I stopped seeing disappointment as failure and started seeing it as data, helping me gain clarity, improve my approach, and keep moving forward with purpose.
Kiata Tolbert · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Kiata
Kiata "Kay" Tolbert is the Founder and CEO of Katapulting Consulting, where she helps organizations use artificial intelligence to work smarter, improve productivity, and prepare for the future of work. With more than 25 years of experience in banking, business operations, information technology, compliance, and process improvement, she understands both the business and technology sides of organizational success.
After spending more than two decades helping large organizations improve processes and solve business challenges, Kay saw an opportunity to help businesses of all sizes confidently adopt artificial intelligence. Today, she works with business owners, nonprofit organizations, educators, and executive leaders to implement practical AI solutions that improve efficiency, reduce administrative work, and allow people to focus on the work that matters most.
Kay believes AI should not replace people. It should help people become more productive, make better decisions, and create more opportunities. Her approach focuses on practical solutions that organizations can implement today while building a strong foundation for tomorrow.
She is also the founder of Caring People Rescue, where she combines her passion for education and community service by providing CPR, AED, and First Aid training to individuals, schools, healthcare professionals, and businesses. Whether she is teaching lifesaving skills or helping organizations embrace new technology, her goal is the same. She wants to equip people with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.
Kay earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Technology from Southern New Hampshire University and holds professional certifications in Scrum and Data Analytics. She is also a co-author of AI in the Field, reflecting her commitment to helping organizations understand and apply artificial intelligence in meaningful ways.
She believes the future belongs to those who are willing to keep learning, stay curious, and embrace change. Through Katapulting Consulting, she is helping organizations and leaders build that future with confidence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kiata
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, continuous learning, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Throughout my career, I have embraced change and viewed every new challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.
I believe in creating a clear vision, developing a strategic plan, and staying disciplined enough to execute it one step at a time. Goals provide direction, but consistency, resilience, and perseverance are what turn vision into results. Success is not built overnight. It is the result of making intentional decisions every day and remaining committed even when the path becomes challenging.
I also believe that no one succeeds alone. Building meaningful relationships, surrounding yourself with positive and knowledgeable people, and remaining open to new ideas have played an important role in my personal and professional growth.
As technology continues to transform the way we work, I remain committed to lifelong learning and helping others confidently embrace innovation while keeping people at the center of every solution. I believe that when purpose, preparation, and perseverance come together, opportunities become achievements.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never burn bridges. Your reputation follows you throughout your career, and the relationships you build today can create opportunities you never expected tomorrow.
I have also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, growth-minded people who encourage you to think bigger, continue learning, and become the best version of yourself. Every person you meet has the potential to teach you something, so I believe in treating others with respect, staying adaptable, and approaching every opportunity with integrity.
Those principles have guided my career for more than 25 years and continue to influence how I lead, serve others, and build lasting professional relationships.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the AI and technology industry is to stay curious and never stop learning. You do not have to know everything to get started. Be willing to ask questions, explore new ideas, and step outside of your comfort zone. Some of the greatest opportunities come from simply having the courage to learn something new.
Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, creating opportunities for people with many different backgrounds and experiences. Whether your passion is business, healthcare, education, finance, marketing, or nonprofit work, there is a place for you in this rapidly evolving field.
Most importantly, remember that AI is a tool. It is your creativity, critical thinking, empathy, and ability to solve problems that will set you apart. Invest in your skills, believe in your abilities, and never underestimate the value of your unique perspective. The future of work needs more women who are willing to lead, innovate, and help shape how technology serves people.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is helping organizations move beyond the excitement surrounding artificial intelligence and begin using it in meaningful, practical ways. Many leaders understand that AI has the potential to transform their organizations, but they are often unsure where to start, how to use it responsibly, or how to prepare their teams for the changes ahead.
At the same time, that uncertainty creates one of the greatest opportunities. Organizations that take the time to learn, experiment, and thoughtfully integrate AI into their operations can improve productivity, make better decisions, and create more time for the work that requires human creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
I believe the future belongs to organizations that embrace AI while continuing to invest in their people. The most successful organizations will not be those that simply adopt new technology. They will be the ones that combine the power of AI with the strength of people to create smarter, more innovative workplaces.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are integrity, respect, service, continuous learning, and reliability. I believe trust is earned by keeping your word, treating people with respect, and consistently doing what you say you will do.
I also believe every person brings unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths to the table. Taking the time to listen, understand others, and adapt my approach has helped me build meaningful relationships throughout my career. Whether I am working with a client, mentoring someone, or collaborating with a team, I strive to create an environment built on trust, mutual respect, and shared success.
Above all, I believe success is measured not only by what you accomplish, but by the positive impact you have on the people around you. That belief influences how I lead, how I serve others, and how I approach every opportunity.
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