From High Achiever to Self-Assured Leader: The Real Next Chapter
You have come so far in your career and built a life you’re proud of. But pushing yourself harder isn’t giving you the self-possession you want. Shouldn’t confidence and self-assuredness come easier by now?
You’ve accomplished a lot. You’ve achieved – maybe even beyond your wildest dreams. Now, you might be thinking --
● Why do I feel undone by a bump in the road?
● I’m ready for something else- but why is it so hard for me to get started or commit?
● How do I know if I’m doing the right thing? Is my plan solid? Why can’t I trust my gut?
● Yes, yes, talk to myself like I would a friend- but what if I’m letting myself off the hook with all that compassionate self-talk?
Photo by Brittney Strange on Unsplash
You’re not alone. And you very likely don’t need more tools or inputs. You have all the gold stars you can handle. They aren’t helping you get what you really want.
You want to truly believe it when someone says, “You’ve got this.” You want to learn to talk yourself out of your own funk in a way that honors your doubt and allows you to choose your next right thing. You want to lead in a way that respects the humanity of everyone around you and gives voice to your needs and priorities
Coaching Rooted in the Real World—And Your Real Self
I’m Katie, founder of Trellis LLC. Before I ever became a leadership coach, I built my career in the corporate—leading teams, launching big projects, and wrestling with the same “inner achiever ” you know so well. And then I built a successful solo business as a fractional chief marketing officer, learning how to sell my services and define and defend my value.
I get it: you want to grow in ways that are healthy, centered in kindness and compassion , and built for the long haul.
I created Trellis because healthy things don’t grow in isolation—sometimes, we all need structure, support, and a place to root into our own choices before stretching toward what’s next.
“I’m so glad I found Katie! Throughout our sessions, she’s asked questions and provided exercises that helped me gain clarity on how I wanted to transition into the next stage of my career and the steps I’d have to take to get there with confidence. ”
Photo by Jo Magcayang on Unsplash
What Happens When We Work Together?
This isn’t a “rah-rah” performance clinic.
It’s not surface-level pep talks or productivity hacks.
It’s not therapy (I love therapy… I’m not qualified to deliver it!)
It’s a 1:1 partnership—rooted in truth, warmth, and forward movement—focused on helping you:
● Get clear about what you actually want (not just what’s expected of you)
● See the patterns and self-stories holding you back—with empathy, not judgment
● Build self-trust through honest conversation, practical tools, and small experiments
● Reclaim and exercise agency over your choices (big and small)
● Find your next right step—and trust yourself enough to take it
We work together for a minimum of 6 weeks. Every conversation is confidential, judgment-free, and tailored to you.
I bring 25 years of real business leadership and my own deep work on self-trust, resilience, and purposeful living.
“Katie’s coaching has helped me give myself permission to be human in my pursuit of excellence. She knows when to hold me accountable and when to model empathy. She also asks questions that help me see the limiting beliefs I place on myself and others without making me feel bad for having those beliefs in the first place. I would not have grown so rapidly without her guidance over the past few years.”
Wondering if this is for you?
Maybe you’re wondering:
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No. I’m not a qualified therapist and am careful to notice when we might be wandering into therapeutic topics. Your past will come up, because it informs your present, but we’ll spend most of our time looking at your future. We look at where you are, where you want to go, and how you want to get there.
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That’s exactly what we’ll figure out—at your pace, starting with your story.
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Not at all! If you’re a leader or business builder who wants something more honest, grounded, and self-directed in your career (and life)—you belong here.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book your free discovery call below. There’s no expectation—just a real, human conversation about where you are, what you want, and what’s possible for you.
You deserve a career (and a life) that fits you now—not the you from five years ago.
Let’s build a trellis for your next chapter—steady support, rooted choices, and the freedom to grow in your direction.
Katie, Founder — Trellis LLC
Leadership & Life Coaching for Real People in the Real World
“Anyone who works with Katie will be the better for it.”
Group coaching and facilitating in a strategic planning workshop for solopreneurs. The in-home setting made everyone feel comfortable from the get-go.
About Katie Walter
Katie Walter is an executive coach and the founder of Trellis LLC. She's also the CEO of the Fractional Conference and a marketing consultant with 25 years of experience in B2B marketing and communications—from Fortune 500s like Thomson Reuters to young tech companies and boutique firms.
Katie brings deep insight into the pressures, personalities, and pivots that come with leading in marketing and communications. Her coaching combines real-world expertise with a deep respect for each client's unique goals, strengths, and leadership style.
She lives in St. Paul with her husband, two kids, and their dog. She loves to hike, garden, and kayak—and named Trellis after the idea that great support helps everything grow stronger.