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

Hi Katie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Unlike most business owners that I know, never in my entire life did I dream of being an entrepreneur. I’m not sure why, but the allure of having something of my very own never really called my name. I had dreams of working for a big organization and climbing the ladder, just like my dad did. And that’s what I did. I started working in the healthcare system as a young adult, and 21 years later after experiencing different levels of leadership, I really thought I had arrived and that my career would usher me into retirement.

Little did I know that my well-laid plans were not what was destined for me. After experiencing some substantial hardships in my personal life, some self-induced and some out of my control, I realized that there was more for me than this.

I also realized that all the experiences that I had gained professionally were not coincidences. I had directed programs, organized events, facilitated countless workshops, coached leaders, handled grievances and accompanying litigation, wrote policies, made strategic plans — and walked alongside people in some of the most intimate, soul-wrenching moments of their lives.

As I pondered my experiences- the beauty, the growth, the failures and successes, I wondered and I prayed. “God, what am I supposed to be doing? I know this chapter needs to be over, but what is the culmination of all of these things I have walked through? What have you shaped me into?”

Ultimately after a lot of late night talks with my husband, brainstorming and prayer, I founded True North Consulting. My initial plan was to work solely in leadership development and team dynamics, doing workshops and coaching. I pursued a couple of certifications in order to do this and took the plunge.

After getting started, it was abundantly clear that this was only the beginning. People were craving connection. Connection beyond just “workplace stuff.” I was loving what I was doing. I also found that as I was working with leaders, conversation usually went deeper into identity, meaning and purpose. And surprisingly, it usually involved conversations about God, faith and spirituality.

My path crossed with someone (who has now become one of my closest friends) who facilitated a certification program for biblical counselors. I do not believe in coincidences- it was an answer.

So fast forward to today. I am now a Board Certified Biblical Counselor, Life Coach, Certified Strengths Coach, Leadership and Team Developer and a certified conflict mediator. I get to do all kinds of amazing work with amazing people, and although my “plan” years ago was drastically different than what my life looks like today, God’s plan was better.


Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am so blessed to live in the beautiful state of Wyoming. The small city I live in is nestled between the Big Horn Mountains and the Black Hills, so if you are one to enjoy the wonder of creation, your visit to our little piece of the world will be a treat.

If I were your designated tour guide for a week, I would definitely tell you to bring your camping and hiking gear, and we would spend some of our days enjoying the fresh Big Horn mountain air, breathtaking hikes, and good conversation over a crackling campfire – with s’mores, of course.

Then, we would take in the sights of the first National Monument, Devil’s tower, and if you haven’t been there, we would pay a visit to Mount Rushmore and maybe go explore one of the many caves in the area.

We would definitely have to visit the famous town of “Sturgis” where the crazy motorcycle rally happens every year, and we would have one of the top rated burgers in the country at Black Hills Burgers and Buns.

And then, I’d take you to my family’s hidden little cabin, where we could unwind and unplug,
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maybe do some fly fishing, swim in the pond and have a picnic lunch in the nearby Aspen grove.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Tara Reed reed@lovewlc.com

Tammy Stoops tammylstoops@gmail.com

Mike Muirhead Mike.Muirhead@gardencityks.us

Jared Golinvaux dbr@270@yahoo.com

Dustin Martinson Dustin.Martinson@syfr-him.com

Vanessa Gemar v.gemar@stjpiics.org

Website: https://yourtruenorth.life/

Instagram: @true_north_with_katie_g

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truenorthwithkatie

Image Credits
1000 Words Photography

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