Kat Hemsing

Builder · Operator · Strategist

About Me

I'm Miami born and raised. I've built my career at the intersection of strategy, technology, and people. I do my best work when the problem doesn't have a playbook.

Background

Operator, strategist, Miamian.

I was a strategist and advisor before stepping into operating roles. I know what investors and boards are looking for. I also know what it takes to actually build the thing.

I've lived and worked in many cities around the world, but Miami is where I grew up and it's where I've chosen to return. It's beautiful and alive and imperfect. Still translating its entrepreneurial DNA into a sustainable economic identity. Still figuring out how to guide untapped talent to high-growth, resilient careers. Attracting outside capital isn't enough. We have to grow our own. That starts with investing in real pathways into skilled, credentialed work as the tools of the job keep changing. I'm invested in Miami's quest to become the next Great American City. Being here and building here is a deliberate choice.

Principles

Operating principles I believe in

Talk to customers, churners, and detractors. Internalize their hopes, dreams, and challenges. They won't always know what they need, but they know they want: a painkiller first, a vitamin second. Develop a hypothesis about that solution, then iterate relentlessly.

Hire deeply talented people who are inspired by your vision and motivated to be the best. Give them real ownership and then get out of their way.

People are incentivized to behave in the exact ways in which they are measured.

A lack of growth, innovation, or margin expansion might actually be rooted in ineffective organizational design. See the points above.

Know your moat. Most importantly, know that it's always eroding.

Everyone is in Sales. The human-ness of it can't be replaced by AI, so get great at selling: to customers, to teams, to leadership, to the board.

If you're working on something interesting, or want to compare notes on EdTech, AI, or building teams, read what I'm thinking about or I'd love to chat.