The Helping Trap

A keynote where audiences learn how to move from good intentions to real impact

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, service expert, and international consultant who uses storytelling to drive mission-based results. Cat has raised nearly a billion dollars for nonprofits worldwide, served in the Peace Corps, and has witnessed the full spectrum of service: what works, what doesn't, and why. She has spent her career helping organizations stop performing generosity and start practicing it. She knows the trap from the inside.

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

The Helping Trap keynote is for leaders, teams, and communities that want to move people to action.

Most people want to do good. Whether you are a volunteer, nonprofit leaders, corporate employee - you want to help. That instinct is real and it's good. But wanting to help and knowing how to help are two different things. Without that knowing, service becomes an event instead of an identity: A check written once a year, a volunteer day on the calendar, a truckload of teddy bears sent with the best of intentions to a city that needed something else entirely. The gap isn’t heart, the good intentions aren’t bad. The gap is in proximity - in the knowing. Closing that gap is what transforms service from something you do into something you are.

Ideal for:
Corporate teams, government teams and leaders, nonprofit leaders, foundations, educators, communications professionals, and organizations building their culture.

Cat has a solution

Audiences leave knowing that seeing — truly, specifically, humbly seeing another person — is not a soft skill. It's the first skill of service. They walk away with a new discipline: know before you go.

This keynote delivers:

  • A model that builds healthier teams and organizations. True service strengthens teams by living your values and developing 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 heart.

Cat will make you laugh, she may make you cry, and she will leave you with the clarity and courage to move people to action and truly 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 –