Kat's Work
Whether you're planning a keynote, a workshop, or something in between, these talks can be tailored to your audience.
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Every session combines lived experience, humor, and practical tools people can use right away.
Keynote Speaker
Turning Scars into Stories: How Managers Build Cultures of Compassion and Courage
Mental health awareness is no longer enough. Your team needs more than checklists and compliance—they need leaders who show up.
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In this heartfelt, humorous, and deeply human keynote, mental health advocate and storyteller Kat Atwell invites leaders to trade quick fixes for real connection. Through raw personal stories and practical insights, Kat equips HR professionals, leaders, and managers with tools to move from reacting to truly relating—building workplace cultures where empathy isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected.
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Your people don’t need a hero.
They need someone who hears them.
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Audience Takeaways:
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Learn why owning your story can support others in owning theirs—and how “editing” someone else’s mental health narrative can do more harm than good
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Understand the do’s and don’ts of responding when an employee opens up about mental health
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Implement 3 powerful communication shifts that prioritize presence over performance
Workshop Facilitator
From Awareness to Action: Building Compassionate Workplaces That Actually Work
It’s time to go beyond awareness campaigns and wellness posters. Mental health at work isn’t a side conversation—it’s a leadership competency.
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In this interactive and practical workshop, mental health advocate and storyteller Kat Atwell guides HR leaders, managers, and people-first professionals through the conversations that matter most—and the skills that often get overlooked. Using story, humor, and research-backed tools, Kat teaches participants how to respond to real-life disclosures, navigate emotional moments, and build a team culture grounded in presence, empathy, and courage.
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Because when people feel safe to show up as they are—they show up better.
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Participants Will Learn How To:
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Shift from “fix-it mode” to deep listening and presence
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Respond effectively to mental health disclosures—with empathy, boundaries, and care
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Avoid unintentionally silencing or “editing” someone’s story (and why that matters)
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Practice 3 conversation techniques that boost trust and psychological safety
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Model vulnerability in a way that strengthens—not undermines—your leadership
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Ideal For:
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HR teams
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Managers and emerging leaders
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Leadership retreats or offsites
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Organizations focused on retention, culture, and employee wellbeing
Bonus Option:
This workshop can include a live Q&A or coaching segment where attendees explore real scenarios in a confidential, supportive space.
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Let us know if you'd like a 90-minute, half-day, or full-day version outlined—or want a companion breakout for frontline staff.
Emcee
Connection and Care
Kat Atwell brings over a decade of emcee experience to the stage, serving everything from Ignite Denver’s fast-paced talks to nonprofit galas and corporate conferences. A longtime organizing committee member for Ignite Denver, Kat is known for her warm presence, audience connection, and ability to keep events running smoothly without stealing the spotlight.
She effortlessly highlights sponsors, celebrates volunteers, and adapts to the moment—bringing both heart and professionalism to every mic she takes. Whether it’s a high-energy showcase or a mission-driven fundraiser, Kat consistently creates a welcoming atmosphere that elevates every event.
Easy to work with and always audience-focused, Kat brings both heart and professionalism to the mic.
Panelist
Looking to Build the Perfect Panel on Mental Health at Work?
Kat Atwell brings the heart. With a unique blend of lived experience, humor, and practical insight, she moves conversations beyond the data and into real human connection. Whether on stage or in a virtual setting, Kat shows up prepared, present, and ready to contribute in a way that’s both grounded and inspiring. If your panel needs a voice that brings empathy, candor, and action-oriented perspective—Kat’s your person.
