kate mccready
Coaching Vedic Meditation Speaking & Facilitation Client Love
All Podcast Episodes
Contact Podcast Guest Submission
kate mccready

Live well.
Work well.
Make meaning.

It’s time to align & elevate your
work, life and leadership.

Become a Leading Being.
 
 
KateLowRes-180.jpg

Work, live & lead consciously, fulfilled & in flow.

Hi. I'm Kate. I’m a Vedic meditation teacher and coach based in Melbourne, Australia.
I'm on a mission to help people expand their unique potential and impact in life and work.

I believe the world needs conscious and purpose driven people stepping up as leaders
in their careers, business and lives.  

Come and visit Leading Beings to work with me as your business, career or leadership coach or to learn Vedic Meditation in one of my upcoming courses.

 
Meaningful Work

Meaningful Work

Do work that taps into your highest potential & makes a difference to yourself & others. 

Work-life design

Work-Life Design

Craft your work-life with intention for greater wellbeing, flow and harmony.

Conscious Business conscious leadership

Conscious Business & Leadership

Expand cultural & organisational awareness and impact for purpose + profit.

Plant-Circle-Grass.png

Whole Self Development

Consciously learn & grow personally, professionally & spiritually.

 
 

The Leading beings podcast

Inspiration, motivation and interesting conversation about working and living for greater wellbeing and impact.

 
 
 
KateMcCready-164.jpg
“I was not only able to bring a passionate business to life, articulate my mission and craft a powerful message, I also learned so much about myself, my values and what I really want out of life.”

