Kathryn Heath, Ph.D., is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Leadership Development Practice. A researcher, executive coach, and leadership program architect, Kathryn is known for designing highly customized leadership experiences that align directly with organizations’ strategic business objectives and accelerate leader impact. She works with executives and high-potential leaders to help them strengthen influence, lead change, and deliver results in complex environments.

In her work as a consultant and coach, Kathryn partners with Fortune 500 organizations—including Deloitte, AIG, and Booz Allen Hamilton—to develop leaders through targeted, research-based programs that move individuals and organizations forward faster.

Kathryn served as Senior Vice President and Chief Learning Officer at First Union (now Wells Fargo), then the nation’s fourth-largest bank. During a period of rapid growth, she led the enterprise training organization and headed Leadership Development, where she focused on building high-potential leadership talent. Her innovative, results-oriented approach earned her numerous awards and recognition for excellence in learning and leadership development.

Kathryn is also a highly regarded thought leader and author.

• I Wish I’d Known This: 6 Career-Accelerating Secrets for Women Leaders (Berrett-Koehler, 2022)
• The Influence Effect: A New Path to Power for Women Leaders (Berrett-Koehler, 2017)
• Break Your Own Rules: How to Change the Patterns of Thinking That Block Women’s Path to Power (Jossey-Bass, 2011), a bestseller on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Washington Post lists

In addition, Kathryn co-authored two widely cited Harvard Business Review articles: “Women, Find Your Voice!” (June 2014) and “To Build an Inclusive Culture, Start with Inclusive Meetings” (September 2019).

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Master of Education (M.Ed.), University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Leaders are always striving to be better at leading others because they know it is an honor to lead people.  Leadership is a skill that can be learned. With self-awareness, feedback, reflection, and coaching leaders can grow and refine their skills as a leader. It is the like the practice of law or the practice of yoga you keep working at it.