To Thine own self BE TRUE:
About
KATE JOHNSON
Kate Johnson is an Olympic medalist, Executive leader, Cancer survivor, and Influential women's sports advocate. Her story is one of relentless pursuit. With a wealth of experience, Kate's diverse leadership draws on lessons learned navigating adversity, building resilience, and galvanizing teams around a common vision.
In 2024, Kate was named a WISE 'Woman of the Year’ and she has twice earned the recognition as one of the "Most Powerful Women in Sports" by Adweek for her leadership in integrated brand marketing at Google, Visa, and IMG. In 2017 Kate was named a Sports Business Journal 40 Under 40, and Leader Under 40 honoree. Kate's advocacy and professional leadership have been featured in Forbes, the Athletic, Adweek, and ESPN.
Beyond her corporate success, Kate serves as an IOC Commission Member for Digital Engagement and Marketing Communications. She serves on Gatorade’s Women’s Advisory Board, and is a Trustee to the Women’s Sports Foundation, the Youth Sports Alliance, as well as the V-Foundation’s successful Wine Celebration fundraiser for cancer research. She is a powerful advocate for girls and women’s sports, and the elevation of women across industry.
From World-Class Athlete to
Executive Leader
A former professional rower, Johnson competed at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece where she and her teammates won a silver medal. She is a 2004 Olympic medalist, 2002 World Champion and former World Record holder. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Johnson is a three-time first team All-American, and was inducted into the University of Michigan Hall of Honor in 2016. In 2021, Kate was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, and is in active remission.
An inspired public speaker, Kate speaks enthusiastically about vision setting, backed by goals, backed by daily actions towards improvement. She speaks passionately about what we can become when we embrace some of life’s toughest challenges and transitions as catalysts for growth and reinvention. She reminds audiences that resilience is a muscle (in all of us) which grows in the face of discomfort, uncertainty and adversity. Diving into lessons learned as an elite athlete, successful executive, and cancer survivor she brings both vulnerability and levity to her presentations and discussions.
A mother to two active boys Alex (13) and Brennan (5), and wife to an avid outdoorsman and physician Jason, Kate and her family split their time between the San Francisco Bay Area and Park City, Utah.
Giving Back
Kate is actively involved in multiple non-profits and sits on the board of prestigious groups:
