Hi, I’m Kathy McNamara
For more than 30 years, I've helped people navigate major turning points —
untangling what's been clouding their clarity, reconnecting with what matters most,
and making decisions that reflect the life and legacy they want to build.
My Story
I started my career as a software engineer at the California Space Institute.
I'd planned to stay just long enough to pay off my student loans,
then go back for a PhD to become a university professor.
A mentor there steered me away from that path, and I entered what felt like
20 years in the wilderness, searching for my purpose.
Along the way, I helped build a successful business.
I was good at it and glad to support it, but it was someone else's dream, not mine.
How I Found This Work
The road out of the wilderness wasn't quick, and it wasn't a straight line.
I finally signed up for a coaching class,
hoping to learn the questions to ask myself to find my purpose.
I flew straight from that class to another one,
and when we went around the room introducing ourselves,
I heard myself say, "I want to be a coach."
It wasn't what I had planned to say,
but as I sat with it after, I realized it was true.
So I know firsthand what it's like to be good at something that doesn't light you up,
and to stand at a turning point without yet seeing the way forward.
What I've Learned
Having worked with so many people at turning points, I've seen that while circumstances differ, what moves people forward is the same: taking the time to get clear on what matters most, and letting that clarity guide what comes next.
That’s what this work produces.
This work isn't necessarily about making a drastic change. It's about getting clear enough to make the right one.
How I Work
My approach brings together three things most people only find separately:
• Clarity on what matters most and the impact you want to have
• Strategic thinking about what's next
• And the ability to find and untangle the patterns and beliefs that quietly hold you back.
Every client draws on what they need. It's all grounded in research and refined through decades of client work.
Many clients come to me after years of coaching, therapy, or mastermind programs that helped, but didn't reach the root of what was in the way. And many return as they move through new chapters of their lives.
Susan cleared years of suffering from her system for harmony, balance and success
“Throughout my life I have experienced many personal development methodologies and facilitators. My experience with Kathy was far and away different from anything I’d ever experienced before. It was amazing to me how she was able to identify the core issues that were blocking me… Her gentle, non-judgmental demeanor and approach made it feel safe and easy to work through these issues with her.” — Susan Brown, Director, CA
By The Numbers
30+ years of experience · 100+ clients
Who I Work With
• People stepping into retirement, an empty nest, or facing unexpected change.
• Founders and executives navigating exits, transitions, and what's next.
• Anyone who knows something needs to shift, and wants to get it right.
Beyond Work
I've spent years as a digital nomad, including three stays in Greece and two and a half years in the Scottish Highlands. I work with clients wherever they are.
When I'm not working, you'll find me on a yoga mat, playing djembe, walking in nature, or preparing healthy food. I'm a lifelong learner, always curious about what's next.
Ready to talk about what's next?
Pat began breaking through long-standing stress patterns — and found new clarity
“I had several health issues that came directly from the level of stress I was creating… It felt like I did not have a minute that truly belonged to me. I felt shifts as each session came to an end, and those gradually were breaking through the patterns… I have actually been receiving frequent moments of clarity… Your skills and knowledge are amazing.” – PAT HENRY, Founder of Organic Stretching®, MX
