She’s a Woman on Fire! member and we want you to know her. Please say hello to…
Katherine (Kathi) Wright
Port Charlotte, Florida
Women on Fire Member: #00386
Member since: 2014
Please tell us about YOU, your family and your work.
From the time I was born, my life has been about change. My father was in the U.S. Air Force, so we moved frequently. It was a terrific way to grow up because we lived among and experienced many different cultures.
I am currently in marketing and communications for a very large company. My husband, Pete, and I live on the southwest coast of Florida with two nutty dogs. Pete is a writer and my best friend. We have a peaceful life that includes a nightly dog walk peppered with very diverse conversations ranging from astronomy to climate change to personality analysis.
What are you “on fire” about?
I am on fire about contributing what I know and what I do to a company that has core values that are complementary to my own. I have learned that my viewpoint is typically different from that of my corporate America colleagues, and that has been a struggle for me until recently.
The guidance I have gathered through Women on Fire has re-sparked my optimism that there is a place for me and what I can offer. I am being patient and present, building upon my skills and self-care so that when the Universe says, “Here it is,” I will recognize it and be ready mentally and physically to go for it with all of the gusto of a child.
How did you originally connect to Women on Fire?
I was introduced through Sophfronia Scott. I saw all that she posted about Women on Fire and became intrigued. I hold her in such high regard that I knew it must be an amazing organization if she was a part of it. I was right.
What one thing are you the most proud of?
I am proud of my open mind. It allows me to truly listen to others so I can better see the world through their eyes. It makes me dream so big that when people say I’m not being realistic, I can realize that their visions of reality do not have to be the same as mine. And it drives me to be infinitely curious, asking questions and looking deeper into things beyond the apparent.
As a child, what did you want to grow up to be?
An actress and an astronaut. I knew I could be both.
If you had the opportunity to teach a child one strategy that would help to guide her life, what would that be?
Think deeply about what you want, ask a bunch of questions of a lot of different people so you understand what the risk is, and then go for it.
Where do you find inspiration?
Nature. When I do my dog walks and go on runs, I can be frozen in place by a cardinal or the way the sun’s rays cut through at sunrise.
What is your favorite time-management strategy?
I keep two to-do lists, one for work and one for me, with the three most important things I need to do each day. It helps keep me from being distracted.
How do you pick yourself up after a bad day?
I take a walk around my garden. It’s amazing how soothing a conversation with a rosebush or a tomato plant can be!
Name another Woman on Fire who has inspired you and tell why.
Linda Neff inspires me. There is something about her energy that is both gentle and powerful. She may be the most courageous woman I have ever been around. She is fearless and generous and has helped me find that gutsy woman inside of myself.
Share a special Women on Fire moment or experience.
At the Chicago Women on Fire Retreat, there was one moment that I realized how very, very important it was that I be 100 percent present and truly listening to the women around me and the retreat speakers. Fortunately, that moment came during the VIP party on the first day. The retreat had, and continues to have, an impact on my life.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced? How did you overcome it?
I suffered four miscarriages and a divorce within a four-year period. I ran and ran and ran. The physical exhaustion forced me to let out the pain and emotions so I could grieve and heal. I remember times when I would crumple into sobs on the running path. When I was done with that mini-breakdown, I would get up and start running again. I completed four marathons, which helped soothe the hits on my self-esteem.
When you reflect on your life so far, what comes to your mind?
For a lot of my life, I was busy trying to get somewhere else, but recently I realized that I am exactly where I should be.
Who cheers you on?
My husband, Pete.
How do you cheer on others?
I encourage them to be authentic. I let them know that it’s OK to feel down during the lulls, but to celebrate during the peaks. Through both, the people who truly love them will be there.
QUICK-RESPONSE ANSWERS:
I’m picky when it comes to… who I spend my time with.
My favorite component of the Women on Fire membership is… how Debbie leads and provides a safe give-and-take environment.
Favorite go-to self-care strategy… I exercise almost every day and really enjoy that day of rest.
I dream of visiting… the Mount Everest base camp.
I can’t wait to return to… Paris.
I’m getting better at… realizing my self-worth.
I still need to work on… realizing my self-worth.
I have a soft spot for… my dogs.
I could spend hours… hiking or walking in nature — beach, mountain trail, anywhere outside.
I believe in… the power of good people.
I never forget to celebrate… the sunset.
My biggest pet peeve is… when people litter.
The best thing I ever did was… to forgive myself for not being able to have a child.
Kathi Wright is looking forward to seeing you at this year’s Women on Fire Retreat in Nashville, April 7–9. You can reach her to say hello at kathiwright4@gmail.com.
