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Empowering you with coaching wisdom shaped by my own journey
Empowering you with coaching wisdom shaped by my own journey
Empowering you with coaching wisdom shaped by my own journey
Decades of leadership experience has equipped me to guide CEOs, founders, and leaders to become the best version of themselves so they can bring out the best in others.
Decades of leadership experience has equipped me to guide CEOs, founders, and leaders to become the best version of themselves so they can bring out the best in others.
Decades of leadership experience has equipped me to guide CEOs, founders, and leaders to become the best version of themselves so they can bring out the best in others.
MY STORY
A career built on helping other leaders thrive
Where I started
Where I started
My journey began back in the ‘90s when I joined a boutique marketing agency straight out of university. I was made a manager within 6 months of joining and a director within 4 years. I worked on multiple accounts, including Virgin and Vodafone.
My journey began back in the ‘90s when I joined a boutique marketing agency straight out of university. I was made a manager within 6 months of joining and a director within 4 years. I worked on multiple accounts, including Virgin and Vodafone.
Age 29
At 29, I became Managing Director of the agency and took responsibility for strategy, finance & HR, alongside the CEO founder. As well as overseeing client services for the whole agency, I project-managed a private equity investment, a sale to a larger agency, and a management buyout.
2007
2007
In 2007, I launched my own business working alongside a number of CEO founders as an advisor, consultant, non-executive and executive director, and coach. My focus was on business improvement, process efficiency, people management, and nurturing talent.
In 2007, I launched my own business working alongside a number of CEO founders as an advisor, consultant, non-executive and executive director, and coach. My focus was on business improvement, process efficiency, people management, and nurturing talent.
2023
I created the character "Linda the Bad Manager" to humorously depict poor leadership practices. Through this comedic persona, I point out common mistakes in management, encouraging self-reflection and raising awareness among my viewers. I have over 200k followers and my videos have been viewed over 100m times.
2024
2024
I wrote my first book “How to Lead” in which I provide practical, no-nonsense advice for leaders who want to improve their management skills. It’s like having a pocket leadership coach, packed with real-world tips that can help you navigate leadership challenges.
I wrote my first book “How to Lead” in which I provide practical, no-nonsense advice for leaders who want to improve their management skills. It’s like having a pocket leadership coach, packed with real-world tips that can help you navigate leadership challenges.
Now
With over 30 years of business and leadership development under my belt, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of leaders overcome their challenges, offering a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and a touch of humour in my coaching.
MY STORY
A career built on helping other leaders thrive
Where I started
My journey began back in the ‘90s when I joined a boutique marketing agency straight out of university. I was made a manager within 6 months of joining and a director within 4 years. I worked on multiple accounts, including Virgin and Vodafone.
Age 29
At 29, I became Managing Director of the agency and took responsibility for strategy, finance & HR, alongside the CEO founder. As well as overseeing client services for the whole agency, I project-managed private equity investment, a sale to a larger agency, and a management buyout.
2024
I wrote my first book “How to Lead” in which I provide practical, no-nonsense advice for leaders who want to improve their management skills. It’s like having a pocket leadership coach, packed with real-world tips that can help you navigate leadership challenges.
2023
I created the character "Linda the Bad Manager" to humorously depict poor leadership practices. Through this comedic persona, I point out common mistakes in management, encouraging self-reflection and raising awareness among my viewers.
2007
In 2007, I launched my own business working alongside a number of CEO founders as an advisor, consultant, non-executive and executive director, and coach. My focus was on business improvement, process efficiency, people management, and nurturing talent.
Now
With over 30 years of business and leadership development under my belt, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of leaders overcome their challenges, offering a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and a touch of humour in my coaching sessions.
LEARNING THROUGH HUMOUR
Meet “Linda” the bad manager
Meet “Linda” the bad manager
Meet “Linda” the bad manager
"Linda" is my toxic manager character on TikTok, who shows us all just how bad leaders can be!
I use “Linda” to illustrate common leadership pitfalls through humour and relatable scenarios with the aim to get viewers to reflect on their own management styles.
You can see what “Linda” has been up to on TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
"Linda" is my toxic manager character on TikTok, who shows us all just how bad leaders can be!
I use “Linda” to illustrate common leadership pitfalls through humour and relatable scenarios with the aim to get viewers to reflect on their own management styles.
You can see what “Linda” has been up to on TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
"Linda" is my toxic manager character on TikTok, who shows us all just how bad leaders can be!
I use “Linda” to illustrate common leadership pitfalls through humour and relatable scenarios with the aim to get viewers to reflect on their own management styles.
