
Cathy Tompkins
Founder – COO
I guide organizations through periods of substantial change.
As a co-founder of Foreword Consulting, Cathy has stretched the boundaries of creativity, inclusiveness, and collaboration to build extraordinary organizations. With a tenure at Fortune 500 companies, she understands the dynamics at play when people from various performance backgrounds and personality types work together in cross-functional organizations.
Cathy has guided organizations through periods of substantial institutional and cultural change, and has helped coach, mentor and develop talent for some of the larger companies in the United States. She combines her corporate and consulting experience by identifying needs and opportunities to accelerate growth through individual coaching and programming.
Cathy also plays an active and often pivotal role in shaping the future of the IT profession, advancing women in leadership and technology, and educating leaders on diversity, equity and inclusion.
As a coach, Cathy prioritizes developing trusting relationships with her clients, such that shared goals and challenges alike can be approached with understanding and strategic savvy. She enjoys helping clients find creative solutions that position them for success.
“Take what makes you truly unique, redefine it as a genuine strength, and bridge the gap between what you know is true about your abilities and how others perceive you. This lets you step into your potential and break down barriers to success.”
Whether working with an executive one-on-one or engaging with a team, she focuses on bringing out the best in people, becoming a trusted advisor and confidante who is sought out long after completing her consulting and coaching engagements. Cathy holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from The University of Alabama.

The sessions are a space that is like no other. It is a space where I am free to brainstorm big ideas such as career opportunities, discussing the pros and cons, and know that the conversation is confidential and free from influence. For me, the act of verbalizing my ideas with an objective party allows me to “get it out there”.
Director, $800MM HR Technology Company