Author & Coach for
Creators and High-Performing Women Navigating Change

Author, Leadership and Life Design Coach Kathleen Branigan crouching in a grassy field with mountains and trees in the background

I work with people whose old way of living no longer works, even though things may look impressive on the outside.

Author, Leadership and Life Design Coach Kathleen Branigan - a smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing a black top and a black, white, and gray scarf, standing against a white wall.

Hi there,
I’m Kathleen!

Internally, something has shifted.

You might feel disoriented, tired of pushing, or unsettled in a way you can’t explain.

  • What used to motivate you doesn’t anymore.

  • Strategies that once worked now feel hollow.

  • You don’t recognize yourself in the life you’ve built.

This kind of identity-level change isn’t solved by more effort, better habits, or a new set of goals.

It requires space, honesty, and a steadier way of listening to what’s actually happening—so you don’t have to force clarity before it’s real.

More About Me
My Coaching Services

Real fulfillment doesn’t come from grinding harder —
it comes from alignment.

More About My Approach

This isn’t theory—it’s lived experience.

I’ve been through burnout, loss, pivots, and reinventions more times than I can count. Fear, stuck-ness, and self-doubt don’t mean you’re off track. They’re signals that the old way no longer fits and something new is trying to emerge.

Author, Leadership and Life Design Coach Kathleen Branigan - a woman sitting on a white wooden bench by a pond in a park, wearing a hat and looking at the water, surrounded by green trees and grass.

About Me

More About Me

Real Clients, Real Shifts

  • “Kathleen has an exceptional ability to create meaningful change for our leaders.

    What sets her apart is her ability to balance support and safety with stretch—sparking lasting ‘aha moments’ and creating authentic connections that make the learning stick. Consistently among our highest-rated faculty, she is an invaluable asset to our leadership development programs, bringing deep expertise, warmth, and impact.”

    Yadankush Getinet
    Senior Professional Development Manager

  • “KB is unique amongst coaches because she actually walks the talk...

    A lot of coaches talk about living adventurous lives and writing books, but she actually has. She brings a rare mix of empathy, courage, and real-life experience, which means she really understands the fears/blocks we all face.”

    Becca
    Writer & Creative 

  • “There are people out there with wisdom and expertise who bring more to the table—Kathleen is one of those.

    Kathleen is my ‘Life Journey Doula’. She’s incredibly perceptive, helps me clarify what I truly want, and offers strategies and insights that might never have crossed my mind. I always leave our conversations empowered with concrete steps—that’s why she’s been my go-to for 15 years.”

    Elizabeth
    Ex-BigLaw Partner turned CEO & Entrepreneur

  • “Kathleen is an exceptional coach—skilled, personable, and impactful.

    Our firm integrates group and individual coaching into our training curriculums. The participants consistently find her sessions insightful, empowering, and high-value. We’re not only impressed by the caliber of her work, but also her kindness and quality as a person.”

    Heather
    Global Chief Learning Officer and People Leadership

  • “This is someone I want in my life forever...

    I came to Kathleen at a crossroads—stuck and uncertain about my next step. Through deep listening and thoughtful questions, she helped me challenge the assumptions holding me back. With her guidance, I found clarity, and landed my dream job. Over twelve years later, I still turn to her when I need perspective. I feel a lot of gratitude.”

    Bridget
    Senior Leader

  • “I’ve worked with Kathleen for over a decade; her coaching has been nothing short of empowering.

    Whether I’m stepping into bigger roles, navigating complex challenges, or recalibrating for balance, she cuts straight to what matters. When I’m stuck, she’s the sharp, compassionate (and often funny) mirror that shifts everything. I can’t recommend her highly enough.”

    Senior Executive
    SVP & General Counsel

  • “Kathleen is inspiring because she’s not just creative—she lives it.

    She really gets where that creative spark comes from; she has helped me not only tap into my creativity, but guide me to connect with something much deeper—my inner self, soul, that higher energy. Not many coaches can do all of that."

    Milton
    Retired Business Leader turned Life Surfer

  • “Coaching with Kathleen has been one of the most empowering experiences of my life—personally and professionally.

    From day one, she understood my situation, often better than I did. Her approach was never one-size-fits-all; she challenged me, helped me clarify what was really going on, and guided me toward practical, honest solutions. She’s brilliant, grounded, insightful, and brings a great sense of humor to the process. I’m so glad I found her.”

    Laura
    Ex-Big Law Partner turnedSmall Business Owner

  • “Working with Kathleen was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made.

    When my career took off faster than expected, I was overwhelmed trying to keep everything on track. Kathleen’s insight and support helped me cut through the noise, get clear, and make decisions that had a profound impact on my life. Her feedback and practical guidance—honest, accurate, and always on point—was a game-changer.”

    Wanda
    Entrepreneur

  • “Kathleen’s coaching is outstanding.