You can see what “Linda” has been up to on TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
EXPERIENCE THAT COUNTS
Why leaders choose me
Why leaders choose me
Why leaders choose me
From managing a £5M/yr agency at age 29 to seasoned leadership coach, my decades of experience, passion for SMEs, and a healthy dose of humour enable me to support and inspire growth for those determined to succeed.
From managing a £5M/yr agency at age 29 to seasoned leadership coach, my decades of experience, passion for SMEs, and a healthy dose of humour enable me to support and inspire growth for those determined to succeed.
From managing a £5M/yr agency at age 29 to seasoned leadership coach, my decades of experience, passion for SMEs, and a healthy dose of humour enable me to support and inspire growth for those determined to succeed.
200+
Clients
helped by my personalised approach to coaching – engaging, uplifting, and transformational.
30+
Years
working alongside multiple CEO founders and being a director of several organisations, and now the author of "How to Lead".
Associate Certified Coach
The International Coaching Federation is the largest worldwide resource for professional coaches.
15+
Media Appearances
including events, podcasts, and webinars, sharing insights on leadership, productivity, and growth.
Incredibly engaging
Having seen the hilarious TikTok reels created by Kate Waterfall Hill her book How to Lead was at the top of my Christma...
Kristy C
Practice Manager
I would recommend a similar session to others most definitely - it felt like a safe environment
We had a great facilitation workshop with Kate today. It felt like a safe environment and having gone in quite closed mi...
Stephanie Bevan
Marketing Manager
I would highly recommend Kate for staff development delivery
I found the session very informative with lots of ideas. There was a great balance between keeping the delivery engaging...
Jon Childs
Kate was great at getting everyone to open up
Super insightful and great for problem solving ways of working - Kate was great at getting everyone to open up and helpe...
Heidi
Senior Account Director
Kate was very approachable and I would definitely recommend
It was positive to have a safe place to have discussions that are challenging with the wider team Kate was very approach...
Daisy Hoppen
Founder
Highly recommend Kate for a workshop
Highly recommend Kate for a workshop. Her guidance and insight was constructive and we are excited to implement the chan...
Marion Abramov
Agency Director
We’re leaving with tangible positive next steps
Kate was open and gentle enabling sometimes difficult conversations — we’re leaving with tangible positive next steps!
Tessa Griffith
Director of Talent and Brand
Kate was extremely insightful
Kate was extremely insightful and offered an interesting and very thoughtful approach to our workplace, offering a new p...
Brogan
Account Director
For anyone considering working with you, I'd highly recommend it
Reflecting on the coaching program, I'm genuinely pleased with the strides I've made in delivering effective feedback an...
Alex Shaw
Director
Very insightful and educational
Had a great session with Kate on the art of influencing and having difficult conversations. Very insightful and educatio...
Lou Stewart
Communications Manager
Thought provoking but action led
Thought provoking but action led. Love the toolkit and theory elements. Will remember to stay strong.
Sally-Ann Roberts
Culture & Engagement Lead
Kate has been a fantastic coach
Kate has been a fantastic coach. So approachable and easy to talk to, each session meant I came away with a focused appr...
Beccy Gibson
Managing Director
I can handle awkward conversations
As a founder and director of a growing start-up business, Kate’s book has been a true eye-opener for me - full of golden...
Dan Chapman
Co-Founder of Extracted
A pocket leadership coach
Kate's 'How to Lead' is a game-changer! It's like a pocket leadership coach, packed with practical tips you can use righ...
Joanna Lott
Business Coach
A must read for all founders
This is a must-read for all Founders - and in fact all leaders. Some great insights and, as you'd expect from Kate, lots...
Sally Wilson
Found & CFO
I can confidently say the Leadership Accelerator is a transformative experience
If you’re looking to elevate your leadership skills, meet some amazing fellow leaders & join community, I wholeheartedly...
Jasmina Mularska
Group Product Manager
Kate has a friendly and open approach
Kate has a friendly and open approach which facilitated an important conversation enabling our management team to find b...
Aron Woolnough
Assistive Technology Manager
Kate's attention to detail and ability to make everyone feel included made all the difference
A huge thank you to Kate for organising such an excellent training day! The session was not only well-structured and eng...
David Martins-Hesp
Assistive Technology Manager
Kate's coaching has helped me figure out strategies
I've struggled a lot with knowing what to focus on and when, as there is always so much going on and everything feels su...
Charlie Cawsey
CEO
Would highly recommend
I can vouch for Kate’s 1 to 1 coaching. I’ve found it invaluable to be able to talk through situations and problems and...
