In an exclusive interview with Katherine Eckert-Turnbull, founder of KT Core Solutions Ltd, we delve into her transformative leadership journey marked by a quest for authenticity and alignment. Katherine opens up about a pivotal period of self-discovery where she recognized the disconnect between her career and core values. Through her candid reflections, she reveals how embracing those ‘failures’ as stepping stones has shaped her approach to leadership, fostering a culture where authenticity drives success. Join us as Katherine shares invaluable insights on navigating setbacks and the art of aligning career ambitions with personal purpose.
Interviewee Name: Katherine Eckert-Turnbull
Company: KT Core Solutions Ltd
The Interview
What inspired you to start your journey in this field, and how did it all begin?
Katherine Eckert-Turnbull : Honestly, I never set out to become a Leadership and Executive Coach, it wasn’t part of some grand plan. My career began in a high-hazard industry – offshore oil and gas, where I was focused on operations, safety, and managing the complexities of high-risk environments. Coaching wasn’t even on my radar. But as time went on, opportunities arose, and I took a leap of faith. Looking back, I see how that leap wasn’t just about changing careers; it was about stepping into something I was already passionate about – helping people grow, navigate challenges, and lead more effectively.
Beyond my professional experience, my academic background in psychology and anthropology played a huge role in shaping my drive to support others. I’ve always been fascinated by human behaviour – what drives decision-making, how people respond under pressure, and the intricate social dynamics that influence leadership. That curiosity never left me, and in many ways, it has fueled my transition into coaching. Understanding the complexities of human behaviour isn’t just an interest; it’s a fundamental part of how I support leaders in developing self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to create meaningful impact.
One of the most fascinating things about this profession is that so many coaches come into it after building careers in entirely different fields. That diversity of experience is what makes coaching so powerful. We don’t just support others with theories, we draw from real-world lessons, including our own mistakes, to guide and challenge those we work with. In my case, the high-hazard industry taught me about leadership under pressure, decision-making in uncertainty, and the human side of managing risk. These are lessons I now use daily in coaching executives and leaders.
It’s funny how things unfold, how experiences you never expected to lead you somewhere end up shaping your entire path. Coaching found me more than I found it, and I’m grateful every day that I took that leap.
Can you share a failure that significantly impacted your perspective as a leader?
Katherine Eckert-Turnbull : When I think about failure, it’s not a single defining moment that comes to mind, but rather a period in my career when I felt completely misaligned with myself. I was pursuing a career offshore, but deep down, something didn’t feel right. No matter how much effort I put in, I never felt truly authentic in that space, and that feeling gnawed away at me. I pushed forward, hoping things would shift, but the more I tried to fit into that world, the more disconnected I felt.
At one point, I attempted to pivot into counselling, believing that could be the answer. But for various reasons, that path never really got off the ground. It only reinforced my sense of failure, I was searching for something, but I couldn’t seem to land in the right place. What I didn’t realise at the time was that these experiences were guiding me toward something deeper: the need to align my career with my core values.
For me, that alignment comes from supporting others through their challenges, helping them grow, and guiding them through transformation. That’s what brings me joy and a sense of purpose every day. Looking back, I don’t see that period as failure anymore, I see it as an essential part of my journey where I learned more about myself. It taught me that leadership, at its core, isn’t just about external success; it’s about being honest with yourself, understanding what truly drives you, and having the courage to pivot when something doesn’t feel right.
Now, as a Leadership and Executive Coach, I use that lesson with the people I work with. So many leaders experience that same feeling of misalignment but push it aside. My experience allows me to help them navigate those moments with more clarity and confidence. Because in the end, real success isn’t about following the expected path, it’s about finding the one that feels true to who you are.
What was the most important lesson you learned from that experience?
Katherine Eckert-Turnbull : The power of understanding my own core values and allowing them to guide me forward authentically. For a long time, I was trying to pursue a career that didn’t truly align with who I was. I ignored that inner discomfort, believing that success meant pushing through, even when something didn’t feel right. But that misalignment slowly chipped away at my confidence and sense of purpose.
