Meet Cathy Lucas | Strategic Communicator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cathy Lucas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cathy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
A great teacher once told me, “trust where the universe will take you.” That advice has grounded me in ways I didn’t even realize at first. Looking back, I see that I’ve always trusted where my path was taking me, even when I didn’t have a map or a guidebook. I never thought I would spend 20 years in higher education, and I certainly didn’t imagine I’’d go on to build a successful business of my own. But here I am, almost five years into my consulting practice, proof that risk and trust often go hand in hand.
For me, risk is tied to fear—the fear of the unknown, of making mistakes, of failing. But I’ve learned that if we don’t lean into that fear, we miss the chance to grow. When doubt creeps in, I pause long enough to listen, ask where it’s coming from, and then use it as information rather than a roadblock. Taking risks has given me a more balanced and fulfilling life. It’s helped me experiment with ideas, face challenges directly, and discover new opportunities, whether as a full-time leader in higher ed or now as a consultant.
Risk also shows up in my personal life, when I’m hiking a new trail, paddleboarding on unfamiliar waters, or simply trying something new. I’ve come to see risk not as something to avoid, but as an essential ingredient for growth. After all, isn’t variety the spice of life?

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder and chief storyteller at Lucas Narratives, a strategic communications and brand storytelling firm that helps organizations find their voice, tell their story, and connect with the audiences who matter most. I bring nearly 30 years of experience leading communications, marketing, and strategy in higher education, government, and nonprofits, work that’s taken me from elevating a regional college to a nationally recognized university, to guiding mission-driven organizations through brand transformations.
What sets me apart is my ability to see the big picture and connect the dots, whether that’s aligning messaging with a strategic plan, positioning executives as thought leaders, navigating reputational issues, engaging stakeholders in meaningful ways, or creating campaigns that inspire action. My consulting model is intentionally lean: I keep overhead low and bring in subcontractors who are experts in their fields. Clients don’t pay for layers of process, they get direct access to seasoned professionals who deliver smart, tailored solutions.
After years of leading transformational branding and strategic communications work in higher education, people began asking if I could bring that same approach to their organizations. Around the same time, life reminded me how precious time is—COVID, the loss of a parent, my oldest leaving for college, and my youngest just finishing his freshman year of high school. I had always dreamed of starting my own consulting practice, and those moments gave me the clarity to say, “Why not now?”
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success comes from clarity, consistency, and community. I’m most proud of helping clients tell stories that not only elevate their brand, but also strengthen trust, inspire support, and move their mission forward. At the end of the day, Lucas Narratives is about helping people and organizations lead with authenticity and purpose, whether in moments of opportunity or in times of challenge.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a best friend was visiting, I’d want them to experience the parts of Colorado that feel most authentic to me. It’s have to be off the beaten path, a little unexpected, and full of stories that show the resiliency of the “Queen City of the Plains.”
We’d anchor the week with plenty of hiking on some of Colorado’s beautiful but less-traveled trails, where you can really soak in the scenery without the crowds. I’d also sprinkle in stops at places that showcase Denver’s rich history—those tucked-away spots that remind you how the city has grown and endured.
Food would absolutely be part of the adventure. We’d stick to locally owned favorites: a smothered burrito with green chile (preferably vegetarian), maybe Nuggs Ice Cream for a sweet treat, coffee at Honey Hill or Savageau Coffee, and a handful of other neighborhood spots that make Denver’s food scene so special.
To make it unforgettable, we’d include something iconic that I haven’t yet checked off my own list. On a recent family trip, we rented a Jeep near Marble, Colorado, to finally see the Crystal Mill up close, and let me say it’s every bit as breathtaking as the iconic photos everyone talks about. Yoga on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is still on my bucket list, and it would make the week complete.
Depending on the timing, I’d also add a play at Su Teatro, a cultural gem in Denver’s performing arts scene, where you always learn some amazing cultural history (good and bad), and perhaps cap off the weekend with a City Park Jazz concert on a Sunday evening. Both bring people together in ways that feel uniquely Denver.
And because I try to do one every year, we’d have to add a haunted history tour, whether it’s Morrison, Golden, downtown Denver, or Central City. They’re always fascinating, equal parts spooky and educational, and they uncover pieces of Colorado history you don’t hear anywhere else.
The week would be all about local flavor, outdoor adventure, a dash of mystery, and a sense of discovery, the perfect way to experience Colorado from someone who truly loves calling it home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve always believed in the power of community, whether its helping others, and deeply appreciating those who have helped me. I’m blessed with an incredible circle, starting with my husband, my two boys, a close group of friends, and a long list of mentors who’ve guided me at different points in my life.
I keep an amazing group on my speed dial for whenever I run into a wicked problem. They’re the people I can call for insight and advice, whether it’s personal, professional, or somewhere in between—and they’re always ready to pick up and help. Over the years, I’ve had both men and women mentor me, each leaving a lasting impact.
Since becoming a consultant, I’ve also built what I call my “board of directors,” where I have a monthly meeting of the minds made up of professionals, consultants, corporate leaders, and a couple of wise retirees. Their perspectives and candor have guided me, challenged my thinking, and helped me stay grounded. I wouldn’t be where I am today without this remarkable community.

Website: https://www.lucasnarratives.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-lucas/

Image Credits
Mark Wolcott (on my headshot), the rest are from my iphone.