Who We Are
We are a team of experienced talent development professionals who know the power of bringing women together with their peers to reflect on possibilities, create a vision for what is next, and generate new paths and opportunities.
We understand the challenges and opportunities that women face in their lives and careers. We have the coaching expertise to guide women in tapping into their authentic best selves for renewed energy, focus and momentum.
Our Team
Cathy Leonard, Co-Leader & Founder
I enjoy helping people discover what motivates them, build their confidence, and embrace new possibilities. I bring energy and enthusiasm to leadership and professional development programs, with a focus on creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences.
I spent the first chapters of my career with global professional services firms, including PwC and Deloitte. Over more than 30 years, I developed deep expertise in designing, developing, and delivering large-scale learning programs for both global and U.S. audiences.
My experience includes leadership development, coaching, performance management, and diversity and inclusion. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with people at all stages of their professional journeys and helping them navigate change, growth, and new opportunities.
I’m based in the New York/Philadelphia area and am lucky enough to also have a home at the Jersey Shore.
I look forward to being part of your next chapter.
Carly Goldsmith is a co-founding member of Velocity Quest for Women and helped shape its mission, programs, and community from its earliest days.
A coach and facilitator, Carly is passionate about creating spaces where women can reflect, connect, grow, and lead with greater clarity and intention.
Carly has stepped back from the day-to-day work of Velocity Quest to focus on launching The 20% Sabbatical™, a new approach and service offering designed to help leaders flourish, prevent burnout, and navigate meaningful transitions.
She remains closely connected to co-founders Cathy Leonard and Kris Normandin and continues to support Velocity Quest and its mission from behind the scenes.
Carly Goldsmith, PCC
I enjoy working with people to help them re-discover and confirm their personal values and strengths.
My talent management experience includes work in a range of industries such as medical devices, professional services, banking and higher education. I have led efforts in leadership development, 360 feedback, coaching, diversity, equity and inclusion, organization design, and change management. I enjoy collaborating with stakeholders to create integrated, innovative, and strategic solutions.
I am proud of my work in coaching women to navigate organizations and enhance their careers and lives. At Simmons University, I designed women's leadership programs for corporate executives and coached the participants. At Covidien/Medtronic, I developed a sponsorship program uniquely designed to advance women. and created a community to connect disparate women's resource groups across the globe.
These experiences have fueled my passion to collaborate with amazing women. I look forward to working with you.
Kris Normandin, Co-Leader & Founder
Our Story
Different paths. Different stages. Unlimited inspiration.
A shared love of helping others drew us together. Twenty-five years ago, we met as members of the Talent Management team at Deloitte. Over time, we each took different paths, but our connection endured. And in the years that followed, that connection served as a source of inspiration and support as we faced our own individual challenges.
The uncertainty and stress of the pandemic brought us back together. In 2021, we facilitated a program with a diverse group of women to share their challenges, dreams, insights and actions. It was women of all ages, career & life stages, and varying engagement with family commitments —each at a different inflection point in her life. Week after week we came away awed and energized by the insight, encouragement and accountability the participants gained from each other.
We recognized that, like our own relationship, our participants’ differences were actually a source of strength. The honesty, commonality and sense of openness provided a safe place to explore new possibilities, reflect and clarify an individual vision, or propel oneself on a journey toward true meaning and fulfillment.
These key ingredients, and the boundless energy from this incredible group of women, inspired us to create Velocity Quest!