another level.’

About Kate James

Kate has spent over 40 years in small business. In her early career, she worked in the wellness space and later spent almost two decades as a business manager for filmmakers, architects and designers. She’s passionate about supporting solo entrepreneurs to create businesses that they love.

After studying a business degree with a major in marketing, Kate enrolled in a coaching program with one of the first international coaching schools.

In 2002, she started her own small coaching business supporting creative business owners. Over time, she followed her heart and that business grew into a place where women came to make a deeper connection with themselves, to learn about building self-belief and to learn how to overcome perfectionism and people-pleasing.

Kate was one of the first coaches in Australia to achieve a PCC accreditation with International Coach Federation.

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life-coaching-kate-james

Frequently asked questions about business coaching

I'm in the early days of planning my business. Can I start coaching now?

Yes absolutely, now is the best time to start. It’s enormously helpful to gain clarity about your business brand, offering and your own personal strengths before you launch your business.

Can you help me with practical things like registering a business name and ABN and securing insurance?

I can, and I believe it’s really important that you get all of these foundational elements right before you begin.

Will you help me set clear goals for my business?

Most definitely. Clarity about your vision and goals are the first steps to move you forward in your business.

Can you help with my marketing plan?

Yes, most definitely. I’ll help you map out a marketing strategy and from there, we’ll come up with a marketing plan including the practical action steps.

I'm slightly terrified of social media. Can you help build my confidence?

You’re not alone in this – it’s one of the most common concerns from my clients. I’ll help build your social media confidence and we’ll also explore other options for marketing so you’re not solely focused on one channel.

Is online coaching effective?

I work with clients from all over the world, so many can’t attend in-person. They still say they achieve wonderful results from our coaching.

Can you help me create systems for my business and feel a bit more organised?

I can. This is something I’ve done for many small business owners, including my own. Great systems will free up your time and energy giving you a greater sense of balance in your life.

Have a question about business coaching in Melbourne?

If there’s something we haven’t answered, please reach out. We would love to hear from you.

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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
Last week I wrote a new article in my 'hidden patterns of not feeling good enough' series, this time focusing on five signs you could be overfunctioning. The list could have included many more but these are a few that you might relate to.1. You feel responsible for everythingYou’re the first to notice what needs doing and the first to step in – at work, at home, and in your relationships. This constant responsibility can come from a fear that things will fall apart if you’re not in control.2. You stay busy to avoid feelingsYou fill every spare moment with tasks, even on your days off. Often, this relentless busyness masks uncomfortable feelings that arise when you slow down.3. You always put others firstYou go the extra mile for everyone else, often at the expense of your own needs. Over time, this shifts from kindness to self-abandonment.4. You feel resentful and guiltyYou give endlessly yet feel unseen or unappreciated. Resentment builds, followed quickly by guilt which is a sign that your boundaries may be out of balance.5. You feel anxious when things are out of controlYou plan ahead, double-check details, and rarely drop the ball. But uncertainty makes you uneasy, often triggering a deeper fear of not being enough.Overfunctioning can feel like the only way to keep life running smoothly, but it often comes at the cost of your wellbeing. It keeps you stuck in a cycle of stress and burnout, leaving little space for your own needs or joy. When you start doing less, you create room to breathe, to think clearly, and to feel more connected – both to yourself and the people around you. Small changes can open the door to a calmer, more balanced way of living.I've included a link to the article in my bio if you're keen to read more (and start changing).#overfunctioning #burnoutrecovery #boundariesmatter #emotionalwellbeing #womenandwork #calmoverchaos #mindfulboundaries #stressrecovery #selfworth #peoplepleasing #busymind #highachiever #mentalwellbeing #selfkindness #calmliving #stressmanagementtips #womenover40 #perfectionismrecovery #confidencecoach #coachingforwomen
A few weeks ago, I shared a post about the hidden patterns that show up when we don’t feel good enough. Then last week, I wrote about how exploring our life stories can help us understand ourselves better and give our lives greater meaning.Quite by accident, I’ve just come across a piece of research that brings these two threads together and confirms something I’ve felt for a long time: writing our stories can be transformative.Each of us carries an inner narrative that explains who we are and what’s possible for us. But sometimes that story is skewed or outdated – especially when it tells you you’re not good enough.Rewriting your story isn’t about fixing or changing yourself. It’s about seeing yourself more clearly and holding your experience with greater truth, clarity and compassion.While working on a writing exercise for my Life Stories facilitator training, I stumbled across this old photo of my family. I was around seven years-old and we’d just moved back to Sydney. I was at a new school and hadn’t yet made friends. It was a pretty lonely time in many ways, but after writing, I came to see it very differently. It was when I learned to love spending long hours on my own. Immersing myself in novels, playing alone at the local playground, and learning to love the stillness of nature.Finding that photo helped me see that chapter of my life very differently. Not so much as a time of aloneness but rather, a time of discovery.That’s the power of writing our stories: it gives us the chance to look again and sometimes, to see ourselves and our lives in a completely different light.I've included a link to last week's article about some of the benefits of story writing in my bio. Have a read and try the tips I suggest to help you start writing your stories. ✨#narrativeself #writingtowellbeing #selfworth #womenwhocoach #confidencecoach #lifecoachmelbourne #mindfulleadership
© 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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