Murielle Marie

Coach | Activist | Writer | Speaker
www.muriellemarie.com

PLANT_14 1600.jpeg

SAY HELLO ON INSTA

"So how are you?" "Ah, really busy."⠀ ⠀ How of often is "busy" your response when someone asks you how you are? Busy has become one of those standard answers we give. But is it bad or good? What are we really communicating to people when we say we're busy? We think it needs to stop. ⠀ ⠀ A while back, I experimented with avoiding the word busy at all costs. It was liberating. We need to stop busy being our go to and perpetuating our own cycles of busyness.⠀ ⠀ Try instead:⠀ "I'm great, how are you?"⠀ "I have a lot of great stuff going on right now."⠀ "Life is full, but awesome."⠀ "I'm feeling really stretched at the moment."⠀ "I'm drowning. I could really use some support right now."⠀ ⠀ Want to join us in busting busy? Make a pact today to stop using the word for one week. If you're in, give us a hands up in the comments. 🖐
Knowing your values can be an important part of creating a work-life that is fulfilling and meaningful. I love working with clients to help them uncover their values and purpose. But the work doesn't stop there.⠀ ⠀ It's one thing to have values, it's another thing to actually live them.⠀ ⠀ Here's a little exercise to try to see how well you're living yours (or not):⠀ ⠀ Think about how you're living your life. Write down all the things you're placing importance on or prioritising, not by what you SAY is important, but by what you actually DO and where you spend your time.⠀ ⠀ Now if you were boil those things down into a list of values - what would they be? Are your 'lived' values stacking up to your 'intended' values? If they aren't it's time to start thinking about how to make some shifts.⠀ ⠀ One of my personal values (as opposed to business values) is creativity, but I often get caught up in creative thinking, yet fall short on creative doing. Something I'm working on.⠀ ⠀ Do you know your values (or at least have a rough idea)? Share them in the comments. I love reading other peoples’ values. ⠀ ⠀ PS. Coaching people on this is something I loooooove to do. If you want to live your work-life more intentionally, reach out for a free discovery session to see if I might be the coach for you. 🥰
I have fantasies about spending time in a cabin the woods. Reading, writing, meditating. Just being amongst trees. And as much as I love the Aussie bush, there's something so special about a proper Northern hemisphere forrest.⠀ ⠀ If you were to take yourself away somewhere for some solo R&R in nature, what would you choose?⠀ ⠀ 🌳Cabin in the woods⠀ ❄️Snow chalet⠀ 🌊Beach shack⠀ 🏜Desert hideaway⠀ Or something else? Share below,⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Photo credit @nachellenocom⠀
We have Vedic Meditation courses coming up in October and November.⠀ ⠀ October: Friday 11 - Monday 14 (Thornbury)⠀ November: Friday 15 - Monday 18 (Fairfield)⠀ ⠀ We've got some last minute spots up for grabs for the October course (which starts this week). If you want to swipe one of those up, we'll give you the "bring a friend discount" of 10% off, even if you don't bring a friend. (You can bring your imaginary friend if you like).⠀ ⠀ If you want to know more about Vedic Meditation or to sign up, shoot us a DM and we can arrange a call this week to chat you through the details. ⠀ ⠀ For more info about times, click the calendar link in our profile.
I wanted to share this beautiful little illustration by @byjenamarie. It's of the coworking space that I called home for a good few years. It started out life as The Cowork Co, then later became @Pathhunting (which is sadly no more in cowork form - but owner Bec is doing some cool things and the space has now been transformed into @thespace_co ). ⠀ ⠀ I made some amazing friends there who have now become my little work family. And I am so thankful for them all. ⠀ ⠀ Something I wrote down on a list of "Things I want from my work" back in 2012 (when I was still working for a big corporate and was looking for something...more) was "to be able to work from a space that inspires me". And I sure found that at Pathhunting.⠀ ⠀ This list was an important turning point in me stepping into work that I truly love. Work that inspires me. Work that enables me live how I want to live and be who I really am. I have literally ticked off every single item on that list and have gone well beyond what I had even imagined then.⠀ ⠀ A big part of our work at Leading Beings now, is helping people do the same. To imagine what they really want their work and life to look like and make that a reality.⠀ ⠀ What's one thing you'd put on your wish list for "things you want from your work"? Tell us in the comments below. And dream big baby!! 👇 ⠀ ⠀ And cheers to you @becmutch @resonantimagery @melbpsych @nellcasey_ @iamellesteele and everyone else who’s handles I can’t find right now 😂)
Do you spend a lot of time in your head, thinking about things that may or may not come to pass in the future? Imagining, speculating, ruminating?⠀ ⠀ There's nothing wrong with planning for the future (whether it be tomorrow or 10 years time), but when our imaginations get the best of us and turn our thoughts into a negative spiral, that's when we suffer. And let me tell you, it's doesn't get us anywhere.⠀ ⠀ Something I have loved about becoming a regular meditator, is I'm much better at letting those negative imaginings go, those unhelpful 'what ifs' that keep the brain ticking over (often when we're trying to get to sleep at night).⠀ ⠀ Being more present and less at the mercy of our thoughts makes us happier, more productive, healthier humans. Hands up if that sounds good to you.🙋⠀ ⠀ If you're curious about how Vedic Meditation might be able to help you be your best human, reach out via DM. Let's chat.⠀
