According to you, what is the importance of innovation for a company to thrive in today’s competitive market?
I believe empathy and creativity are today’s biggest assets for a company to set itself apart and keep on growing.

When was the Cathy Spaas Academy established? What is the mission and vision of the company?
I founded my company in 2016 after suffering from burnout due to bullying at work. Never could I have imagined becoming a victim of bullying as an adult. I used to see myself as a fierce and ambitious woman. Hitting rock bottom can be such a gift, though.
I took the opportunity to re-educate myself and discover why I felt everything so deeply and couldn’t let go of the destructive thoughts that kept haunting my mind: ‘Why did this happen to me? I’m up to no good. I’m useless…’
Ever since, I’ve been helping highly sensitive people claim their shine. My mission is to show the world that being an HSP/empath is an absolute superpower. I love sharing proven strategies to cope with the challenges of overthinking. My ambition is to help you discover & grow your gifts and excel at your passion so you can claim your shine and thrive in the spotlight.

What were the initial challenges you navigated to become one of the Iconic Business Women?
The constant reinvention of yourself as a business mogul; to become and stay at the top of your game can put a lot of pressure on you. I had to learn the hard way how to follow the rhythm of my personality and give myself permission to do things my own way.
Becoming a mom of 2 was a very challenging period as well, and some things simply need time to unfold. My biggest tip when you are in a situation that feels tough is to surrender to it. Stop fighting. Embrace that this is hard and that you have to go through it. Keep in mind that this, too, shall pass. This isn’t eternal, so surrender to it and commit to enjoying the situation as much as you possibly can and accept what you can’t change about it, like the icon you are.

What are the unique services/solutions provided by the company? How are they different from your competitor’s offerings?
My way of working is very practical. In the past, I used to miss the tools to effectively change things in my life, so that is what I’m all about: teaching you how to train your brain to work for you instead of against you with practical and proven techniques.
‘Don’t take it personally. Just let it go.’ Have you heard this too many times? Thinking: I wish I knew how! I used to be you. I know your struggle. That’s why I only take on clients who are committed to going on a journey together for at least 13 weeks. There’s no quick fix. You’re not broken. That’s why you will learn to train your mind like you would train your muscles, and once a strong foundation is installed during our time together, you are ready to keep on building. You learn this for life.
There is the option to learn and grow in a like-minded community of empathic professionals who are growing their gifts and thriving together. I’m very open and vulnerable myself while working with clients. They really get a look into my life behind the scenes as well, which creates a deep connection between us, and makes it easier for you to implement what you’ve learned by experiencing it in real-life examples.

How do you incorporate innovation in your services/solutions?
I’m building an app to support my clients and community in their hectic lifestyle. You’ve got me in your pocket 24-7, almost holding your hand. Teachings are provided in the app with exercises, proven techniques, and homework to implement what you’ve learned wherever you are in the world.

As the founder/CEO, what are your primary roles and responsibilities? Also, please shed some light upon some of the notable achievements throughout your career.
My biggest priority is to serve my clients through coaching and supporting the community as a whole. Besides that, spreading awareness is really important to me because too many of us feel lost and lonely in our struggles while we have all the potential in the world to thrive.
I invest a lot in being a beacon of light by writing & speaking in public to share the superpowers that come with being an empath/HSP.
Some achievements have been; going global, working with celebrities, coaching hundreds of HSP/empaths, becoming a bestseller multiple times, being on TV and in renowned media for expert insights on empathic empowerment and spotlight stress. But the most grateful I am for the results of my clients. Seeing them grow, and even years later, receiving messages about how much this program helped them claim their shine, really fills my heart with pride and joy. That’s what we do it for!
A few weeks ago, I launched the free ebook ‘Top 10 mistakes that lead to Spotlight Stress’, where I brought everything I’ve learned from working with celebrities and professional performers together for you to discover how you can perform better and thrive in the spotlight.

Please brief us about the team of the Cathy Spaas Academy. How do you ensure to keep the team motivated and productive?
When people align with the mission of a company and with you as a person, they will go through walls for you. Leave them in their value and give them the freedom to carry the cause in the best way they see fit, and they’ll attribute in ways you can’t even imagine.

What are the upcoming services/solutions we can anticipate from the Cathy Spaas Academy in the near future?
The YouTube show Spotlight Stress will launch its 3rd season in 2024, where I interview professional performers about their struggles and how they thrive in the spotlight.
The self-help book Spotlight Stress – Claim your Shine will launch in 2024 as well.
The app with coaching program & community will launch in November 2023

Where do you see the company heading in the next five years?
I see the launch of multiple books, speaking at the biggest events in the entertainment industry, and starting a movement where empaths shine their light and own their powers. While still working with the coolest and most fun clients, of course.

Please share a piece of advice for the aspiring entrepreneurs dreaming to start something on their own.
Stop questioning yourself, and start asking:
If you don’t do it, who will?
You can’t compare yourself with others because others aren’t you. They can’t bring to the table what you can. Someone out there is looking for exactly what you have to offer, for your energy. Stop bringing yourself down, and think about the needs of your ideal client instead.
Getting out of your own head is the first step in moving forward, so train yourself not to tolerate any BS when it comes to accomplishing your dreams. You’ve got this.
Do you keep holding yourself back? Get the support that resonates with you so you can start moving forward. Feel like we could be a match? Let’s find out in a free inspiration session.