Kathy Houston
Kathleen (Kathy) Houston is a Certified Coach, Mental Fitness Speaker, and TEDx Speaker dedicated to helping high-achieving women escape overwhelm, achieve balance, and thrive as the leaders they were meant to be. Through her coaching practice, Run Your Life.biz, Kathy empowers female executives to reclaim their energy, clarity, and purpose using the Positive Intelligence (PQ) framework — a neuroscience-based approach to rewiring the mind for resilience, fulfillment, and lasting transformation.
Drawing from over three decades of corporate leadership experience in the retail industry, Kathy understands the toll that external success can take on personal well-being. After realizing she was sacrificing her own happiness and health, she made the courageous decision to reinvent her life and now guides others through that same journey of renewal. Her coaching is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and practical strategies that help women manage stress, strengthen relationships, and live with intention.
A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Kathy brings the discipline, integrity, and leadership principles instilled through her military background into every aspect of her work. She is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and creates safe, inclusive spaces for clients to grow and thrive. Through her talks, workshops, and personalized coaching, Kathy continues to inspire others to “run their life” — not let it run them — and to embrace a future of balance, confidence, and joy.
• Certified Life Coach
• United States Military Academy at West Point
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother, who believed in me enough to help fund my career transition and reminded me that starting over is a sign of strength, not failure. I’m also deeply grateful for the group of 22 women entrepreneurs I meet with regularly—they keep me inspired, grounded, and accountable as I continue to grow personally and professionally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t wait for permission. Invest in yourself, be honest about what you truly want, and stay consistent in pursuing it. Reinvention is possible at any age—you just have to keep moving forward, even when it feels uncomfortable. That’s where growth and confidence are built.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, one of the biggest challenges in my field is standing out in a crowded coaching industry and helping people understand that life coaching goes far beyond quick-fix motivation. Finding ways to market authentically while staying true to my message is a constant balancing act. At the same time, there are incredible opportunities. Platforms like TEDx, networking with other women entrepreneurs, and partnering with LGBTQ+ media allow me to expand my reach, scale my visibility, and make a meaningful impact in more people’s lives.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in both my work and personal life are integrity, empathy, and persistence. I strive to be compassionate yet direct with my clients, helping them grow while staying true to their goals. My years in retail taught me resilience and strong people skills, but my personal journey taught me courage—the ability to start over, be honest with myself, and choose purpose over comfort.