Kate Hermosura
She/Her
"True success for women lies in a holistic definition that embraces wellness, including our emotional well-being. My hope is that we redefine success on our own terms, prioritizing sisterhood, valuing our relationships, and cultivating a life that nourishes our souls"
Resilience
I've been working on this one for a while now. I've tried a lot of different things – deep breaths, self-talk, code words, taking walks – you name it. But recently, what's been really helpful is actually asking for a hug from my partner or my son. There's something about that physical touch that really acts as a tangible reset button for me. It brings me back to the present and reminds me what matters.
When it comes to supporting others, I think the first thing is really listening. Most of the time, people just need to vent and express themselves in that raw, unfiltered way. So I encourage people to find their 'people' – those they can truly be themselves with. And if someone feels like they haven't found their tribe yet, we talk about which relationships they might want to nurture or prioritize.
In terms of regaining focus, I like to encourage people to explore different ways of staying organized. Like, writing down their priorities for the week or day and keeping that list visible. I also suggest writing down their values and using those as their north star. Often, when I feel stuck, I revisit my values, and I almost always gain clarity and can refocus.
Personally, I'm constantly asking myself, 'What needs to take priority right now, in this moment?' It helps me stay grounded and focused. I also find it helpful to ask myself, 'What's the cost, what's at stake if I don't get this done right now?' Sometimes that little bit of pressure helps me prioritize and move forward.
Purpose-Driven
One of the most purpose-driven decisions I've recently made was to be open and vulnerable about my fertility journey. It was terrifying at first, putting such a personal experience out there. But every time I shared my story, it seemed like someone else would say, 'Me too.' It was like this invisible thread connecting us, opening a door we could both walk through. Infertility isn't rare—it's just rarely talked about. It's a hidden struggle affecting so many people, yet it's often buried under layers of stigma, shame, and fear.
I felt so alone during that time, and to some degree, I still do. Sharing my story is part of my own healing process, but it's also about something bigger. I don't want to gatekeep resources or knowledge. If my experience can help someone else feel less alone, less isolated, then it's worth it.
It's been amazing to see the ripple effect. My openness has not only connected me with others going through similar challenges, but it's also sparked broader conversations about fertility and women's reproductive health in general—the struggles, the triumphs, the need for more support. It's even encouraged some of my friends to be more open about their own experiences, especially those entering the chapter of perimenopause and menopause, which many of us are facing. This has created an incredible sense of community and understanding.
Ultimately, I believe that vulnerability can be a powerful catalyst for change. By sharing my story, I hope to contribute to a world where people feel empowered to speak their truth and support each other.
Developmental Leadership
I approach the development of the people I lead by truly seeing and acknowledging them as whole individuals. It starts with understanding their identities – who are they beyond their work role? What unique challenges do they face given their identities? Are they a parent, a caregiver, are they navigating personal challenges? These things matter.
Then, I focus on their capacity within their current situation. Are they able to meet the demands of their role given everything else going on in their lives? What skills or resources do they feel they need to thrive? We have open and honest conversations about their goals, both personally and professionally, and from there, we co-create a strategic plan.
I see myself as their ultimate hype woman – someone who believes in their potential and helps them figure things out. I'm a thought partner, cheerleader, and sounding board, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being for sustainable growth. This means offering unwavering support, celebrating wins, and providing a safe space to take risks and learn.
A recent example that comes to mind is working with a client who was struggling with boundaries and people-pleasing tendencies. She was bending over backwards for her team, which led to resentment and burnout. We worked together to identify her core values and develop strategies for assertive communication and boundary setting. She started small, saying "no" to low-priority tasks and delegating more effectively. Over time, she built confidence and began prioritizing her own needs without guilt. It was incredible to witness her realize the power of saying "no" and experience the impact of setting healthy boundaries.
Intersectionality
This is such an important question because our identities absolutely shape how we lead and the approach we take. For me, a significant tension arose from being a Brown Asian American woman working in a predominantly white corporate setting while simultaneously pursuing a doctoral degree focused on the impact of marginalization.
On the one hand, I was navigating this corporate world where I often felt pressure to assimilate, to downplay aspects of my identity to fit in. There was this unspoken pull and expectation to conform to the dominant culture, and I sometimes found myself code-switching or minimizing my experiences to avoid rocking the boat.
On the other hand, my academic work was all about amplifying marginalized voices and challenging systems of oppression. I was deeply immersed in critical theory, exploring the complexities of race, gender, and power dynamics. It felt like I was living in two different worlds.
This tension, though uncomfortable, became a source of incredible insight. It forced me to confront my own internalized biases and examine how I was navigating these different spaces. I became acutely aware of the subtle ways in which power operates, how microaggressions can impact individuals, and the importance of creating inclusive environments.
This experience profoundly shaped my leadership, fueling my commitment to fostering belonging for everyone. It made me a more empathetic listener, attuned observer, and courageous advocate for equity and inclusion. I became more intentional about creating space for diverse perspectives, challenging biases, and mentoring those from underrepresented groups. Navigating this identity tension wasn't always easy, but it ultimately made me a more effective and conscious leader
Future Facing Legacy
When I think about the legacy I hope to leave, I want people to look back and remember how they felt while and after working with me. I hope they felt energized and excited about their plans, like they had a true partner in their corner cheering them on. I want them to recall feeling validated, assured, and deeply understood. More than anything, I want them to remember that I helped them build a foundational understanding of the importance of prioritizing their mental health and well-being, not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of their journey.
I'm a natural connector at heart, and I believe in sharing resources and connecting people who are on the same journey or have been on a similar path. The power of community is life-changing, and I believe everyone should experience it. I want people to feel more connected after working with me.
I want people to walk away feeling hopeful, capable, and confident, bringing their full selves to everything they do. More than that, I want to help them realize their power to impact their world. I want to ignite that spark within them, that understanding that they can be strong advocates for change by simply sharing their stories. Ultimately, I envision my influence as a catalyst for positive change, empowering those around me to embrace change, live their purpose, and lead with compassion – something I'm constantly working on myself. If I can contribute to a world where people thrive and use that strength to create positive change, that would be a truly wonderful legacy.