Meet Dr. Katie -Founder of More Millennial Executives

Organizational psychologist, corporate consultant, and coach helping millennial leaders rise into executive roles without losing themselves.

The Big Why

I’ve spent my career asking one question: why do so many smart, purpose-driven millennials get overlooked for executive leadership?

The answer, I discovered, isn’t about talent or work ethic. It’s about hidden blind spots — subtle habits and patterns that affect how decision-makers perceive us. These blind spots silently block promotions, even for the most capable leaders.

That discovery became my mission: to help millennial professionals unmask these blind spots, shift how they’re seen, and rise into executive leadership.

My Path

I hold a PhD in Organizational Psychology, where my dissertation (2017) explored the millennial employee experience and voice. That research became the foundation of the Seven Blind Spots framework, which I’ve continued to develop and validate over the past decade. Alongside my academic work, I’ve served as a national-level leader on millennial workforce strategy, advising corporations on how to engage, retain, and promote millennial talent at scale.

Building on this foundation, I founded Better Work Experience, Inc., the consultancy behind the More Millennial Executives coaching program. I also host The Dr. Katie Show, a podcast where I interview leaders and share insights on millennial leadership and workplace change. My forthcoming book, Unmasking the Seven Blind Spots: How Millennials Can Step Into Executive Leadership Without Losing Themselves, continues this mission by equipping millennial leaders — and the organizations they serve — with research-backed tools to accelerate into executive roles.

My Personal Story

Early in my career, I fell victim to these blind spots too — and it cost me a promotion I had been working toward for six years. I was devastated and also very very frustrated! I believed that being excellent at my work would be enough, but I didn’t realize how my habits and behaviors were being perceived by the leaders making decisions. That painful setback became my turning point.

Instead of giving up, I turned to research. I began studying the millennial employee experience in depth, listening to stories from professionals across industries, and looking for patterns. Over time, those insights grew into the Seven Blind Spots framework — and with it, a new mission: helping other millennial leaders avoid the same mistakes I made, so they can rise into executive roles with clarity and confidence.

My Mission

I believe that when more millennials rise into executive leadership, workplaces — and society — change for the better. Millennials are the largest generation in today’s workforce, yet too many are stalling at mid-level roles. By equipping them to break through, we unlock not just individual promotions, but a wave of leaders who bring purpose, balance, and innovation into the executive suite.

That’s why I’ve set a bold goal: to prepare one million millennial leaders to step into executive roles in the next decade. This isn’t just about titles — it’s about building healthier organizations, uplifting communities, and creating a more sustainable future of work.

More millennial executives means…

Companies led by people who value both profit and people. Leaders who innovate without burning out their teams

A corporate culture that reflects balance, collaboration, and long-term vision.

This is bigger than any one promotion. It’s a movement — and it starts with unmasking your blind spots so you can step confidently into leadership.

The Proof of Clarity.

From overlooked to executive-ready. Discover how Dr. Katie Thomas transforms high performers into trusted leaders across the world’s most recognized organizations.

One Insight Can Change Everything

“Even though I only worked with Dr. Katie in one workshop and a one-on-one, the impact was profound. Her guidance helped me grow tremendously in a short amount of time. I’ve set bold goals for my team and myself, and her insights played a major role. I’ve already recommended her workshop to other managers—and I can’t wait for her book to come out.”

Kelly Carlos
Retail Banking Manager

Trusted at the Executive Table

“Extremely fortunate to work alongside Katie during the creation of a millennial strategy for Kaiser Permanente. Katie was instrumental and influential on a highly visible initiative for the CEO. She collaborated across executives, markets, departments, and people to ensure all voices were heard—alongside a well-executed strategy. Katie has earned my highest recommendation.”

Oscar Bolanos
Executive Director, Kaiser Permanente Health Plan

Guiding a Generation into Leadership

“Dr. Katie comes to us at a time when her expertise is desperately needed to help guide our generation—and all that follow—as we transition into and carry on all that our parents have left for us, good and bad. Thank you, Katie. We are grateful.”

Austin Thomas
COO, Poplar Grove Airmotive

From Capable to Confident Under Pressure

“When I was hired to lead a team at one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country, Katie provided valuable coaching that helped me navigate the environment. Her coaching helped me identify and implement strategies that allowed me to take my team to the next level and become more resilient. Her guidance and perspective are delivered with passion and a great sense of humor. I highly recommend Dr. Katie.”

Emily Nelson
Senior Manager, Kaiser Permanente

Clarity Creates Confidence

“With her program, I was able to solidify my vision and gain the confidence I needed to lead my team to achieve a shared vision. I’m immensely grateful for Dr. Katie and her coaching!”

Hailey Scheffler
Sales Leader, LUSH

When Clarity Changes Your Direction

“After ten years of retirement, I attended a workshop with Dr. Katie Thomas thinking she could help me focus and direct my efforts. Through her leadership and expertise, I realized I didn’t want to go back—I wanted to head in an entirely new direction. Thank you, Dr. Katie, for helping me find the right fit!”

Debra Korta
Public Relations Executive, Kaiser Permanente

From Self-Doubt to Executive Presence

“Katie not only gave me the direction I needed to find a suitable job with my skill set, but I became more confident in my interviews than I’ve ever been. Her teaching methods were precise, easy to comprehend, and most importantly, effective. I still use her methods long after coaching—and I’ve been more successful in interviews than ever before.”

Cameron Dreger
IT Administration, Vagaro

Strategic Clarity That Drives Results

“She helped me accelerate my path as a leader by creating a clear vision and resilient culture. This ultimately led to increasing corporate profits. Her coaching brought me to the level where I am today.”

Tina Harrichian
UX Design Leader, Volvo Cars

Ready to Step Into Executive Leadership?

You’ve learned my story and my mission. Now I’d love to learn yours.

Before we talk about coaching, join me live inside the Millennial Career Clarity Lab — a free, interactive workshop where you’ll uncover the invisible rules shaping your promotion path and identify the blind spots quietly holding you back.

If you’re ready for clarity and momentum, start here.

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!

More Millennial Executives

Location

Chicago, IL
(serving clients nationwide)