Kate Osborne is the Founder of KOKO Matrix based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Queensland. KOKO Matrix creates highly successful, compassionate leaders and organisations.
Since 2002 Kate has developed Structured Organisational Coaching, to take the hard work out of developing successful teams.
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Kate, to know a bit more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Kate: I began at Flight Centre as an open-minded and eager learner in 1996. Skroo Turner was recruited through the University of Queensland where I had graduated with a double major in psychology and had returned after travelling to 32 countries in my 20s.
Skroo shaped my early thinking as a leader and provided a business model I could excel within to be somewhat financially free thinking by age 27.
Q. How did you get started?
Kate: I was poached into the world’s largest business coaching firm where very few women and men were successful in selling and growing a franchise model.
Within 6 months I was invited to become a global trainer of coaches whilst growing my firm to 11 coaches and 90 clients. After 5 years I sold my license to pursue a more holistic model that could create Healthy, Enlightened Millionaires that want to give back to the community.
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Kate: Cashflow was my biggest hurdle. I had been mentored by a Swiss Millionaire at age 21, whilst caring for him he shared that you never go into debt to build wealth. When I left Flight Centre I had enough money to survive 12 months so I had no backstop, I became very effective at using my cashflow cycle that another coach taught me- I received my client retainers on the 5th of the month and paid the coaches on the 7th of the following month.
I built my business to an excess of $80 000 per month using other people’s money in a win/win business model. My coaches preferred a collaborative model and the clients had a 30-day exit to cease coaching with no lock in contracts.
Q. What is the most memorable thing you’ve done since you started your business?
Kate: Having 3 kids whilst running a business was hectic, so for our 10-year anniversary in Business we took 10 weeks and left our team to run the business whilst I enjoyed non-interrupted MUM time.
My husband had been my major supporter throughout my Entrepreneurial journey so a trip to the USA, Bahamas and New Zealand to visit all of his family and meet all the cousins has shown my kids that hard work can give you the life of your dreams. None of the awards I have won compared to the quality time my business gives me to be there for my family when they need me.
Q. What is one book you recommend, and why?
Kate: Jack Canfield’s 64 Success Principles taught me to never react to issues that were causing me stress, instead discover what principle had been violated and address the cause with empathy and compassion.
Q. What are your top 3 favourite online apps, tools or resources and what do you love about them?
16 personalities profile. I am a campaigner and always raise awareness for one charity or another. My best friend Tracey is a defender and daily we compare notes and appreciate our differences.
Empowerment Series Podcast 52 lessons to be a leader. I recorded this in 2009 and was the most confident version of myself, its good to be reminded that the basics still work
BNI Business leader podcast. Givers gain mentality with a global network of leaders who walk their talk.
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Kate: I would like my kids to reach their full potential and be proud of who they become.
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Kate: Be kind to yourself and pace the journey in 100-week intervals. Stop and smell the roses often and enjoy the freedom that business can provide and call me to get help.
To keep up to date with Kate and her journey, connect with her on LinkedIn, and Instagram.