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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
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kate-james-keynote-speaker-melbourne

Mindfulness Speaker Melbourne – Kate James

Kate James is a mindfulness speaker based in Melbourne, Australia. Sharing a mainstream form of meditation since 2002 and with over 130,000 followers on the popular meditation app, Insight Timer, Kate is considered to be one of Melbourne’s leading facilitators of corporate mindfulness, positive psychology and leadership for developing confidence workshops.

In her engaging and interactive corporate mindfulness workshops, participants learn about integrating the science of mindfulness and positive psychology into work and life in practical ways to improve self-awareness, enhance performance and promote a greater sense of self-belief.

Kate facilitates both in-person and online workshops for corporate groups and not-for-profit organisations.

Mindfulness workshop content

Kate James

Kate is described as an authentic, warm and down-to-earth speaker. In her keynotes and workshops, she shares the latest research about mindfulness, positive psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and how these principles can be integrated into life in practical ways. Audiences comment that she’s someone who appears to embody her message.

Kate speaks to a range of different audiences and she is informal and engaging in her approach. She shares techniques to open your mind to new ways of thinking. Audiences will learn how to:

  • Develop self-awareness
  • Become a more mindful leader
  • Balance the negative bias of the brain
  • Manage stress more effectively
  • Use mindfulness principles in their lives in practical ways
  • Navigate change with a positive mindset
  • Be more authentic and open leaders
  • Feel more resilient, positive and motivated.

CORPORATE MINDFULNESS WORKSHOPS

All workshops introduce the science and psychology of mindfulness including the benefits and how to incorporate mindfulness in practical ways in everyday life.

The Five Principles of Living & Working Mindfully

Learn how the latest mindfulness research can be applied in practical ways to help you become more present, relaxed and focused.

  • Learn to be more present, focused and relaxed
  • Balance the negative bias of the brain
  • Choose behaviours that enhance your wellbeing
  • Identify your personal values
  • Build a more positive relationship with yourself and others
  • Live with a greater sense of purpose

Three Steps to Better Balance

The concept of work-life balance is largely a myth. Taking a mindful approach to balance involves making conscious choices about how you interact with your busy life.

  • Learn how to manage your time more effectively
  • Proactively manage stress
  • Balance a negative mindset
  • Overcome self-sabotaging behaviours
  • Feel a greater sense of balance and calm

The Mindful Leader Workshop series

Combining psychology research, mindfulness tools, therapy techniques and a series of practical exercises, this series of workshops will help you to discover an authentic style of leadership, embrace your innate strengths, improve your communication style, overcome imposter syndrome, build courage and resilience and discover a greater sense of self-belief.

  • Understand your leadership style
  • Identify your leadership goals
  • Discover your unique character strengths
  • Connect with your ‘confident self’
  • Develop a growth mindset
  • Overcome imposter syndrome
  • Connect with your values
  • Build courage and resilience
  • Discover your purpose
  • Develop a five-year vision
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What people say

“I would urge anyone who wants to create and drive a positive and productive team culture to get you to run some corporate mindfulness workshops with Kate. Thank you Kate for hosting such a brilliant workshop and creating the perfect space for my team to explore their strengths and talents and to learn about new tools to help them stay focused and grounded in such a busy work environment. The energy, knowledge and experience you bring are truly exceptional!”

Alex McDonald, Head of Audience Curation and Engagement, Bupa

“Some of my senior leaders were sceptical about meditation in general and some were feeling quite uncomfortable with the thought, however, we persevered. We then arranged a session at our last leadership offsite. Within minutes of meditating the team realised that they were feeling more relaxed and everyone agreed, that it’s a simple and practical tool for stress management. We now have a number of the team meditating on a more regular basis.”

Franca Alessi, Business Support Manager, Network Operations & Development, National Australia Bank

“Kate came into Cotton On Head Office and opened up our global mindfulness program. Her workshop was the perfect introduction to mindfulness. The talk was both informative and engaging with key takeaways and techniques that people used straight away. Since Kate’s workshop, we have had leaders and general managers invite Kate back as a mindfulness speaker and expert to further develop these concepts within their teams.”

Luke McLean – Health +Wellbeing Manager, Cotton On Group

“Kate delivered a fantastic mindfulness session for our executive team, the session was perfectly pitched for the audience and delivered well beyond my expectations. Kate’s engaging style and ability to mesh together research and real-life practical examples really resonated with all who attended. In the weeks that followed many attendees have mentioned how much they learned and are trying to include mindful practice into their daily lives.”

