Tell From a Scar, Not a Wound™

A keynote where audiences learn how to tell stories in ways that deepen trust, inspire action, and strengthen culture.

TRUSTED BY

  • Ignite Talks
  • Dreamforce
  • Feeding America
  • Meals on Wheels America
  • Hult International Business School
  • San Jose State University
  • United Way
  • YWCA
  • Beyond Borders
  • US Peace Corps
  • Chief Marketing Officer Summit
  • Regent Bank
  • Dominican University
  • Santa Rosa Junior College
  • Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy
  • North Texas Food Bank
  • Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
  • Association for the Advancement of Women's Philanthropy

TRUSTED BY

  • Ignite Talks
  • Dreamforce
  • Feeding America
  • Meals on Wheels America
  • Hult International Business School
  • San Jose State University
  • United Way
  • YWCA
  • Beyond Borders
  • US Peace Corps
  • Chief Marketing Officer Summit
  • Regent Bank
  • Dominican University
  • Santa Rosa Junior College
  • Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy
  • North Texas Food Bank
  • Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
  • Association for the Advancement of Women's Philanthropy

Meet Cat

Cat is a strategic closer, team transformer, and international consultant who uses storytelling to drive mission-based results. She has raised over half a billion dollars for nonprofits worldwide. Her own “bootstraps” story with homelessness brings a deeply personal and heartfelt perspective. Cat’s work has been featured by The Atlantic, Metallica’s blog, Chronicle of Philanthropy, Hundred Magazine, countless ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX affiliates, and more.

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AS SEEN IN

AS SEEN IN

Tell From a Scar, Not a Wound™ is a keynote for leaders, teams, and communities that want to move people to action.

Through sharp storytelling, lived expertise, and a research-backed framework, Cat Slack demonstrates how to tell the truth in ways that deepen trust, inspire action, and strengthen culture.

Ideal for:
Corporate teams, nonprofit leaders, foundations, educators, communications professionals, and organizations navigating change or culture-building.

Cat has a solution

This keynote delivers:

  • A clear blueprint for safe vulnerability. Most people are told to “be authentic,” and then left to guess what that actually means. Cat demystifies it with practical guidance that protects both the storyteller and the audience.

  • Tools for stories that hook audiences and drive change. Attendees learn how to craft narrative arcs that capture attention, build resonance, and mobilize people toward a shared goal.

  • A model that builds healthier teams and organizations. Ethical storytelling strengthens belonging, psychological safety, and mission alignment — whether you’re leading a boardroom, a nonprofit, or a corporate team.

  • A talk that stays with people. Expect a blend of clarity, humor that sneaks up on you, and stories that land with both heart and backbone.

Cat will make you laugh, she may make you cry, and she will leave you with the clarity and courage to tell stories that move people to action and connect with our communities.

Keynotes & Workshops

Trusted and Transformational

99% of attendees would recommend Cat’s talks to others because they walk away inspired, equipped, and ready to take action. Here’s what people are saying:

  • “Cat is outstanding. She is an incredible leader and one of the best speakers I have ever seen. She can also raise money with the best of them. She is sincere, genuinely interested in the people, and dynamic.”

    – Joe Pert, President, Board of Directors, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley –

  • "Excellent work, thanks for sharing!! I don’t hear content like this elsewhere."

    – Steven Mandeville –

  • "Cat’s energy and expertise both taught our team and helped bond us. This was amazing!"

    – Natanja Craig Oquendo, CEO, Boston Women’s Fund –

  • "Freaking amazing!!!"

    – Attendee Feedback, Feeding America National Summit –

  • "Cat uses her energy, candor, and humor to authentically connect to attendees. She neither talks over or talks down to her audience. "

    – Karen Senger, Food Bank of Northern Nevada –

  • "Cat's workshop was not just another meeting but a transformative experience that equipped our board with practical tools designed to inspire and stimulate action. The impact of her session was immediate."

    – Shannon Price, Executive Director, Edmond Fine Arts Institute –

  • "Thanks for being awesome and for walking with this org thru the messy middle!"

    – Misti McClellan –

  • "Very energetic and entertaining speaker! Loved the interaction!"

    – Conference Attendee –