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  • About
  • 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

Leadership Coaching for women in Melbourne

Confident, Purposeful Leadership for Women

Kate James | Leadership Coach Melbourne

As a leadership coach based in Melbourne, I work with current and emerging female leaders to help develop self-awareness, build authentic confidence and resilience, and move beyond imposter syndrome. My coaching supports you to lead with clarity, emotional intelligence and purpose.

Develop your unique leadership style

Through our leadership coaching sessions, you’ll learn how to:

  • Strengthen your confidence and presence as a leader

  • Understand your natural leadership strengths

  • Clarify your leadership values and style

  • Navigate self-doubt and imposter syndrome

  • Communicate confidently, including during difficult conversations

  • Lead inclusively and collaboratively

  • Manage stress and find a healthier balance between work and life

  • Build executive presence and emotional resilience

BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY INTRO CALL

“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.

Women’s leadership coaching in Melbourne

I specialise in leadership coaching for women, particularly those who identify as introverted, perfectionistic, or who feel like they’re not ‘enough’ despite their success.

If you’re a thoughtful, values-driven leader who experiences some of the following, my leadership coaching is for you.

  • Struggles with a loud inner critic

  • Seeks meaningful, conscious leadership

  • Wants to lead with authenticity and purpose

  • Values inner alignment more than external achievement

Together, we’ll turn your sensitivity and self-awareness into leadership strengths. You’ll walk away with greater confidence, clarity and direction, not just in your professional life, but personally too.

BOOK AN INTRO CALL

kate-james-mindfulness

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.’

What to expect from leadership coaching

My approach to leadership coaching is empathic, practical and future-focused. Our sessions create space for honest self-reflection, but the emphasis is always on moving forward with intention.

Each session is action-oriented — you’ll leave with clear steps to take, and I’ll often share tools, worksheets or resources to support your growth between sessions.

Practical support and resources

Each leadership coaching session is focused on meaningful progress. Together, we’ll identify clear, achievable actions that support your goals as a leader. After our sessions, I’ll often share helpful tools including guides, worksheets or curated resources to reinforce your learning and support your growth between meetings.

Flexible coaching options

Leadership coaching sessions are usually held weekly or fortnightly, depending on your goals and preferences. After the initial program, many clients continue with monthly or quarterly sessions to stay on track. If you’re ready to build confidence, gain clarity and grow as a leader, this coaching is here to support your journey.

Getting started with coaching

We begin with a complimentary Zoom or phone consultation to ensure we’re a good fit. From there, you’re welcome to book a single session to explore your goals, or we can structure a tailored coaching program to suit your needs.

Before we meet, you’ll complete a short questionnaire to reflect on what you want from the coaching process. Sessions are available via Zoom or in person on the Mornington Peninsula, with flexible frequency to suit your lifestyle — weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

If you’re looking for a Melbourne leadership coach who will support you to grow with compassion and courage, I’d love to work with you.

BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY INTRO CALL

About Kate

Early in my career, I often felt the pressure to be perfect, constantly striving and putting others’ needs before my own. It wasn’t until I discovered mindfulness, self-compassion, and the strengths of introversion that my approach to leadership and life truly changed.

I created my coaching practice to support other women who want to lead with integrity and intention. Over the past two decades, I’ve worked with lawyers, consultants, creatives, government leaders and professionals across a range of industries, helping them become more confident, conscious and capable leaders.

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)

BOOK INTRO

Ready to begin?

If you’re looking for a compassionate and experienced leadership coach in Melbourne, book an introductory call today. Let’s explore how coaching can support you to lead with greater purpose, confidence and authenticity.

BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY INTRO CALL

Frequently asked questions

Qualifications & experience

I was one of the first Australian coaches to achieve a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accreditation with the International Coach Federation after training with the International Coach Academy. My professional development includes:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Russ Harris

  • Mindful Self-Compassion with Dr Kristin Neff & Dr Christopher Germer

  • Internal Family Systems with Dr Richard Schwartz

Since opening my Melbourne leadership coaching practice in 2002, I’ve worked with individuals and teams to enhance self-belief, emotional intelligence and authentic leadership.

What's the cost of the program?

A five-session program is AUD $1,250 (inclusive of GST).

