This past June, our team at Ensemble was thrilled to welcome Catherine Williams to the
team as our Chief Operating Officer and co-leader of the G2 Leadership Institute. With
more than 30 years of experience across firm operations, practice management, and
executive coaching, Catherine brings a rare depth of expertise to our team. She's
already stepped into her role co-leading G2 alongside Philip, starting with the upcoming
Class of 2028, and is helping shape our research efforts with our True Ensemble Data
Insights 2026.
We wanted to give everyone a chance to get to know Catherine beyond the headlines,
so we sat down with her for a quick Q&A. From what drew her to Ensemble to some
lighter topics, here's a closer look at the person behind the title.
What inspired you to join The Ensemble Practice, and what excites you most
about your role?
A few factors were important to me as I considered my next venture: Being part of an
exceptional team focused on driving and scaling a business, having the opportunity to
deeply impact future industry leaders, U.S. and abroad, and achieving the ideal work/life
"wobble".
More specifically, the G2 Leadership Institute inspires me. In my work with founders and
the next gen globally, frequently cited challenges were oriented around two themes; 1)
does the current leadership team have what is needed to sustain and grow the business
and 2) if not, how quickly could we fill the skills gap? Our G2 program’s business
simulation structure and intense curriculum have helped hundreds of firms tackle these
critical challenges.
I am looking forward to continuing to make an impact in the industry with Ensemble!
impact with clients!
Can you share a recent moment when an ensemble—either a group or a
concept—made a lasting impact on you?
Anyone who knows me knows that I love live music. I recently had the opportunity to
see the artist, Chris Stapleton. We were at an incredible venue that really showcased
the entire team and their approach to delivering an amazing show. With the stage for
this outdoor amphitheater perched above the Columbia River gorge, it was a unique
opportunity to see not only the band but also the entire crew seamlessly deliver an
exceptional and consistent experience.
What’s a piece of career advice you’ve received that has stuck with you?
"Hire for character, train for competence." Skills are important. But integrity and how
someone shows up (myself included!) will make the most impact over time.
What’s a little-known or unexpected skill, hobby, or life experience that makes
you uniquely you?
When you attend nearly a dozen schools before graduating high school, you develop a
few skills along the way. I learned to adapt quickly, that humor is a powerful tool, and it
is important to stand by my values. I also learned to be brave and to remember that
those around me, maybe, are just as unsure as I am.
What’s your secret weapon for staying focused or getting things done, especially
on your busiest days?
My secret weapon for getting things done is to build in time to stand still. Creating time
to purposefully sit quietly enhances my ability to problem solve. As someone who more
naturally "builds the plane while in flight" this has been an invaluable skill to develop.
What was your dream job as a kid?
I was 100% certain I would be the next Christiane Amanpour. A fearless journalist,
traveler, and deeply engaged with our global community. Imagine getting paid to do that!
What are five things that make you happy?
Heavy use of my passport, subjecting friends to testing my cooking efforts, growing
veggies for said cooking, reading a murder mystery on the beach, and, most of all, time
with loved ones.