Katie Ford

Background

About Katie Ford

For years, I thought the next qualification would fix the way I felt inside. I was a veterinary surgeon with more letters after my name than in it - but still quietly convinced I’d been lucky. Like someone was going to tap me on the shoulder and realise I didn’t belong. I thought the answer was to work harder, achieve more, and keep quiet. Until it all caught up with me. Burnout from battling imposter thoughts wasn’t part of the plan. But it was the turning point. What followed was a journey of unlearning: a master’s in emotional wellbeing, training in coaching and psychology, and more importantly, a reconnection with myself. I began sharing my story - initially just on social media - and found that I wasn’t alone. Thousands of people resonated. What started as a personal experience turned into something much bigger. Fast forward to today, and I speak internationally on the imposter phenomenon, authenticity and compassion - helping people and teams rethink how they define success, and how they support themselves and each other along the way. I'm known for bringing together science and lived experience, evidence and empathy - creating talks that are emotionally resonant, thought-provoking, and practical. My work has reached tens of thousands of people across clinical, corporate and education settings. Alongside speaking, I co-founded Vet Empowered, where we’ve supported hundreds of veterinary professionals through coaching and personal development programmes, including within UK graduate schemes. I'm also a director at VetYou, supporting financial wellbeing across the profession. I was honoured to receive the RCVS Inspiration Award in 2023 and be named Bright Minds Wellness Champion in 2024 - not for being perfect, but for showing up honestly, and creating spaces where others feel safe to do the same. Whether I’m on stage, facilitating a workshop, or supporting fellow entrpreneurs behind the scenes, my focus is the same: to help people create meaningful impact without losing themselves in the process. If you're looking for a speaker who’s walked the walk - and knows how to bring clarity, connection and challenge to the conversation - I’d love to talk. katie@katiefordvet.com | |@katiefordvet