Kathy Hadizadeh is a transformational speaker, executive leadership advisor, and founder of Heart Mind Tuning Corp, dedicated to helping leaders navigate high-pressure environments with clarity, resilience, and purpose. As the creator of the trademarked Pause to Rise™ methodology, she integrates the science of personality with the neuroscience of transformation to help leaders break free from burnout, enhance decision-making, and embrace human-centered leadership.

A former global IT executive with 15+ years of experience in Fortune 100 and 500 companies like DIRECTV, Kathy understands firsthand the relentless demands of fast-paced, high-stakes careers. As an immigrant and woman of color who has thrived in male-dominated industries, she brings a unique and powerful perspective on leadership, transformation, and sustainable success.

Kathy’s work is rooted in the power of pause, a proven method that rewires the brain for deeper self-awareness, resilience, and impact. By blending cutting-edge research in personality science and neuroscience, she empowers leaders to shift from reactive decision-making to intentional, purpose-driven leadership.

Her insights have been featured on over 50 podcasts, where she explores the intersection of leadership, mindfulness, and the evolving AI-driven workplace. Her own journey—including global work experience, extensive travel, and overcoming a traumatic brain injury—infuses her talks with authenticity, inspiration, and actionable strategies that deeply resonate with audiences.

At the Unicorn Summit, Kathy will share her signature talk, The Productive Pause: A Transformative Tool for Thriving Leaders. In a world that celebrates speed and relentless achievement, she challenges leaders to embrace presence over pressure, and impact over intensity.

Kathy’s highly anticipated book, Pause to Rise™: Stop, Breathe, Thrive, will be released in Summer 2025, offering leaders a deeper dive into her science-backed approach to transformation and sustainable leadership.