How leadership coaching works?

Leadership coaching begins by identifying your goals and gaining insight into your personal leadership style. We’ll explore what’s holding you back, identify outdated beliefs or assumptions, and clarify your values and strengths.

Each session will include reflection, exploring new perspectives, and identifying practical steps to take toward your vision as a leader.

Clients describe my coaching as professional, supportive, insightful and transformational. Sessions are confidential and grounded in empathy, encouragement and respect.

I'm not sure if I need leadership or personal coaching

My coaching approach is holistic so you don’t need to choose but you might find it helpful to explore the different coaching options here: career coaching, business coaching, leadership coaching, or personal coaching.

I believe it’s helpful to consider all aspects of your life, not just your work. That said, these sessions are your time, and I invite you to guide the focus based on what matters most to you. When you book, you’ll complete a short questionnaire to help clarify your goals and ensure we make the most of our time together.

What is your cancellation policy?

I ask for 48 hours notice to change or cancel an appointment to give me time to find someone else to fill your place.

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

Khoudia Diop

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Do you have a place that brings you immediately to stillness?For me, it’s anywhere in nature, but my favourites are the top of a mountain or a place with a view of the sea.There’s something about a wide open sky or an endless horizon that feels completely grounding and calming.In those moments, I don’t need to achieve or fix or figure anything out. I can just be. I try to carry that same stillness into my workdays, but it’s not quite the same as being in one of those magical places.Where do you go to feel grounded? And more importantly, do you make time to be there? It’s an effort sometimes but always truly worth it. Maybe something you can plan this week. ✨#stillnesswithin #natureheals #findingcalm #momentsofstillness #innerpeace #slowliving #mindfulpause #totalbalance
Lately, I’ve been exploring the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) ways our “not good enough” stories show up in daily life.As well as causing an overly active inner critic, they can appear as perfectionism, procrastination, overworking, people-pleasing, self-sabotage and comparing ourselves to others.These patterns, and the behaviours that accompany them, often feel completely normal. Sometimes they seem helpful or even protective. But underneath, there’s a subtle or even subconscious belief: “I’m not enough as I am.” Most of us fall into several of these habits from time to time, but you might notice that one or two are your familiar defaults when self-doubt creeps in.This week, see if you can catch yourself if you're over-functioning or feeling stuck. Pause. Take a breath. And choose just one small step that leads you in a different direction. ✨#youareenough #quietconfidence #selfworthjourney #buildingconfidence #notgoodenough
After some time away, I’m finally returning to this space. I have missed connecting with you here.I’ve been navigating an autoimmune condition which surprisingly, has turned out to be as much of a gift as a challenge.It has made me really slow down and focus on my wellbeing. Like many of us, I’ve had a tendency to overcommit – which is probably why I’ve been teaching mindfulness all these years: as much as a reminder to myself as a gift to those I teach.I’ve spent time reflecting on why we do these things, which has inspired plenty of research, a whole lot of writing and insights that have been helpful for me and I hope for you too as I share them.While I’ve been dealing with this small health issue, the world is also having its own kind of reckoning, and both of these things have given me a reason to pause and consider what really matters.Here’s what I’ve been making time for:✨ Slower mornings, always with time to meditate and walk in nature.✨ Deepening my connection with creativity. I’ve just finished training as a facilitator in writing our life stories. I’ll share more about this soon.✨ More time for journalling and writing.✨ Moving more slowly and gently. I know this sounds like such a small thing, but since becoming a mother over three decades ago, I have had a tendency to rush through my life. ✨ Being aware of my need to rest, which means setting healthier boundaries.✨ Deepening my connection with meditation which has meant writing and recording some new tracks. I’ll share these on Insight Timer in the coming months.✨ Taking the pressure off myself socially, but making time to do restorative, gentle things with dear friends and family.I definitely don’t have it all figured out yet but I am listening more carefully to what matters – and for now, letting that be enough.If you’re on a similar path of slowing down, healing and reprioritising, I’d love to hear how you’re travelling. What have you found most helpful? ✨#autoimmunehealing #slowliving #mindfullife #womenandwellbeing #meditationpractice #creativehealing #natureheals #writingtoheal #insighttimer #lifeinbalance #cradlemountain📷 by @chrisjamesphotos ❤️
