Stand in your Truth,
Believe in yourself,
& Lead like the world depends on it.
Cultivate the Fearless Female Leader within you.
A more generous and equitable workforce benefits everyone.
Research shows that organizations with women in leadership roles are more effective, profitable, and create more engaging environments for all employees.
Yet many brilliant female leaders face unique challenges that hold them back from reaching their full potential. From self-doubt and burnout to being overlooked for promotions and having their skills undervalued, women often struggle to thrive in traditional corporate structures.
The Fearless Leader program is designed to change that.
Through a transformative blend of coaching, community, and curriculum, we empower emerging & established female leaders to lead authentically, confidently, and fearlessly.
If you're ready to step into your power as a leader and make a real impact, The Fearless Leader program is for you. Join us and become part of a movement of women redefining what leadership looks like.
Leadership is not a position, an entitlement, a specific role, or an excuse, it is a....
Lifestyle choice
Leadership is who you are being, not what you are doing.
Are you creating a safe space for your leaders to show up authentically? Especially your female leaders?
The idea of "work-life balance" is a myth that only serves to compartmentalize women's professional identities.
As a result, women often:
â—Ź Self-censor their ideas
â—Ź Second-guess themselves
â—Ź Feel overwhelmed juggling work and home demands
â—Ź Get passed over for promotions
â—Ź Have their unique talents undervalued
â—Ź Remain vastly underrepresented in top leadership
Women can't bring their full selves to work in these conditions. "Balance" becomes meaningless.
The Fearless Leader program empowers women with the tools and support to become fully integrated leaders - not fractured versions of themselves contorted to fit outdated gender roles.
Imagine a workplace where your female leaders can:
â—Ź Show up authentically
â—Ź Perform at their highest level
â—Ź Find deep fulfillment in their work
â—Ź Access resources to achieve beyond their wildest dreams
That's the power of The Fearless Leader. When women thrive, so do their teams, families, communities, and organizations.
“Women have always had the ability to be great leaders, it’s the insecurities that often hold us back, this program gives you the tools and inspiration to step out of your shell and shine.”
– Laura Biggerstaff, CEO Iron Elk LLC.
Graduate of The Fearless Leader Program
I’m Your Guide to Fearless Leadership
Hi, I'm Kathy, and I know firsthand the challenges of being a woman in leadership.
Growing up as the only girl among three brothers, I learned early on that it was my job to be the peacemaker, the entertainer, the one who kept everyone else happy - even at the expense of my own needs.
From household chores divided along gender lines to the pressure to always be agreeable and avoid conflict, my early experiences shaped my understanding of what it meant to be a "good girl" and a leader.
Can you relate? Perhaps you've felt the weight of these expectations in your own family, workplace, or personal leadership journey?
A Tale of Two Leaders
(The Truth About Women in Leadership)
As women, we're often expected to be
the caregivers, the helpers, the ones who don't rock the boat. We face more obstacles and scrutiny than our male counterparts, with fewer mentors, resources and advocates to guide us.
The path to leadership can feel like a lonely, uphill battle - one where we're constantly fighting to prove our worth and battling the doubts in our own heads.
These challenges leave many talented women leaders stuck:
- Playing small in supporting roles instead of aiming for the top
- Losing confidence and staying in toxic work environments
- Checking out of the workforce entirely
- Striking out on their own as entrepreneurs
The Glass Cliff
Setting Women Leaders Up To Fail
You've likely heard of the glass ceiling - the invisible barrier that keeps women from reaching the top ranks of leadership. But there's another phenomenon that's just as insidious: the glass cliff.
Many women who do break through to executive roles find themselves in precarious positions, handed leadership during times of company crisis or turmoil. While these opportunities can seem like a hard-won victory, they often set women up for failure by placing them in impossible situations with inadequate support.
The Maternal Wall
Women also face discrimination based on their parental status. When women have children, they're often seen as distracted and less committed, while fathers are viewed as more stable and reliable.
In fact, research shows that a woman's earning potential goes down by 4% for every child she has. This "maternal wall" not only hurts women individually, but also costs companies dearly in terms of lost talent and potential.
Passed up, placated, put down - is this any way to treat our most valuable leaders?
“We need to test our views
on what we define as leadership. With an inclusive leadership model, women can reach their untapped potential – authentically. It’s time for women to lead”
–Candace Freedemberg,
CEO Untapped Potential Inc.
The Fearless Leader Solution
At a time when organizations with women in the C-suite are proven to perform better, companies can't afford to keep overlooking and undermining female leadership talent. The solution isn’t simple. We need companies who are consistently investing and developing in female talent so that the female leadership pool only gets bigger.
The Fearless Leader program is designed to help you do that. We give women the tools, support, and community they need to thrive as authentic leaders - without sacrificing their well-being or values.
