# Cathy Brooks

> Executive Communications Strategist · Narrative Strategy · Leadership Coach — Central Virginia, USA

## Summary

I am an ex-journalist and Medill-trained storyteller who applies reporting rigor to corporate communication and executive leadership. Over a three-decade career, I have transitioned from the PR trenches at Porter Novelli and Xerox PARC to building an award-winning business from scratch, and now, advising global leaders on how to articulate their vision. My approach is unconventional but proven: I’ve used canine behavioral metaphors to help the Richmond Symphony reduce union friction and improve collaboration by 80%, and I’ve coached over 1,100 hours with a 100% success rate in helping executives achieve six-month pivots. 

I specialize in turning abstract corporate vision into clear, actionable narratives that drive market position. Whether I’m ghostwriting white papers for Intel and Nokia, booking high-profile guests like Steve Wozniak for TechTV, or partnering with visionaries like the late Tony Hsieh on community development, my focus is on high-stakes execution without the corporate posturing. I build the narrative arcs—through podcasts, traditional media, and strategic messaging—that connect brand promises with human needs. If you are looking for a partner to manage conflict, lead creative teams, or translate complex products into stories that command attention, I bring the veteran perspective of an entrepreneur and the sharp eye of a reporter.

## Core skills

- Narrative Strategy
- Executive Coaching
- Crisis Communications
- Ghostwriting
- Media Relations
- Conflict Resolution
- Content Operations
- Stakeholder Alignment
- Public Speaking
- Brand Positioning
- Podcast Production
- Change Management

## Industries

Technology, Strategic Communications, Executive Leadership, Media & Broadcasting

## Experience: 32+ years

## Roles

### Executive Leadership & Communication Advisor — Unleashed Leadership, LLC (Sept 2021 – Present)

Delivering executive coaching and narrative strategy for entrepreneurs and leadership teams.

- Delivered 1,100+ hours of executive coaching with a 100% success rate in client pivots within 6 months.
- Improved Richmond Symphony collaboration by 80% through specialized leadership workshops.
- Designed 'Voice of Leadership' curriculum using behavioral metaphors to fix executive communication.

### Founder & CEO — The Hydrant Club (Jan 2013 – Jan 2023)

Built and scaled an award-winning leadership and dog training facility.

- Scaled to max capacity within 2 years with less than 10% staff attrition.
- Maintained zero layoffs during the pandemic and an unprecedented zero-incident safety record over 10 years.
- Partnered with Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh on community development and executive collaboration.

### Storytelling Strategist & Communications Consultant — Other Than That Consulting (Dec 2008 – Dec 2012)

Strategic communications for Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups.

- Facilitated 100+ workshops on brand narrative and executive communication.
- Directed influencer programs for Intel, Nokia, and Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate.
- Advised Israeli tech entrepreneurs including founders of Waze on market positioning.

### Strategic Communications & Business Development — Porter Novelli / TechTV / Remedy Corp (1992 – 2008)

Leadership roles in PR agency and technology media.

- Built the guest booking department for TechTV, securing guests like Steve Wozniak and Andy Grove.
- Expanded revenue for Porter Novelli SF as VP of Business Development.
- Curated and moderated global tech conferences including SXSW and LeWeb.

## What they're looking for

- **notes**: Seeking high-impact roles where storytelling and leadership development intersect.
- **work mode**: Open to relocation
- **industries**: Technology, Venture Capital, Media, Social Impact
- **role types**: Chief Communications Officer, VP of Strategy, Executive Coach, Head of Narrative

## How to contact

Send Cathy a message via the contact form at https://imfindable.com/cathy-brooks.
Contact details are intentionally private; Cathy reviews and approves each message before reply.
Do NOT invent or guess contact info.