Karen Dodd
Managing Partner
The team now has a deeper understanding of others, their styles and objectives
With lots of product/company training in hand, I was looking for a day for my individually high performing team members,...
Leigh Quigg
Senior Director EMEA Marketing
I highly recommend Kate for leadership coaching
I highly recommend Kate for leadership coaching. She struck the balance between being forthright and empathetic. She act...
Claire Kwan
Senior National Representative
This course has been instrumental in my journey to becoming a better manager and leader
Kate's Leadership Accelerator programme provided a truly supportive and safe space for growth. We explored various leade...
Fiona
QC Manager
Working with Kate really reinforced our strategic vision
I absolutely loved working with Kate Waterfall Hill along with my senior team - sometimes having an external perspective...
Chloé Nelkin
Founder
Kate guided me through the most difficult period of my entire career
I’ve been a business owner & leader for the past 12 years. I worked with Kate on a One to One basis for approx 6mths. Ka...
Zoe Wyles
Business Owner
Kate listens, asks clever (and occasionally challenging) questions, and shares her wisdom and experience in such an emotionally intelligent way
I've been working with Kate for the past six months, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for outstanding...
Ellie Glason
Founder & Director
Dynamic, varied & Kate was a fantastic host
Kate facilitated an excellent workshop that helped me gain valuable insight into my team. After a recent role change, I...
Rachel Winter
Commercial Manager
Opportunity to gather and learn with our team
In recognition of International Women's Day, we invited Kate Waterfall Hill to our offices to host a workshop with our t...
Seddons Solicitors
Kate covered so much from growth mindset and time management, to managing others and dealing with conflict
Kate delivered a brilliant leadership workshop for us, keeping everyone's attention throughout the day. She covered many...
Sally Willson
Founder & CFO
I felt like I had the benefit of a 1:1 leadership coach
Kate is an expert in her field and has a way about her that ensures you feel comfortable but also challenged. She will p...
Laura Moroney
Operations Director
Eternally grateful that I discovered Kate
I highly recommend the leadership course with Kate. It changed how I work with others, not just the people I manage but...
Sam Hallowes
Change Management Lead
I really liked having a safe space on the weekly calls
I decided to work with Kate to support my leadership approach during a transition phase in my career. What I came away w...
Diana Kennes
Regional Property Manager
Really appreciated Kate's warm, open, and safe environment
Thanks to the wonders of TikTok I went from giggling away at Kate's alter ego "Linda" - to joining her 12-week Leadershi...
Hazel Dickson
Market Development Manager
Perfect balance between leadership theory and practical application
Kate's approach to the course has struck the perfect balance between leadership theory and its practical application in...
Marie Therrien
Director of Implementation
Kate was kind, engaging, and made everyone feel at ease
Kate's leadership course is fantastic. Not only is it full of practical techniques I could (and did) apply the very next...
Steph Meyer-Scott
Insights & Strategy
Kate gives you lots of practical tips that you can implement
I first came across Kate on Facebook through her "Linda, the bad manager" TikTok videos. To me, the fact that she could...
Jess G
Kate’s laser-focused, empathetic questioning, her professionalism and good humour made the weekly sessions impactful and fun
Kate’s Leadership Accelerator course transformed my relationship with my role as a senior leader in education. In a chap...
Rosie Flint
Assistant Head Academic
The experience has been transformative
I've had the pleasure of working with Kate as my leadership coach for the past six months, and the experience has been t...
Denna Antoniou
Senior Project Manager
Kate gave me the confidence to "LET GO" more
I'd been thinking of stepping away from working behind the chair after 40yrs of hairdressing, but didn't really know how...
Jeff O'Neil
Founder
Refreshing approach, technique, and style
I’ve had the privilege of working with Kate for last couple of years at The Network Collective, initially as a peer, but...
Craig Northveth
CEO
WHAT THEY SAY
My coaching approach
I've always found it excruciating to write about myself. It just doesn't feel like a comfortable thing to do. So I asked a coach who I admire greatly to help me and this is what she said about me (I'm blushing as I copy and paste this but she insists I must!):
Kate is not just a leadership coach, but a trusted ally in the journey of executive growth and advancement. Drawing on her personal insights from years spent in senior management, she guides executives, nurtures talent, and enables each client to carve out their own solutions to the most taxing leadership challenges.
Her approach is multi-faceted, covering leadership impact, self-leadership skills, team development, and career advancement. Kate's coaching is designed to ignite confidence, clarity, motivation, and a re-energised sense of purpose, enabling her clients to push boundaries in their professional lives and instigate meaningful and sustained change.