It wasn’t until I stepped back and truly reflected on what mattered most to me – supporting others through their own challenges – that I realised why I had been struggling. I wasn’t failing; I was simply in the wrong place. That shift in perspective changed everything. When we align our work with our values, we don’t just perform better, we find fulfillment, energy, and a sense of purpose in what we do.
Now, as a Leadership and Executive Coach, this lesson is at the heart of how I support others. So many leaders find themselves feeling stuck or unfulfilled, not because they lack capability, but because they are out of alignment with what truly matters to them. Helping others gain clarity on their values and use them as a compass to navigate their path forward is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that success isn’t about fitting into an expected mold, it’s about having the courage to step into what feels most authentic. That’s where real leadership begins.
How do you approach taking risks now compared to earlier in your career?
Katherine Eckert-Turnbull : Earlier in my career, I was much more cautious when it came to taking risks. I second-guessed my decisions, overanalysed possible outcomes, and often found myself stuck in hesitation and the paralysis of procrastination. I wanted to make the “right” choice, but in doing so, I sometimes held myself back.
Over time – and through plenty of mistakes and wrong turns – I learned that decision-making isn’t about avoiding risk; it’s about navigating it in a way that aligns with your values. Now, my approach is very different. When faced with a big decision, I take time to reflect, not just on the risks but on the possibilities. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, I focus on what I could achieve. That shift in mindset has been game-changing.
I still take leaps, but now I do so with more confidence, knowing that every step forward is supported by the lessons, knowledge, and experience I’ve gained along the way. I’ve learned to trust myself and my ability to adapt. This hasn’t just changed how I take risks – it’s given me the freedom to pursue opportunities that truly matter.
How do you foster a culture where failure is embraced as a growth opportunity?
Katherine Eckert-Turnbull : For me, this starts with creating an environment of psychological safety – a concept I’ve deeply connected with through the work of Amy Edmondson. Whether in professional settings or personal relationships, I’ve learned that people need to feel safe to take risks, share ideas, and make mistakes without fear of judgment or punishment. When psychological safety is present, failures aren’t seen as something to be avoided but as valuable learning experiences that help us grow. More importantly, it strengthens interpersonal relationships, allowing for more authentic and open connections.
A key part of this is valuing diversity – not just in background or experience but in thought. Every person is unique, and their perspectives are valid. I believe in creating a space where people feel encouraged to share their ideas freely, without fear of recourse. When individuals know their contributions are genuinely valued, they become more engaged, innovative, and willing to challenge the status quo.
Carol Dweck’s work on the growth mindset has also profoundly influenced my approach. When we see failure as an opportunity to learn rather than a reflection of our abilities, we become more receptive to feedback and more resilient in the face of challenges. Encouraging a growth mindset within a team or organisation directly enhances psychological safety – it empowers people to challenge productively, to see feedback as a tool for development rather than criticism, and to continuously strive for improvement.
Ultimately, fostering this kind of culture isn’t just about leadership; it’s about creating a mindset shift that allows both individuals and teams to thrive. When failure is seen as part of the journey rather than a roadblock, people gain the confidence to take meaningful risks, innovate, and push themselves beyond what they thought was possible. And that’s where real growth happens.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone struggling with setbacks in their career?
Katherine Eckert-Turnbull : If you’re struggling with setbacks in your career, my advice would be this: find a way to feel authentic and aligned with your core values. I’ve learned this from my own mistakes – trying to push through or follow a path that didn’t feel true to who I am only led to frustration and stagnation. True growth and success comes from making changes that are in line with your values, even if they’re uncomfortable or unconventional. When you align what you do with what truly matters to you, it becomes easier to find fulfillment, even in challenging times.
Also, be kind to yourself. We are all human, and setbacks don’t define us – they’re part of the journey. What makes us unique is our ability to learn, not just from our own mistakes, but from the mistakes of others too. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or feedback; the best leaders are those who remain open to growth. But at the end of the day, trust yourself and make the decisions that feel right for you. It’s your path, and only you can know what aligns with your values and purpose.
Remember, setbacks are just opportunities to course-correct, grow, and ultimately get closer to where you’re meant to be.
Leaders Perception magazine would like to thank Katherine Eckert-Turnbull and “KT Core Solutions Ltd” for the time dedicated to completing this interview and sharing their valuable insights with our readers!
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