Through our immersive coaching experience, you'll learn to:

- Own your unique leadership style
- Communicate and negotiate with confidence
- Set healthy boundaries and advocate for your own needs
- Build a network of supportive allies and mentors
- Lead with purpose and resilience
We are on a mission to transform the way we think about leadership as a society and within our organizations to create a world where women can show up fully, without apology.
Program Details
- 100% virtual, cohort-based program
focused on upskilling, mentoring, motivation, and accountability
- Intimate cohorts of 6-12 women leaders
from diverse industries and backgrounds
- Supportive environment
to strengthen self-awareness, expand leadership skills, and build courage
- Leadership assessments including:
TKI Conflict Mode Instrument, Actualized Leadership Profile
- Key deliverables:
Fearless Leader Moments Story, Fearless Leader Manifesto, Big Picture Envisioning, LinkedIn Profile Upgrade, Strategic Leadership Positioning &
Personal Branding
- Deep dive into core leadership topics to accelerate your growth and confidence
While removing gender from leadership development is a start, it's not enough to dismantle the barriers women face. Only by acknowledging the systemic inequities and lack of opportunities for women can we begin to address the root causes of the female leadership gap.
The Fearless Leader program creates a safe, supportive space for women to do this important work together. By combining personal development with practical skills and a powerful network, we equip you with everything you need to step into your full leadership potential.
- September 24 - November 19, 2025. This is a private cohort for St. Mary's University Greehey School of Business.
- February 4 - March 25, 2026. Open Enrollment program. Reserve your seat.
- Private cohort groups are available for organizations and associations that prefer a closed network. Contact Kathy McAfee
Redefining what it means to lead as a woman.
By the end of The Fearless Leader program, you will have the tools and confidence to:
- Ask for what you need to thrive in your role
- Pitch your ideas with clarity and conviction
- Negotiate raises and promotions that reflect your value
- Propose innovative solutions to organizational challenges
- Align your team around a shared mission and purpose
- Gain buy-in and support from key stakeholders
- Represent your company as a thought leader and industry expert
- Amplify your impact through writing, speaking, and mentoring
- Drive meaningful, long-term change in your organization
- Advocate for yourself and others with courage and influence
Social Proof
We are empowering more women to lead, Fearlessly.
The Fearless Leader Methodology is A Proven Path to Self-Actualized Leadership
Our signature approach, developed over two decades of coaching high-achieving women, is designed to cultivate the self-awareness and self-assurance needed for authentic, impactful leadership.
Our Framework:
1. Know Yourself
- Clarify your core values, strengths, and goals
- Identify and overcome limiting beliefs and behaviors
- Define your unique leadership vision and purpose
2. Lead Your Team
- Foster psychological safety and trust
- Embrace diversity, inclusion, and collaboration
- Develop your team members' potential
- Create thriving, high-performing cultures
3. Trust Your Voice
- Communicate with authority and empathy
- Navigate difficult conversations and decisions
- Advocate for your ideas and expertise
- Amplify your thought leadership and influence
4. Extend Your Impact
- Build strategic relationships and networks
- Mentor and sponsor rising female leaders
- Drive systemic and cultural change
- Leave a lasting leadership legacy
Through expert coaching, skills training, and peer support, you'll gain the clarity, capabilities, and confidence to lead fearlessly and make your mark.
FAQs
How can I get my company to sponsor my participation?
Many organizations have professional development budgets, continuing education funds, and/or discretionary funds to invest in high-potential leaders like you. Do your homework and find out what’s available, and then have the courage to ask for it. If you need help, we can provide guidance in making the case for sponsorship, including a customizable letter and ROI data.
What is the time commitment for the program?
Plan to invest 4-6 hours per week, which includes live group coaching sessions, self-guided learning, and peer connection. This focused time will accelerate your on-the-job leadership growth and impact.
Will I have 1:1 access to coaches?
Yes! In addition to live group coaching, you will have the opportunity for 1:1 "laser coaching" sessions to get personalized feedback and support. You'll also have ongoing access to coaches and peers through our Fearless Leader Community on Mighty Networks after you graduate from the program.
How much homework is required?
While there are no grades, you will have reflection exercises and practical assignments to apply your learning in real-time. Expect to spend 1-2 hours per week on program assignments, plus optional bonus material.
Is this program only for senior leaders?
No, we believe leadership happens at every level. If you are a motivated woman ready to take your leadership to the next level and commit to your growth, this program is for you. Our cohorts are intentionally diverse to foster rich learning.
How do I know if this program is right for me?
If you're reading this, you are likely feeling called to grow as a leader and make a bigger impact. Trust that instinct. You wouldn't expect your company to invest in you if you're not willing to invest in yourself. You are worth it, and the world needs your fearless leadership.
Ready to take the next step?
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