Hi, I’m Kathleen

Kathleen Woodhouse is the Managing Director at Woodhouse Partners, focused on increasing leadership and organizational capability to drive business results. A former Fortune 50 executive, Kathleen understands the challenges of managing in a complex, ever-changing environment, and served as an executive leader in multi-billion dollar business units.

Kathleen is direct, insightful, results-oriented, and holds clients accountable for their commitments. Her work has proven to be effective at multiple levels in the organization, and across multiple functional areas. She coaches C-level clients and their successors, and has a passion for developing women and high potential talent.

  • …working with leaders and their teams to create an environment where people excel. Kathleen’s hands-on approach ensures that clients get a realistic assessment of strengths and opportunities, and the actions required to achieve higher levels of performance. Kathleen is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, and a Guest Lecturer at the Harvard Business School. She is Hogan-certified, and uses this assessment and an array of other tools to provide client feedback.

  • …technology, legal, healthcare, financial services, pharmaceutical and materials executives. She has worked closely with business leaders in the US, Canada, China, India, and Europe.

  • …Kathleen was Corporate Vice President of Human Resources at Advanced Micro Devices, and held executive HR leadership roles at Dell, Inc., living in both the U.S. and in Europe. Kathleen now lives in Austin with her husband and two children. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Texas.

    Learn more about Nova Leadership HERE!

Want to know what Kathleen does when she’s not working…?

OK, so now that you have info on the more professional me – here’s what else you need to know:

  • I spend at least a month each year traveling...

    Traveling expands our horizons. Experiencing new people, places, cultures, languages, foods…it’s an irreplaceable learning experience. When we lived in Europe, my family and I were on the road constantly. Fun fact: I’ve spent time in six of seven continents (…and I just don’t think Antarctica’s going to happen.) At the end of the day, the Caribbean is my happy place. Put me on a beach with a book – add in a few days to dive – and I’m set!

  • I'm a scuba diver...

    I took diving in college because I needed a PE credit to graduate. Who knew from those poolside PE credits that I’d gain a lifetime avocation? There are so many analogies between diving and leadership (watch for the related blog post) and – more importantly – there is NO place more peaceful and beautiful than under the ocean. I’ve been privileged to see some of the most amazing beaches and oceans in the world, and am committed to protecting them as a donor to the Ocean Conservancy.

  • I'm a reader...

    I’ve had a lifelong love of reading. As a practitioner, I tell myself every year that my nonfiction reading > fiction…and I think I fail miserably every year. 😊 That said, I’m always on the lookout for a good book: business, pleasure, research, history….you name it and I’ll read it! Instilling a love of learning in kids is a great life skill, and here in Austin, I support Bookspring and the work they do to enhance childhood literacy.

  • I love to laugh...

    I find joy everywhere, and often in the tiniest moments. I inherited a big laugh from my Dad, and my husband often says he can easily find me at a party if he just listens for my laugh. Life’s too short to not have a good time. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve had my share of trials and heartache. I just believe it’s a little easier when you can take a step back and laugh…especially at yourself.

  • I believe it’s important to give back...

    I’ve been blessed with an amazing family and a healthy career. I know that I’ve had opportunities that so many others have not. My parents were role models in community service, and I work with an awareness that those of us who can help others should. Whether you give your time, your money or your expertise…I believe finding a way to serve others is not just important, it’s our responsibility to one another.

    For a little more insight, you can check out this blog post on Why I Coach.

Let’s get together to define where you want to go.