This photo was taken a couple of weeks back when I took a sneaky Monday off to go play in the Redwoods in Warburton. There's nothing like a bit of nature to start off your week. We even saw two liar birds on our adventure! ⠀ ⠀ A number of years back I made an intentional decision to create a work-life that would enable me to live how I want to live and be who I want to be. And not having to be in an office on a Monday if I didn't want to be was part of my intention.⠀ ⠀ There's something that feels even more restful and special about taking a day off when most people are working. Do you ever take work days off for play, rest and renewal? "Hypothetically", if you were to take a sneaky day off this week, how would you spend it?
So this hunk o' spunk is my hubby, Tim. He will probably be mortified that I'm posting this, but oh well. He knew what he was getting into when he married me.⠀ ⠀ Anyhow. When this photo was taken he was not actually a meditator (he was just 'modelling' for our Leading Beings photoshoot). I of course, was quietly hoping he might get into meditation at some point, but didn't want to push it. I think it's really important people come to meditation on their own terms.⠀ ⠀ Flash forward to August and hubby is on long service leave (he's a teacher), so has a bit more time and space and decides he's ready. Now for all those of you who don't know Tim, he's possibly one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. But he's certainly not into the 'woo' or the 'ooga booga' stuff as he likes to call it. He loves cricket and beer (mostly fancy craft beer these days) and footy (die hard Richmond) and did I mention cricket?⠀ ⠀ So I ignored the golden rule of teaching and taught my spouse. (Can't help being a bit of a rebel). I was so nervous. It's the strangest thing putting on your 'teacher' hat for someone you know so well.⠀ ⠀ So how did it all pan out? Well I am happy to report, he's probably one of my most dedicated students. He meditates twice a day like clockwork, follows all the rules to a tee (probably better than I do) and really gotten into the groove with his practice.⠀ ⠀ When I hear him speak about the benefits he's getting to people, usually the one he talks about the most is that he's sleeping much better. He says himself, the real test will be when he goes back to school next term. But I'll keep you updated.⠀ ⠀ I've been pondering running a meditation intro session somewhere like @3ravensbrewery over a beer or two, for blokes (like Tim) and anyone who is looking for something a little different to the normal meditation scene. (What do you think @3ravensbrewery, you game?)⠀ ⠀ Do you have a fella in your life you think could benefit from some meditation? Tag him in this post and maybe we can get him along to a beer and meditation intro session. 🍻
We have a massive space crush on @therangebyronbay. The dream is to run a retreat here one day. (How divine is the sunken lounge? )😍 ⠀ ⠀ If you could wave a magic wand and come along to any of the following retreats, which would you choose?⠀ ⠀ A) Vedic Meditation Retreat - Come and learn mediation on retreat. Simple.⠀ B) Whole-Self Business Retreat - For small and solo business owners who have a business that is your heart and soul - think aligning business and life, conscious strategy, getting in flow, setting boundaries, creating rituals and more.⠀ C) Work-Life Design Retreat - For folks wanting to create a more harmonious and flowing relationship between work and life - think wellbeing, purpose and values, energy and flow, getting clear on what's important and more.⠀ ⠀ 📷 Photo credit @therangebyronbay
Love this amazing artwork by Hilma af Klint. She was ahead of her time — a Swedish artist and mystic whose paintings were among the first Western abstract art.⠀ ⠀ Love people who push boundaries and pave the way for what’s next.⠀ ⠀ Whose your favourite artist or boundary pusher?⠀ ⠀ Photo credit @_kparsons_
Coaching. What is it really? It’s a special one on one relationship with someone who’s job it is to help you become the best version of you you can be.⠀ ⠀ Stuck on an important decision or challenge? Your coach will help you work through it with the right questions to help you find clarity.⠀ ⠀ Getting up in your head or in your own way? Your coach can help you become more self aware, shift your mindset and move past your blocks.⠀ ⠀ Want to make more of an impact or find greater fulfilment with a big goal or vision for you career, business, leadership or life? Your coach will help you break it down into achievable steps and keep you accountable along the way.⠀ ⠀ Your coach is a supporter, a confidant, a dot connector, a friendly butt kicker, a listener, an accountability buddy, a guide, an eye opener, a cheerleader and so much more.⠀ ⠀ What one thing you’d like to know/ask about coaching? (Whether you’ve worked with a coach before or not). I’ll be chilling here in the comments for the next half hour to answer your questions. Kate
One of our values at Leading Beings is “Real me. Real you.” It’s about bringing the real you to all that you do. This gives others the permission to do the same. And when we are all being real with ourselves and each other, we can show up and communicate with authenticity and honesty.⠀ ⠀ Tell us a little bit about the real you. Who are you dear friend? We want to get to know you. 😘
