Catherine trained as an occupational psychologist, and worked in production and personnel management with Smiths Industries. She has taught in several UK business schools, has 20 years commercial experience leading executive development and research assignments in major programme and projects environments (Aerospace, Power, Pharmaceuticals, Telecommunications) and is a founder of a successful third sector business.

For a number of years she has led business growth in Cranfield's prestigious General Management programmes,and has for 10 years directed and grown Cranfield’s Advanced Development Programme for high potential senior managers. She is now Co - Director of the flagship Cranfield Business Leaders Programme. She also leads the GMP faculty programme of radical and distinctive practical business leadership research. Her interests focus on business leadership effectiveness in complex business environments; top team relationships and effectiveness; leveraging knowledge for organisational effectiveness; developing strategic thinking. She is author of a book and of numerous articles and reports on managerial and leadership performance, measurement and development.

With a keen interest in the increasing need for enhanced strategic thinking in leaders at all levels in today’s business environment , Catherine works as a consultant internationally to a wide range of organisations (from financial, technological, health, transport and professional service sectors) designing and delivering executive leadership development. She also acts as an executive coach for business leaders and strategy making teams.