Inspirational is Kathleen Fanning, CEO of Kathleen Fanning Coaching. Her transformative journey – from university lecturer to sought-after Executive Coach and Trainer -represents 25 years of experience in Higher Education, Management, and Leadership training, ensuring Kathleen combines academic rigor with real-world expertise.
Through personalized coaching and training, Kathleen supports women in overcoming imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and professional and personal challenges. She creates a safe and supportive environment where clients gain clarity, confidence, and the ability to make meaningful changes. As one client—a senior manager—put it: “For so many years, I was my greatest critic. Today, I am my advocate, my cheerleader, and above all, I am my best friend.”
As the CEO, she has multiple responsibilities – from marketing and administration to client engagement. As the business flourishes, she strategically delegates tasks, to focus on what she does best—helping clients achieve transformational growth. But success didn’t come without its challenges.
When the Walls Crumble, She Builds Bridges!
The leap from employee to entrepreneur was a seismic shift. Kathleen quickly realized that passion alone wouldn’t pay the bills. She needed a solid foundation in business strategy. After a year-long deep dive into the world of business development, mentorship from the best, and a powerful network of fellow entrepreneurs – she took the plunge. These steps helped develop the skills and mindset she needed to run a thriving business.
In her own words: “This journey deepened my empathy for individuals struggling with transitions—whether they are newly promoted leaders, new entrepreneurs or life transitions. Feelings of imposter syndrome can arise, but with the right mindset and tools, they can be overcome.”
Fostering a Culture of Empowerment and Development for Clients
Empowerment isn’t just a goal for Kathleen—it’s her mission. At the heart of her work is Time to Believe™, a transformative program that reshapes how clients navigate both their personal and professional growth. Through this journey, they learn to turn self-care into a sustainable habit, replace self-doubt with unwavering confidence, and rewire their mindset for lasting change.
Kathleen’s program also equips clients with the tools to set healthy boundaries, communicate with intention, and focus on what truly matters—unlocking greater success in all areas of life. With a deep understanding of the power of a resilient, empowered workforce, she partners with individuals, organizations and community groups ready to embrace these transformative principles.
Kathleen’s own Professional Journey to Self-Improvement
Guiding others requires continuous self-improvement, which she pursues through three key practices. Firstly, she participates in a mastermind group, learning from, and challenging, other coaches. Secondly, she regularly updates her coaching toolbox with the latest assessments and techniques to offer her clients the best support. Lastly, Kathleen stays informed on industry trends and best practices.
Leveling Up with Positive Intelligence & mBIT
As an ICF-credentialed coach on the path to Master-level coaching, Kathleen has the coaching competencies as her guiding compass. In recent years, her toolkit has evolved with the addition of two valuable certifications: Positive Intelligence® and mBIT (Multiple Brain Integration Techniques). These methodologies enhance resilience, decision-making, and overall mental fitness, helping clients lead with confidence and clarity.
When asked how she keeps her coaching programs ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry, she replies that staying competitive is much more than chasing every new development. It’s also about blending fresh approaches. In an age where AI-powered coaching is on the rise, Kathleen stresses one thing: technology may enhance the process, but nothing will ever replace the power of genuine human connection.
Boss Lady vs. Burnout – Finding the Sweet Spot of Balance
Kathleen doesn’t let exhaustion take the lead. Equipped with the powerful Positive Intelligence® framework, she works to master her mindset. Daily practices of mindful PQ reps—optimism, gratitude, and a healthy curiosity—keep her centered and focused. These intentional habits help Kathleen maintain a balanced work-life dynamic, creating a life she truly cherishes. She also shares these resources with clients, helping them achieve sustainable success without burnout.
Unlocking Leadership Potential: The Power of Mental Fitness
Kathleen understands the critical role of mental fitness. Having witnessed the transformative impact of Positive Intelligence (PQ) on her clients, she’s become a passionate advocate for its power to unlock leadership potential. The evidence is undeniable – both globally and within her own practice.
In one client’s words: “The PQ course has given me a unique vantage point to see how skewed my thought patterns had become. I was in a state of constant, low grade anxiety and I didn’t know why or how to escape. Now, I realize that I have the power to change that and the past weeks of practice have brought me back to a more centered, peaceful place.”
The impact of PQ extends beyond individual transformation. As Jessica Herrin, CEO of Stella & Dot, stated, “This has been an extraordinary gift for my team. The concepts are phenomenal — a true revelation in the way to think and handle work and life’s challenges. Besides the lasting impact on myself, I’ve loved hearing how many people this has touched in my company.”
Fueling Kathleen Fanning Coaching’s Success
Kathleen stresses how having a top-tier Business Coach has changed the course of her success and progress. The additional layer of accountability provided by her Mastermind group is essential in helping her keep on track. Let’s not forget self-care! That’s where PQ’s invaluable tools come in, along with time-management strategies to stress-busting techniques. Kathleen takes full ownership of her role and uses the same effective strategies she advises her clients on to push herself forward.
Vision for the Future and Message for Gen-Next
Looking ahead, Kathleen aims to empower more professional women through 1:1, group coaching and training events. Building on her successful corporate work comes next. Following the success of her Fill Your Well: 30 Days of Resilience Journal, she’s launching a 30 Days of Gratitude Journal this year. With a clear vision for growth, she’s also actively pursuing speaking opportunities to expand her reach and inspire others. Confident in her approach, Kathleen says, “Consistent marketing and networking are key ways I will make all this happen!”
Kathleen has a powerful message for the next generation. She encourages a focus on three pillars: self-awareness, intentionality, and resilience. “Understand your strengths, values, and blind spots,” she asserts. Next, she encourages leaders to act with intention—defining their vision, setting meaningful goals, and aligning actions with core values. Finally, she highlights resilience, urging leaders to embrace setbacks as learning moments and maintain balance in both professional and personal lives. Kathleen also advises senior leaders to lead by example, as their approach directly impacts employee retention, satisfaction, and performance.
Recognition: Beyond Awards
Kathleen has been ranked among the “Top 10 Empowering Women Leaders to Follow in 2025.” Her recognition as Coach of the Year by ICF Ireland in 2023 is a testament to her impactful contributions and the difference she’s made.
The award committee honored her energy, passion for coaching, and, above all for her humanity, stating: Kathleen has clearly contributed greatly to and had an impact on, the wider coaching community and society. It is evident that, as with so much effective coaching, her impact on others was as much, if not more, in her being as it was in her doing.”
Final Thoughts
Kathleen Fanning grew up in Connecticut and now lives in Tipperary, Ireland. She describes herself as ‘having a foot on both continents,’ and her client base is in the US and Europe. Not surprisingly, she loves to travel!
Kathleen is more than just a coach—she is a catalyst for transformation, empowerment, and leadership growth. Whether working with individuals or organizations, her mission remains the same: to help women overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and step into their power as leaders in an ever-evolving world. Above all, Kathleen brings much experience to her coaching. She cultivates a human touch, maintaining a sensitivity when working with distressed and confused clients, attempting to understand emotional wavering, and ensuring a lightness that encourages clients to open up without fear.