This October I'll be running a Vedic Meditation course at the beautiful @_EveStudio_ Preston. I feel so honoured to have this opportunity, as Eve is very dear to my heart. I've been going to Eve (on and off if I'm being really honest), for a number of years now.⠀ ⠀ Their mission is very much aligned to what we do here at Leading Beings – helping people be their best. They've helped me do things I couldn't have imagined. Like do yoga six days a week for a month!⠀ ⠀ If you are interested in joining the course and missed the Eve intro talk, you can arrange a one-on-one intro call with me (Kate) via the link in our bio. We'll chat about:⠀ + The technique itself and what's involved⠀ + How it differs from other types of meditation⠀ + A bit about the structure of the course⠀ + What the course fee includes⠀ + Any questions you might have. ⠀ ⠀ It's all about helping you understand if Vedic Meditation is right for you. And you don't need to be an Eve member to join. ⠀ ⠀ (This course is for women only. Trans & non-binary women welcome.)⠀ ⠀ I also have new courses up on the website for October and November. Check 'em out!⠀ ⠀ Oh and if I’ve caught you in your way out the door and would like me to send you a reminder about this. Just pop a🙏🏻 emoji in the comments and I’ll shoot you a DM in a day or so. ⠀ ⠀ Photo Credit: @_evestudio_
Ok, let's talk F*$k ups. We all know we learn from them, right? But sometimes it's soooooo hard it the moment to see it that way. It's always much easier looking back to see how we've grown from what didn't go to plan.⠀ ⠀ Let's celebrate some of our mistakes together. What was a good ol' F*$k up you've made (big or small) and what did you learn from it? ⌨👇⠀ ⠀ One of mine... Being too honest/blunt with feedback. Back in my early career I was seriously lacking in tact when sharing my thoughts. I thought honesty was the best policy and didn't give a lot of thought to how my feedback was received. Outcome? My feedback was often alienating and people resented it, rather than taking it on board.⠀ ⠀ Lesson? Feedback is usually received much better when I really put myself in the shoes of the receiver and think about how to deliver it with compassion as well as honesty. I can be honest and kind. 📷: @sisterscoutstudio
Ah, spring. So many new things growing and blossoming. It's just such a joy to be outside at the moment don't you think?⠀ ⠀ I went to a breakfast put on by the wonderful @kinnorth on Wednesday. The topic of spring came up and how we're all feeling that we are personally emerging from the winter bubble and feeling those spring vibes of creativity and expansion in our work and businesses.⠀ ⠀ Are you feeling the creative juju starting to flow? Share what's been stirring for you in the comments. 👇⠀ ...⠀ ⠀ 🌟Want to really harness that creative potential in your career, business or leadership and looking for some support? Contact Kate about a complementary coaching discovery session via the email link in our profile or by shooting through a DM.⠀ ⠀ Speaking of creative flow, totally drooling over the beautiful artwork of @heidibarrettart 📷 Photo credit to her.
Shh... Don’t tell anyone, but we love Monday mornings. Actually scrap that. Tell everyone. WE LOVE MONDAY MORNINGS!!⠀ ⠀ We are so darn excited about what we get to do here at Leading Beings. Supporting people to nurture, grow and share their unique potential. Creating meaningful businesses and careers. Being impactful leaders in work and life. Becoming the best version of human they can be.⠀ ⠀ Our emoji for how we feel about Monday morning would be 🤩. What’s yours? Share in the comments. ⠀ ⠀ Image by @sisterscoutstudio featuring @sammiesonjafleming a #friendofleadingbeings
This is what I wish for you. That you find that place where you can bring all of who you are to everything you do. That the lines between who you show up as in both life and work disappear. You are you. You can’t really ever hide part of who you are behind a ‘professional’ or ‘personal’ version of yourself. As just below the surface of whatever version you’re brining in a given moment, there you will be. As the famous Confucius saying goes, “wherever you go, there you are.”⠀ ⠀ The best version of you is the true you in all your glory. The good bits, the messy bits, the bits you’re proud of and the bits you sometimes wish weren’t there. It all adds up to you as a unique being on the planet, brining whatever it is you are here to bring. You’re whole self.⠀ ⠀ The more we try to create a separate version of ourselves for different circumstances in life, the harder we have to ‘work’, the more energy we expend and the less in flow we will be. The more we show up in our true being, the more we step into our natural flow and fulfilment and pave the way for others to do the same.⠀ ⠀ Tag someone in the comments who you admire for showing up as their whole, beautiful, messy, wonderful self in all that they do.
Founder? Solopreneur? Small/medium biz owner? Question: How intentional are you about how you're designing your biz-life?⠀ ⠀ So many of us get into the 'owning and running a business' thing for more freedom, control, fulfilment and impact. Yet so often we hear from people that in fact, their business is not the joy-filled, lifestyle creating or meaning making machine they envisioned when they set out.⠀ ⠀ So what can you do about it? Well, your first step is getting really clear on what 'ideal' looks like. And when we say 'ideal' we don't mean the kind of ideal you think is possible from where you are right now. We mean the wild, crazy, amazing, mind blowing ideal that would totally knock your socks off.⠀ ⠀ We'd love to hear from you - if you were designing/re-designing your ideal biz-life (whether you currently have a business or are just dreaming about it), what would be top on your list? Leave us a comment. 💬⠀ ⠀ P.S. We're currently taking on new clients for one-off deep dive or ongoing biz-life coaching. Click the email link in our profile if you'd like to learn more