We recently connected with Cat Coley and have shared our conversation below.

Cat, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business wasn’t a big aha moment. It grew out of a season of survival, desperation, reflection, and ultimately, transformation. I was at rock bottom—financially, emotionally, and spiritually. I had lost almost everything, but one thing remained: my story. It wasn’t a story I was proud to share—quite the opposite, in fact. It wasn’t polished or exciting, but it was mine, and deep down, I knew it held power.

At first, sharing my story felt vulnerable—terrifying, if I’m being honest. Initially, I shared it for cathartic reasons, not with the intention of starting a business. But something incredible happened when I did. People listened. They truly connected. They saw themselves in my struggles, appreciated my openness in talking about things most people hide, and found hope in my resilience. That’s when I realized I wasn’t just telling my story; I was giving others permission to embrace their own.

That realization lit a small fire in me—just enough to keep going, though not enough to jump in headfirst. Then life gave me a nudge—or more accurately, a shove—when I was unexpectedly laid off. I found myself at a crossroads: one path led to the scary but exciting opportunity to turn my vulnerability into something meaningful, while the other led back to the security (but less fulfilling) of a steady job. I think you can guess which path I chose.

During those moments of sharing my story, I started to see how storytelling could be more than a tool for connection—it could be a strategy for real change. In a world where everyone’s trying to stand out, your story is your differentiator. It’s the one thing no one can replicate. And it’s what makes people trust you, believe in you, and want to work with you.

Being an entrepreneur is a long series of trial and error, often measured in numbers and strategies. But I wanted to do something different. I wanted to show entrepreneurs, especially women, that their stories were their greatest assets. That the very things they thought made them “too much” or “not enough” were actually their superpowers.

Looking back, I see now that this wasn’t just about building a business. It was about creating a movement—one that turns our stories into strategies, vulnerability into real authentic connection, and dreams into realities that once seemed impossible.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Cat Coley, and I’m a storytelling and speaker coach, keynote speaker, podcast host and best selling author passionate about helping women entrepreneurs turn their personal stories into powerful tools for connection and growth.

My journey into this field wasn’t exactly traditional—it was born out of a personal transformation and a deep desire to create meaningful connections. After navigating some of the most challenging chapters of my life, I realized the power of owning my story. I didn’t just survive; I learned to thrive by embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and resilience. It wasn’t long before I noticed that sharing my story wasn’t just healing for me—it was inspiring others to open up, connect, and see their own stories in a new light. That’s when I knew I had to turn this passion into a business.

Through my coaching programs, workshops, and speaking engagements, I help women entrepreneurs harness the power of storytelling to build authentic brands, attract aligned clients, and step confidently into thought leadership. My services include 1:1 coaching, VIP Story Sessions, and group programs like Story to Impact, which are designed to guide clients in crafting their signature stories, creating meaningful connections, and driving growth in their businesses.

The work I do solves a key problem for my clients: clarity, confidence and conversions. Many women know they have something valuable to share but feel unsure about how to articulate it in a way that resonates with their audience. I help them uncover the stories that truly define them, shape their messaging, and show them how to use those stories as a bridge to inspire, empower, and connect with others.

What sets me apart is the deeply personal and transformative approach I bring to my work. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions or one-size-fits-all strategies. Instead, I meet each client where they are, helping them embrace their unique journey and show up as their authentic selves. Because when you connect with your audience through your story, you’re not just selling a product or service—you’re building trust, creating impact, and leaving a legacy.

One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing the ripple effect of this work. When my clients step into their stories and share them with confidence, they not only attract the right opportunities but also inspire others to do the same. I’ve been honored to watch so many women grow their businesses, take the stage with confidence, and create communities where authenticity and connection thrive.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients and followers to know about me and my brand, it’s this: your story matters. It’s more than a collection of experiences—it’s a blueprint for your growth and a gift for your audience. Whether you’re building a business, a brand, or simply looking to show up more authentically in the world, your story has the power to make an impact. And I’m here to help you uncover it, own it, and share it with confidence.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that pivoting isn’t failure—it’s necessary for growth. When I started my business, storytelling was my foundation. But over time, my work shifted toward marketing strategy and sales, aligning more with my corporate experience than my passion. While it worked for a while, I began to feel burnt out and disconnected from my why.

At my breaking point, I knew I had to make a change. I stopped renewing client contracts, took a difficult step back, and asked myself what truly inspired me. The answer was clear: storytelling. Recommitting to my why was my answer all along. I restructured my business, launched a podcast, spoke on stages, and co-authored an international bestseller.

That pivot back to my why not only saved my business (not to mention my sanity) but reminded me that alignment is everything. Pivoting isn’t giving up—it’s about moving forward towards what truly matters.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been speaking on stages, facilitating workshops, and podcasting. These platforms allow me to share my story authentically while building authority, credibility, and trust with my audience. They’ve been game changers for my business and are why I’m so passionate about helping my clients find clarity and confidence in sharing their own journeys on stages. When you own your story and share it boldly, you create meaningful connections that attract aligned clients and opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://catcoley.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealcatcoley/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealcatcoley/

Image Credits

For the first two photos (sitting with hand on chin and sitting leaning back smiling) taken by Bernadette https://www.instagram.com/bernadettemarciniak
https://www.solhausmedia.com/