Uncertainty has been a consistent theme in my life at the moment. With clients, friends, family and even for me at a personal level.I feel hugely grateful for mindfulness practices during times like these and I’ve also found the following five steps to be helpful.1. Find pockets of certainty, wherever you canTidy the house, sort your finances, clean out your wardrobe, organise your paperwork, plan your meals for a week. Making the small things around you feel ordered and beautiful will help you to feel a little more at peace.2. Appreciate the things that make your life beautifulOne of the things I became aware of while we were on holiday in Tassie was how much natural beauty was around us every day. Try engaging your sense of gratitude with every meal you eat, every friendly encounter, every interaction with nature and every opportunity you have to experience or engage in creativity.3. Make time for practices that are genuinely soothingIf meditation isn’t your thing (and it isn’t for many people), try a different form of mindful relaxation. On a recent Insight Timer Live we explored this topic together and came up with dancing, singing, reading, walking, yoga, pilates, gardening, playing, sketching, painting, skiing, paddle boarding, surfing. The most important thing is that you make time for whatever it is that brings you some calm. 4. Acknowledge your feelings and offer yourself compassionMake room for all of the emotions – the fear, anxiety, worry, sadness, anger, frustration and powerlessness. Notice where you feel those emotions in your body and offer yourself genuine compassion.5. Make peace with uncertainty, as best you canWe won’t feel uncertainty every day but it’s likely that we’ll experience it often in our lives and we’ll probably always find it difficult. Remind yourself that nothing will stay the same forever and you’re strong enough to handle this. ✨
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” Nelson Mandela ✨
A follow on from last week’s post about aspiring to simplicity. I’m on holiday in Tasmania where I was lucky enough to live for ten years. Yesterday, as we drove through the countryside, I was struck by a lovely memory. At around the age of 12, I spotted many abandoned little cottages, very much like this one. I knew at the time that the simple beauty was all that I would ever want and need in my lifetime. A humble home surrounded by plenty of nature. I had a picture of myself planting a garden, reading by the fire, writing at a little wooden desk and baking in an old fashioned kitchen. Maybe one day having my own children and sharing my love of nature with them. Almost 50 years later, it’s still all of these things that fill me with joy and give my life meaning. I think most of us knew ourselves well at that age yet often, we lost trust in what we believed in and started shaping ourselves to please other people. Can you remember what it was you dreamed of? ✨
An invitation to go a little more gently this week. To let go of some of your striving. To notice the things that you already have. And to make sure that you really do treasure them. ✨💛
Since writing last week's post, I've had my value of 'inner harmony' front of mind, because it's something I don't always find easy.I've been a worrier all my life, so even after years of meditation practice, I sometimes find it hard to create a quiet mind – unless I'm immersed in nature. When Chris encouraged me to try paddle boarding a few years ago, I had no idea if I'd be able to do it. I'm not naturally sporty so things like this don't come easily. But something magical happened when I first stood on that board and looked into the beautiful clear water.I felt (and still feel) transported to a place that removes me from all of my worries. I become immersed in the wonder beneath me. The forests of seaweed, the schools of fish, the way the sunlight creates patterns on the seabed and once, we paddled with dolphins. All of it is truly magical (and quite miraculous that I can keep my balance). I didn't mention last week that one of my other values is courage, which is the one I embraced when I first went out onto the water.The irony is that some of the moments that bring the most peace are made possible when I do something that scares me. ✨
One of the things I do with almost every new client I work with is a values exercise. It's such a powerful tool to help you identify what really matters in your life. Once you've chosen your personal values, you begin to understand why certain choices, places or relationships, feel so right. And why others really don’t. Your values will help you make meaningful choices that shape how you live every day. And as soon as you start living in alignment with your values, your life immediately becomes more meaningful.Do you know your top three values? I’d love you to share them if you do. Mine are inner harmony, kindness and connection. As well as connection with others and myself, this includes a deep sense of connection with nature which is why we live where we do. 🌿 If you’re interested to discover your values, I’ve included a link in my bio to an easy exercise that will help you gain clarity on yours. It really can be life-changing. ✨
© 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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