About Katrina Bourke

I AM OBSESSED WITH INSPIRING, CHALLENGING AND HELPING LEADERS TO SLOW DOWN.
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Hi, I'm Katrina

It takes a lot of courage to slow down, to resist some of the urgency that surrounds us and bombards us. My work is all about supporting and encouraging leaders and teams, especially emerging and middle leaders to tap into their courage, slow down, get clear so that they can lead with calm, and feel confident in themselves, their team and the work they are doing.

I’ve been where you are. As a school leader, I looked capable and composed on the outside. But inside I was spinning. It took me years to realise that slowing down wasn’t a luxury, it is an essential leadership practice.

That’s what my work is all about: grounded leadership that helps you lead in a way that’s real, sustainable, and aligned with what matters most.
"My Grounded Leadership Framework is a practical, human-centred model built around four stages: Decide, Explore, Honour, and Lead. Whether I’m working with individuals or teams, this framework creates a clear, compassionate path for developing grounded, courageous leadership."

Why Work With Me?

I’ve led in schools. I know the pressure, the pace, the responsibility. I’ve fielded the late-night emails, navigated complex team dynamics, and carried the weight of demands that land heavily.

I still work alongside school leaders every day in coaching, in leadership teams, in professional learning that actually changes things.

Keynote Speaking

If your audience is craving something real - something that cuts through the noise - this is it. My keynotes speak to the heart of leadership today: staying steady when the world spins fast. Through storytelling, reflection, and practical insight, I invite leaders to reimagine what it means to lead with calm, clarity, and courage. Whether it’s a packed conference room or an intimate professional learning event, I bring presence, warmth, and impact.
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Meet the team Supporting Katrina Bourke

Petrina

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Listen to Podcasts with Katrina

The School of Wellbeing with Meg Durham

Katrina Bourke: Authentic Leadership & How To Find Sacred Ground

From the changing expectations of leaders to the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, this conversation delves into the crucial aspects of being an effective leader in today’s fast-paced education system.
Listen Here

Well-Led Schools

Finding Your Sacred Ground So You Can Lead With Authenticity with Katrina Bourke

Authentic leadership, marked by self-awareness, vulnerability, and groundedness, is crucial in Education today. Katrina shares her journey and insights on how leaders can cultivate these qualities.
Listen Here

What our Clients Are Saying

I highly recommend Katrina for anyone who is looking for clarity about their own leadership strengths and potential.

Rowena
Project Development
, 
Melbourne

Katrina’s coaching style is focused, perceptive and practical.

Ursula
Sales & Marketing Leader
, 
Melbourne

Choosing Katrina Bourke as my leadership coach was one of the best decisions that I’ve made, for both my personal life and professional growth as an educational leader.

Nella
Deputy Principal
, 
Melbourne

I felt validated and challenged throughout and I reflect on this experience as an extremely important strengthening time of my professional life which also supported my personal life.

Anne-Marie
Deputy Principal
, 
Melbourne

My manic rushing and busy-ness was soon replaced by focused prioritising and doing ‘the little things’.

Elissa
School Leader
, 
Ballarat

At 31, I’ve never been so calm, regulated and content. I highly recommend Katrina.

Rachel
Team leader
, 
Bendigo

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Petrina

Petrina is the calm, capable force behind the scenes who makes so much of this work possible. She’s warm, wildly organised, and has a sixth sense for knowing what needs to be done before I even ask. From client care to logistics and all the moving parts in between—she holds it all with calm, quiet confidence.

We’ve known each other since childhood—next-door neighbours turned lifelong friends who even went to uni together. These days, she keeps me grounded and on track, with a healthy dose of humour and a shared commitment to making this work feel human. If you’ve connected with us, you’ve felt her care. I wouldn’t want to do this without her.