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Leading Self-Employment
The Liberated Leader is committed to empowering bold individuals to embrace authentic leadership, break free from traditional models, and dare to do things differently. By focusing on cultivating Power Skills like resilience, adaptability, and communication, the platform equips forward-thinkers with the tools to build trust, drive engagement, and create aligned teams. At the heart of the Liberated Leader approach is the belief that curiosity, courage, and compassion are essential to navigating today’s fast-paced, project-driven, and AI-enhanced business world. Rooted in values of freedom, self-knowledge, and integrity, the Liberated Leader is for those ready to drive purposeful change and lead with both heart and mind.
Katie Schuelke, Founder and CEO of BANS Consulting is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and widely recognized as the Power Skills Expert. A best-selling author who has collaborated with Chris Voss on Empathy and Understanding in Business, Katie is known for her ability to inspire and motivate teams. Her intuitive leadership style, combined with her sense of humor, fosters a culture of trust and collaboration. Dedicated to overall well-being, Katie enjoys reading in the sun and believes in making adventure as you go. She loves mid- to late-60’s muscle cars, owning a ’65 Fastback Mustang, and is very curious by nature, often sharing seemingly random but wildly interesting tidbits of information. If Katie were a mixed drink, she’d be a unique blend of boldness, heart, loyalty, independence, and a tall shot of rebel!
When and why did you join NASE?
I joined NASE in 2024 for the support and tools offered to self-employed individuals, as well as opportunities to network with other entrepreneurs. Even though I started my consulting company in 2015, all contracts were with the government. Fast forward to this year, offering new products and services to the public, I found myself at a learning curve for various market approaches.
What inspired you to enter the field you are in?
After decades in the corporate world, I experienced significant burnout and health issues, largely due to what I call the Conformity Culture—an environment where challenging the norm is often discouraged. As the Project Economy and AI era rapidly reshape how we work, this culture is no longer sustainable. These shifts create demand for leaders who can break free from outdated thinking and embrace adaptability, creativity, and emotional intelligence. This realization inspired me to build the Liberated Leader platform, empowering project managers, team leaders, and innovators to thrive in a world where collaboration and authenticity are critical. Blending in and following the old rules stifles creativity and holds people back from their full potential. It’s detrimental to both individual well-being and team success. This shift is crucial for sustained success and growth.
When and why did you start your business?
I originally founded BANS Consulting with a mission to provide top-notch contractors and consultants for IT and Project Management. Wanting to offer services that will have a bigger impact to help more people, the Liberated Leader platform has been added, allowing for affordable, easily accessible digital programs and online resources that equip individuals with Power Skills. With emerging technologies reshaping the workplace, like the project economy and AI, it’s more important than ever to equip ourselves with the people skills that are resistant to automation.
How do you market your business?
I market my business through earned media, social media, referrals, and networking events.
What challenges have you faced in your business? How have you overcome them?
As a solopreneur it can get lonely at times. I have often missed having a core team and regularly sounding board with colleagues. Joining groups of like-minded people has been a great way to overcome this.
Wearing all the hats most of the time can be challenging. It’s easy to gravitate toward the activities that I’m more interested in. It takes diligence to stay focused on the work that is the best use of my time and hire freelancers as needed.
Marketing has been a big area to overcome. It’s not my wheelhouse but I’m learning and seeking help with resources, both expertise and funding.
While I love having a home office, it can be a challenge to maintain boundaries. Balancing work and personal requests can get tricky when others assume that being at home means I’m always available for their needs. I’ve had to set clear boundaries to ensure that just because I’m home doesn’t mean I’m on personal time.
Do you have any employees?
I currently do not have any employees. As needed, I work with a virtual assistant (VA) or freelancer for one off or special projects. My goal in the next year is to have a partner to oversee the consulting side of the business and a part time VA.
What’s your schedule like, what’s a typical day for you?
Each day is an ebb and flow depending on business needs! I always start the day with a gratitude and intention setting meditation. I periodically spend time reviewing business strategy and execution to ensure things are staying aligned and properly prioritized. I regularly spend time preparing new content for the monthly membership and interacting with my community. Daily activities include marketing efforts and ensuring I take care of myself holistically. When the weather is nice, I like to take a lunch break by the pool and play ball with the dogs.
What’s the best thing about being self-employed?
Freedom is my highest value and one of the best things about being self-employed. I live life on my terms! It’s not always easy to stay diligent in what it takes to be your own boss but it’s definitely worth it!
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received from a client?
The best compliment I’ve ever received from a client is, “Katie brings a lot of energy, passion, and dedication to her work. Really enjoyable person to be around. Definitely a positive booster to your work culture.
She is great to counsel with and talk strategy with. Her depth of knowledge on project management, organizational human dynamics, and level of emotional intelligence makes her an asset to organizations and teams.”
What’s the most important piece of advice you would give to someone starting their own business?
Get used to being uncomfortable. There will be plenty of things; that you don’t know, that feel out of reach, that are outside your comfort zone. Remember you have the POWER to contribute to the world in a positive way so don’t let fear or discomfort stop you. Remind yourself of the reasons you set out on this journey, when it comes from a place of personal values and passion, you’ll find your way.
Surround yourself with people that elevate you. This is your high vibe tribe, the people that believe in you and lift you up when things get tough.
Create a workspace that inspires you. When your physical space is set up with your style it will boost energy, innovation, and productivity.
Get an amazing tax accountant. Who else can keep track of all the regulation changes, help you stay out of trouble, and save money!
Remember there are excellent affordable resources everywhere, just like NASE.
Which NASE member benefit is most important to you?
I utilize the Business Learning Center, though there are so many valuable benefits that are important and useful and centrally located!
Any other information you would like
to share?
I am grateful for NASE’s resources and support, and I appreciate the opportunity to share a bit about my story, business, and services.