Spotlight Member Katrina Shaw
Tell us about your business and why you chose this path?
For as long as I can remember, I envisioned myself as a Psychologist in private practice. As cliche as it may sound, I just desperately wanted people to live good lives and its painful to see how many people are struggling. I specialized in grief and loss, specifically suicide bereavment, after my own experiences of loss and coming to the realization that grief is an experience that no human can escape, and it is everywhere!
More recently, I have expanded my practice to be more of a general practice, working with kids, adults, couples, and families with a range of issues and concerns, including mediation for divorce and family conflicts. I am working to build my practice, as well as other visions I have for helping people to live lives that feel like a gift in this increasingly chaotic world.
What support did you need to get started and keep the dream alive?
I had alot of doubt at the beginning of my career, so having people who believed in me and my vision, and saw something in me that maybe I didn't even see in myself has been so powerful in helping me to step into my own power. I have been blessed with many amazing mentors throughout the years who have helped me to learn key pieces in the field of Psychology, and more recently in business development. I think moving forward, expanding my network and seeking out mentors with shared values will be what helps me to gain traction, momentum, and visibility.
How do you create work-life balance in your world? Is there such a thing?
I believe there is such a thing, and this is something that I value extensively. I tend to be a bit spontaneous in the way I balance these things, rather than having a structured plan of how my time will be spent. ( I like to roll with the punches and go with how I feel in the moment). This winter, I took advantage of quiet days at the office and snuck out several times for a mid-week day of skiing in the mountains. If I had to describe a typical pattern for myself, it would be something along the lines of spending my weekends in the mountains adventuring, and then come Monday morning, hit the ground running again. But goingwith the flow of life and making "fun" a priority seems to be the best fit for me. I also think spending time with quality friends (or other relationships) is key to well-being, inspiration, and motivation. So I make time to see those people, and I will find time to get the work done!
What do you think it takes to be a successful entrepreneur or business person?
Resilience, courage, passion, vision, adaptability, time management, networking, leadership, and creating value for others.
What is your life motto?
Love like crazy, be a lover and sometimes you just have to put on your party dress and celebrate this precious life.
Tell us about a challenge that you have faced in your own life that has influenced who you are today!
My father passed away when I was 21, and while this is still the most difficult thing I have ever experienced, I consider this to be my greatest blessing. Inviting my grief to sit next to me and offer its wisdom is how I learned that healing requires us to be vulnerable with ourselves, to feel, to allow ourselves to be human, and to open our hearts to the simple beauty around us. This experience taught me the value of connection and appreciation, and never before would I have cherished something as simple as a cup of coffee in the morning. Life is more beautiful now; more vivid, more intense, more colorful, more meaningful, and insanely full of love.
Who has influenced or inspired you and why?
My father has always been an inspiration to me because he always had a unique way of doing things, and he lived from his heart. Growing up, he spoke to my siblings and I as if we were little adults. He never told us what to do, but rather included us in coming up with a game plan that everyone felt good with. What parent does that? So much of who I am today comes from lessons I learned just by observing him throughout my life. He was always very kind, generous, attentive, dedicated, appreciative, and above anything else, he valued living a fun life.
Who is a Woman of Inspiration to you? Why?
My closest friend Mia. She is inspiring because she is so grounded in living within her own integrity and is unapologetically and authentically herself. She has so much insight and wisdom, but rather than attempting to pull others to meet her where she is at, she simply mirrors the strength and beauty she sees in others, and allows them to come to their own discoveries and learning in their own time. I would not be the woman I am today without her patience, acceptance, love, and unwavering belief in me.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself as a public speaker, author, and game changer. I absolutely love my work with clients in private practice, but I also hope to help more people and on a larger scale. I want to have a flourishing business with continuous avenues for expansion, growth, and reach.
I really want to find a way to support and engage men, because I think culturally, men have not been given a platform to be authentic or real about their struggles, and I deeply believe that we need to be able to embrace our humanness if we want to live connected and fulfilled lives.
What attracted you to The Nest?
I value and cherish authentic connections, but the thing that captivated me most about the nest was Monica's heart and passion. I admire her ability to help others to feel safe to be vulnerable and to discover their own unique strengths and talents.
My go to drink is...
Guinness
I cannot live without my....
Friends. They are my everything.
My passion is....
Exploring in the mountains. I love to adventure and challenge myself to push to new limits and heights.
My favorite destination is....
Family cabin on the lake in BC, or anywehre with water and mountains!
But im going to Switzerland this year....so I'll keep you posted!
Charity I support .....
Special Olympics Canada Foundation
Gems for Gems to end Domestic Violence
Various mental health campaigns and initiatives
My power song is.....
Learning to Fly - Tom Petty