Kate Christie: From Aspiring Journalist to Australia's Leading Time Investment Expert

Connect with Carmen SederinoWebsite: illuminatedstory.comLinkedIn: Carmen SederinoYouTube: Illuminated StoryInstagram: @illuminatedstoryFree Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote MasterclassConnect with Kate ChristieWebsite: katechristie.com.auLinkedIn: Kate ChristieInstagram: @katechristielovesKate Christie: From Aspiring Journalist to Australia's Leading Time Investment ExpertEpisode DescriptionCarmen Sederino sits down with Kate Christie, bestselling author, international speaker, and Australia's leading time management expert. Kate traces her path from a childhood dream of working for the United Nations, through a 12-year law career she never loved, to the moment life as a corporate executive and mother of three became unsustainable. What followed was a total reinvention: a business helping people stop managing their time and start investing it. She's since spoken on stages around the world, including a 30-engagement tour of China at the invitation of the Australian Government. They also dig into the real mechanics of building a speaking business, from a first gig at a cricket club with seven people to negotiating international fees.Key MomentsWriting a letter to the United Nations at 14, encouraged by her dad who told her she could have anything if she was willing to work for itHer first corporate speaking moment in front of 800 angry dock workers as a 27-year-old lawyerLeaving corporate after being forced to choose between being a great mum or having a great careerHer first speaking gig at a cricket club for seven people, where she forgot to bring her bookBeing invited by the Australian Government to do 30 speaking engagements across China in nine working daysQuotes to Remember"We need to start thinking about our time the way we think about our money, as a very limited, very precious resource that has to be invested for the greatest return.""Everyone has fantastic stories to tell. The world needs more stories."Kate's JourneyGrew up with a father she describes as the first feminist she ever met. Wanted to be a journalist, was told at 16 to get the best degree she could first. Spent about 12 years practising law across firms and in-house. Had three babies in three and a half years while working as a senior executive, and the juggle became impossible. Left corporate, and discovered her real expertise was in how people invest their time. Wrote her first book, Me Time, at 40, which became a bestseller and opened the door to speaking.Speaking Career HighlightsFirst gig was a free talk at a cricket club for seven people. Built a full speaking ecosystem: books, keynotes, coaching, consulting, and social media, all feeding into each other. Has spoken across Australia, the US, Asia, and China. Completed a 30-engagement China tour over nine working days for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.Advice for SpeakersStart with free gigs to test your content, but know when to start charging. Build an ecosystem at different price points so every part of your business feeds the others. Your keynote needs to leave people with practical tools, not just inspiration that fades. Back yourself. What feels obvious to you can be transformative for someone else.Free ResourcesBeyond the Keynote MasterclassAbout the HostCarmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders and experts create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.