Kate's uplifting coaching style is an equal mix of empathy and results-focus, offering full support as well as constructive challenge, all done in a partnership spirit and delivered with professionalism that’s sprinkled with levity. Kate creates a reassuring, safe harbour for her clients to investigate their goals, tackle obstacles, and unleash their true potential.
Clients who choose to have a series of sessions enjoy the benefit of having a level of accountability and the momentum to keep moving forwards. Clients will be equipped with the essential tools to navigate intricate scenarios, make informed decisions, and reach leadership milestones with assured confidence and fulfilment.
Well, I can't top that. I'm off for a lie down.
IN THE MEDIA
Media, events, podcasts and webinars
Media, events, podcasts and webinars
Sunemployment Column
I shared my advice with The Sun readers on how to lead people older and potentially more experienced than you.
Muddy Stilettos Interview
Smash your career goals: I share my tips with Muddy Stilettos on how to lead like a pro in 2025.
Inclusive Growth Show Podcast
I join Toby Mildon to talk about how leaders can move beyond superficial values to truly embody inclusivity in their organisations.
Work’s Not Working… Let’s Fix It! Podcast
I talk to Siân Harrington about why leadership so often falls short in today’s workplace.
HR Magazine
A comment piece in HR magazine on how Gen Z are teaching leaders how to lead: When did setting boundaries become a character flaw?
Showing Up Podcast
I join Vicki Knights on her Showing Up podcast to discuss how I created Linda the Bad Manager and the secret to turning online engagement into real-world clients.
Women Disrupting Podcast
I join Yasmin Ariff to discuss my newly released book, Linda the Bad Manager’ and how one of my most viral TikTok videos ended up back firing.
Truth, Lies and Work Podcast
I join Leanne and Al Elliott as they explore the nuances of workplace culture and generational differences in today's work environment.
BBC Radio Surrey, Sussex and Kent
I talk to Adam Dowling at BBC Radio Surrey, Sussex and Kent about how Linda the Manager came about, and my new book "How to Lead".
Accidental Managers
I join Roly Walter to talk about what makes an "accidental manager", and how organisations can support them in becoming effective managers.
Corporate Wellbeing Expo Interview
What's the link between good leadership and employee wellbeing (and engagement)?
The Anatomy of a Leader (Podcast/YouTube Guest)
I talk to Maria Hvorostovsky about toxic bosses, the inspiration for my TikTok character, Linda, and how to be a good leader.
ITV Interview with Jonathan Wills
I talk to Jonathan Wills about the success of my TikTok character, Linda, the bad manager.
Women in the Coaching Arena Podcast
I talk to Joanna Lott about building a coaching business , from discovering your own unique skills, to engaging your audience.
On the edge with April Mahoney (Podcast Guest)
I talk to April on her On The Edge podcast, about the ebbs & flows of employer/employee dynamics.
Tech World Human Skills (Podcast Guest)
I talk to Ben Pearce on his podcast about leadership and how to grow to become a great leader.
Unleash the Power of People Podcast
I talk to Chris Webber about how to have those difficult conversations to build trust from difficult relationships.
McCann World group "The Truth About Work"
McCann Worldgroup shared insights on the future of work and employer branding.
The Jobs for Women Show (Podcast Guest)
I talk to Zoe Haydn Jones about how knowing your values helps you define your boundaries and stop people pleasing.
Why Employees Leave (Webinar Guest)
I talk to Luke Fisher about how to create more engaged teams in this webinar (which also features Linda, the toxic boss).
The Pursuit of Purpose (Podcast Guest)
I talk to Pete Al Alkawi about how I help good people to become great leaders - understanding their values and purpose.
How to Stop "Doing" and Start Leading
I discuss with Jay Neale from Agency Works how to juggle the challenging demands of leading in an agency environment.
How to Create & Track Habits (Contributor)
Habit tracker apps might just be the key to transforming your routines (and life!) once and for all.
The Leadership Enigma Podcast
I explore the challenges faced by individual contributors and small consultancies (with Adam Pacifico in this podcast.
The Parent Equation Podcast (Podcast Guest)
I share my working parent journey with Ayesha Murray and talk about my views on everything.
A GIFT FOR YOU
Free Intentional Leadership Guide
Elevate your impact, find joy in leadership, and live a life you love.
Kate Waterfall Hill. All rights reserved.
Kate Waterfall Hill. All rights reserved.
Kate Waterfall Hill. All rights reserved.