    She quickly turns deep insight into clear, actionable advice. She listens closely, remembers what matters, and offers guidance that’s respectful, empowering, and effective—especially in high-stakes situations. Working with her has been both calming and transformative. I recommend her without hesitation.”

    Mark
    Managing Partner, AmLaw 100 Firm

  • “When I started working with Kathleen, I was overwhelmed, discouraged, and totally stuck.

    She helped me get clear on what I really wanted—and held me to it. With her support, I started moving, and a whole new world opened up. Now I’m living the life I used to dream about.”

    Joy
    Senior Marketing Consultant Turned Beer Connoisseur

  • “I have to admit, I was skeptical about coaching at first…

    But working with Kathleen really helped me gain greater self-awareness and improve my communication skills.  I would highly recommend Kathleen, and coaching, to anyone looking to take certain skills to the next level.” 

    John 
    Senior Associate, AmLaw 100 Firm 

  • “Kathleen has been superb, and her coaching has been a valuable part of our associate and partner development.

    I appreciate how each session is tailored to individual needs—whether it's leadership, communication, time management, or stress. Our lawyers consistently share how helpful her guidance has been in making them stronger professionals. I highly recommend Kathleen—she’s excellent.”

    Jane
    Talent Management Director, AmLaw 100 firm

  • “Kathleen just gets it. She’s amazing at helping people tap into their creative energy and find more joy, balance, and meaning.

    She brings the kind of curiosity, humor, and outside-the-box thinking that makes you feel both seen and inspired. It’s like she makes everything feel a little more possible.”

    Mei
    Health Coach & Occupational Therapist

  • “Kathleen has been incredibly responsive and supportive of our coaching needs.

    She’s worked with some particularly challenging clients with patience, professionalism, and grace. I highly recommend her as a coach.”

    Jeanine E.
    Director of Administration

  • “I was in this cavernous period—how do I create what I need to keep going?

    I needed a sense of direction and an energy management plan. Kathleen held the space for that magic to happen in our group. I felt energized, empowered, supported, and made so many important shifts.”

    Faye
    Writer & Creative Solo-Preneur

  • “Kathleen is a wonderful coach—grounded, kind, playful, and genuinely funny.

    I always feel safe opening up with her because she’s so intuitive and has a real gift for connecting with people’s hearts!”

    Brandi
    Small Business Owner

  • “Kathleen has a way of being fully present and intentional—inviting clients out of their head and into the real, creative flow of life.

    She helps people reconnect with their own life force and creativity, which is what makes her the perfect guide. We all get pulled away sometimes. Kathleen knows from experience how to bring us back.”

    Mary
    Art Therapist, Artist, & Healer

  • “KB has this ability to find creativity everywhere and see potential in every idea.

    Her playful curiosity and willingness to dig deep make working with her inspiring."

    Carolina
    Professional Storyteller

  • “Kathleen’s curiosity and genuine empathy create a space where anything feels possible.

    She’s an incredible listener—open, compassionate, and confident in a way that makes others feel calm."

    Meredith
    Empty Nester

Repeating pattern of stylized white lotus flowers with leaves on a black background.
Author, Leadership and Life Design Coach Kathleen Branigan - a woman wearing a black cap and athletic jacket in a yoga pose against a white background.

Change doesn’t always arrive as a dumpster fire…

Sometimes it shows up as a quiet sense that the way you’ve been living no longer fits.

What used to motivate you doesn’t anymore. The old strategies are less reliable. You feel tired of pushing—without a clear reason why.

I work with people at that threshold, when old ways stop working and what’s next isn’t clear yet. My role isn’t to offer quick answers that only repeat what landed you here in the first place, but to help you stay grounded and self-led while things genuinely reorganize.

Pattern of white stylized leaf designs on a black background.

This work begins where old
ways stop working.

Author, Leadership and Life Design Coach Kathleen Branigan - a woman with blonde hair reading a book titled 'The Power of Now' against a white background.

New around here? A place to begin

The Journal

Reflections from my own process and work with others navigating change and reorganization:

Featured
What If Your Perfectionism Isn’t Excellence, but Protection?

Perfectionism often looks like discipline and ambition, but underneath it’s a learned attempt to stay safe, belong, and avoid emotional threat.

Your Inner Cave Troll Is Not in Charge (So Stop Letting It Drive)

You know that experience of talking to someone who doesn’t get what you’re talking about—maybe even can’t get it—but you both keep going anyway (because both egos want a “win”)?

Hollow Bone Medicine: When Life Says It’s Just Time

At some point on the spiritual path, you may come across the phrase “become a hollow bone.” I first heard it in a shamanic ceremony, and the idea has stayed with me ever since.

Explore the Journal

The Microdose

A monthly shot of clarity, insight, and manifestation fuel—without the noise of social media or the overwhelm of long newsletters. No inbox clutter. Just what works. Learn more.

(Don’t worry—your data stays with me!)

Screenshot 2025-06-26 at 1.22.36 PM.png

Whenever you’re ready.

Get in Touch