We were lucky to catch up with Catherine Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Catherine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I have always been a lover of people, after doing my BA in Sociology, and Anthropology I wanted to do my Masters in Social Work, but God had a different plan for me. After working as a marketing executive for over 20 years, I realized I still had a burning desire to help others grow in a more meaningful way. Too often people have goals and don’t know how to accomplish them. I am great at helping others figure out the HOW. I became a certified John Maxwell coach, trainer, and speaker. Now I coach middle managers to strengthen their effectiveness, maximize their impact, prepare for their next role, or overcome a challenge they’re facing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For over 20 years, I was an intrapreneurial senior executive who thrived in a business environment which allowed me the freedom to innovate and take risks. Known for injecting energy and creating and strengthening brands, building momentum in omnichannel distribution to achieve growth. I am a well-established Integrated Marketing Strategist with a Master’s in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Anthropology, and an Associate of Arts degree from Broward University. I spent 15+ years in Leadership and management in the Caribbean and Latin America, leveraging strategic market-venturing resources of global blue-chip companies to navigate and disrupt the commercial landscape. I have a comprehensive knowledge of Retail Trade Marketing and distribution and how to build supporting structures to strengthen capacity to scale rapidly, expand market coverage, and extend reach. Through my consultancy, Redefine Business Services Limited I currently offer marketing strategy and sponsorship management services focused on the brands and products that would like to reach the Caribbean and Caribbean diaspora.

In 2019 I became a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer, and coach. I am a budding author focused on transforming lives through mentorship, coaching, and training. I am a people builder and have mastered the art of connecting with them and helping them tap into their true selves to strengthen their effectiveness, maximize their impact, prepare for their next role, or address a challenge they’re facing.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

WOW! The first thing I had to unlearn is that I am not who people say I am. I had to learn that my identity comes from God and that I have to be very careful who I allow to speak into my life. I lost myself in an abusive relationship and had to figure out who I was and what I was called to.

Culturally there is a saying “no new friends.” I had to learn that my network is my net worth. My network has helped to open doors I didn’t even know existed.

I had to unlearn that mistakes and failures don’t define me. It’s not something to be ashamed of; it is an opportunity to learn and grow.

I had to unlearn the stereotypes of women being “aggressive” and understand that I get what I negotiate. Women in business are often taken advantage of, the pay gap is real and I had to learn and I try to help other women that we get what we negotiate.

I had to unlearn that I have to be prepared for a job in order to accept it, I can learn and grow. I had the privilege of building out an entire trade marketing division for Pepsi Jamaica from nothing all because I was open to saying YES!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I try to live by “say what you mean, mean what you say” delivering on what I say I will and giving of my best. Being a team player and being able to connect with others to get the job done is a skill I have come to master.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cathygoodall.com
• Instagram: cathy.goodall
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachCathyGoodall
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathygoodall/
• Twitter: cathy.goodall
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yoursimplesteps