Katherine Grace
Director, Senior Business Coach
Hey, I’m Kath!
I’ve spent 24 years in the construction and trades industry, helping businesses navigate the ups and downs—chasing payments, dealing with cash flow stress, and figuring out how to grow without burning out. For the past 18 years, HIA has been a big part of that—running trade nights, forums, and online coaching groups, plus writing training courses (most recently Kitchen, Bathroom & Design). Judging the 2024 National Professional Medium Builder Award was a tough but rewarding gig!
Supporting tradies and family businesses has been a passion since I was 19. I’ve seen firsthand how pricing mistakes, admin overload, and unpredictable cash flow keep so many hardworking tradies stuck—working huge hours but never feeling ahead. Through Elemental Solutions, coaching is part of what we do, but just as much focus goes into practical, low-cost ways to help those who can’t afford extra staff or a business coach. Because let’s be real—not everyone has time (or money) for that when they’re drowning in payroll, BAS deadlines, and overdue invoices.
Along the way, I’ve worked with SPASA, APPA, FCA, Jim’s Group, and AIPP as a trainer and presenter, plus picked up a few coaching awards, including Asia-Pacific and Global Coaching Awards for Best Client Results and Runner-up Franchise Woman of the Year.
Also a big advocate for childhood cancer awareness, raising $350K for my own child’s treatment (who’s doing awesome now!).
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POINTS OF INTEREST
- 17 years’ HIA & SPASA trainer & presenter
- Former owner of health business with 29 staff
- Construction industry expert
- Australia & Asia-Pacific award winner
- Author for ‘Business Franchise’ & ‘Housing’ magazines
- Webinar presenter – up to 400 attendees
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Childhood Cancer Advocate and fundraiser
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
With a background in franchising, trades and home services, and as the owner of a business with 29 staff, Katherine quickly realised as a business coach that her approach was decidedly ‘non-corporate’ and has stuck to that lane ever since. She has extensive experience speaking and workshopping with groups in small business, with particular expertise in construction, trades, allied health and franchising.
Regarded as an extremely down to earth, “non-corporate” and examples-based speaker, Katherine regularly gives up her time to speak to small business owners. With 27 years’ experience in building & trades, she has been engaged by the HIA for over 17 of those as a trainer and presenter, and has spoken to over 10,000 small business owners to date.
Katherine writes for national magazines including 6 years for Business Franchise Magazine and presents training for some of Australia’s best known industry organisations in several sectors including health, construction, franchising and B2B. Katherine has co-authored 3 editions of the Business Franchise Guide Handbook. Along with her coaching practice, Katherine has also been co-owner of two allied health businesses with staff and health professionals.
In 2018 she took a career break to care for her 3 year old son with a rare and aggressive cancer called Neuroblastoma. This includes raising $350,000 for overseas treatment. Katherine is a passionate advocate for better access to childhood cancer treatment and has spoken on a panel recently for the Senate.