Nicole Tournier, Director Planning & Resources, Strategy & Governance RMIT University

“Kate James brings to her mindfulness workshops a bucketful of practical advice delivered in a calm and authentic manner whereby you’re left wishing that you could spend more time with her.  She is insightful and inspirational, leaving the audience hanging on her every word.  We were fortunate to have Kate provide a two-hour mindfulness workshop at the AGPAL and QIP 2018 Conference – the feedback from our clients was outstanding with only one common complaint –  two hours was not considered long enough!”

Emily Geering, GM Marketing & Communications, Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited 

“Kate led an interactive workshop with 20 of our nursing customers designed to explore the unique challenges they face managing stress each day.  Through creative exercises and guided meditation, each participant was able to come to a deeper understanding of what it truly means to ‘manage stress’.  The group dynamic became very open and supportive as we progressed.  By the end of the workshop, everyone wanted assurances that this would be an annual event!  We continue to get emails from our nurses describing the positive results they are getting from applying the stress-management principles at home and at work.  Well done Kate!”

Larry Fells, CEO, Dansac

“Kate, I really appreciated you delivering such an excellent corporate mindfulness workshop for our team. Your presentation ‘hit the mark’ and I received a lot of positive feedback from the Leadership Team on the quality of the presentation. Your session made it to the top of my list of “three things that went well today”!”

Neil Whiteside, Director Community Wellbeing, Brimbank City Council

“Kate taught us a number of different mindfulness techniques that were surprisingly simple to learn, yet effective. Kate herself is a fantastic advertisement for meditation as her presence was calming yet energising.’”

Michele Leembruggen, Sustainable Building Coordinator, City of Melbourne

“Kate ran a mindfulness session for our team who work in a fast-paced and sometimes challenging industry. Each member of our team came away feeling more equipped with managing their mindset and behaviours. Kate’s soothing voice and reasonable insights resonated with those less familiar with meditation. We have no hesitation in recommending Kate to those looking to enhance personal and professional development. Thank you!”

Warlimont & Nutt Real Estate

“We found Kate’s insights and ideas helpful and everyone enjoyed the time to focus on themselves and to consider the priorities they had and if these should change.

Within a few weeks, almost everyone had taken some action to improve their wellbeing, productivity or relationships. This varied from enrolling in further study, starting an exercise program, joining a meditation class or simply reorganising their workspace.”

Tricia Farnes, Associate Director – Human Resources, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE

“Kate has been an integral part of our health and wellness program within Aviva. Sessions including Managing Stress, Mindfulness and Work-Life Balance have engaged our employees and created an awareness and understanding around the importance of maintaining one’s health, both mentally and physically. Kate’s warm and understanding nature combined with her passion and enthusiasm for these topics has ensured a continued successful program for our employees.”

Cliodhna Coughlan, HR Learning & Development, Aviva Australia

“Kate, just a note to say a big thank you for the talk last night. The feedback was very positive and I think that we all took something away from it. Your style is great, with just the right balance of relaxed delivery without diminishing the importance of the material, and engaged the group throughout. I hope we can work together in the future.”

Brian Peters, Competency Executive, Terra Firma

“Thank you for a very interesting and informative session you conducted at CitiPower/Powercor today. Work-life balance sometimes seems a term that is quite hard to define, but you prompted lots of thought-starters for me. One thing I found vital – recognition that the balance can and does change frequently, depending on issues that are happening in either my work or private life. I hadn’t truly realised that before now. Thank you for putting so much of yourself into the presentation – it makes it so much more interesting.”

Executive Assistant to General Manager Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, Powercor/CitiPower

Kate-James-mindfulness

Image by Fi Mims Photography

Recent clients include

Cotton On Group, Latrobe University, Holmesglen, Monash, Sensis, Grocon, Aviva, Coles Myer, Urbis, NPS Medicinewise, Moores Legal, The Victorian Bar, BHP Billiton, Macquarie Bank, NAB, Bank West, PwC, Powercor, CSR, Clemenger, CHE, George Patts, Department of Transport, Department of Human Services, Department of Sustainability & Environment, Department of Justice, Financial Ombudsman Service, Victorian Electoral Commission, TCA, Yarra Valley Water, Local Government Women’s Professional Development, Australian Red Cross, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Whitelion and Kids Under Cover.

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Get in touch to book a corporate mindfulness or leadership workshop or keynote.

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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
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
© Kate James 2025

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