Dr. Cathy Henkenberns
Thought Design Author, Keynote Speaker, Leadership Coach
Certified Change Enthusiast™ (Level I), Cohort 2025-02
Connect on LinkedIn
Every month, we introduce you to someone from the Change Enthusiasm® community. This month, it’s Dr. Cathy Henkenberns. Her career has run from coaching basketball to leading a school district to publishing her first book. Here’s what she shared with us.
Tell us about yourself.
Life has taken me from the basketball court to the superintendent’s office to becoming an author. This second curve of life finds me focusing on helping leaders and teams grow.
What are you building or exploring that keeps you excited these days?
I am drawn to work that helps us see what we may not be able to see from the middle of an experience, through curiosity and optimism.
I’ve seen the difference it makes when people feel they belong, have an authentic voice to share, and can shape the conditions for the teams we all want to be part of.
Can you share a moment when Change Enthusiasm® shifted how you personally responded to a situation?
This community became part of my life when I was trying to figure out what was next for me.
I practiced vulnerability to really name the emotions that were stalling me: anxiety and fear about a new chapter.
Then I found the courage to choose acceptance, optimism, and curiosity. Despite the unknown, there was possibility for really good things to show up for me.
That led to achieving my dream of publishing a book!
How do you help someone who is resisting a change?
I start with curiosity. I ask them to name “What’s the hardest thing about it?” and repeat that same question three times.
The first answer reveals their story. The second reveals their why. By the third time, they begin to understand the meaning of the change.
Which Change Enthusiasm® tool or practice would you recommend someone try this week?
The Authentic C.H.A.N.G.E. Traits® practice challenge really made me pause and think about what matters to me now, especially as life chapters evolve.
Spend reflection time examining moments when your values were deeply challenged and how you showed up in your values, even when the noise was loud and it would have been easier to choose a different path.
It’s time well spent to examine how you show up in the noise with authenticity.
What are you curious to learn next?
I am starting to read Adam Grant’s new book, Vibe, and I’m curious how to create impact through meaningful connections and belonging. For me, that means shaping conditions for others to bring ideas, learn, and thrive together. A lot of what CEG does for me.
Want to join Cathy in the community?
The Change Growth Accelerator™ is where Certified Change Enthusiasts™ start. Learn more about the program.
