14 Questions with Catherine Nelson

FranklinCovey Australia and New Zealand General Manager Catherine Nelson on Her Daily Rituals, Globetrotting, and Riding in Helicopters

As the General Manager for FranklinCovey Australia and New Zealand, Catherine Nelson leads the Antipodean division of the world-renowned leadership and organizational development company. With an 18-year tenure at FranklinCovey, she has worn many hats and has served in her current role since 2019. We sat down with Catherine to learn more about her personal and professional life.

What’s One Thing Most People Don’t Know About You?

Most people don’t know how I came into my current role. Though I’m originally from Australia, I spent most of my adult life living and working in the United States. Shortly after arriving there, I worked for a not-for-profit organization with a great program but poor management. That experience made me realize there had to be a better way to run an organization. Around that time, I read Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It profoundly impacted me and changed the course of my life. I went on to graduate school in the U.S. to study business and organizational development and then sought a job at FranklinCovey.

What’s Been Your Best Ever Day at Work?

I’ve had some incredible experiences and wonderful days at work, particularly those involving global travel and teaching our programs. I’ve visited over 60 countries and trained business leaders on six continents. My best days typically involve working internationally and seeing the impact of our programs.

What’s Your Secret Skill?

My ability to see the big picture and articulate it to others in simple ways is probably my secret skill. I’m a natural teacher and love to see people grow.

FranklinCovey is Launching The 7 Habits 5.0. What’s Your Worst Habit?

Listening. Habit five is ‘Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood’. Realizing that listening to others first was the best way to have an impact changed my life, but it’s not intuitive for me. I’m constantly working to be a better listener. This not only makes you a nicer person but also a far more effective one.

You Can Choose to Have Any Superhero Power. What is it and Why?

Flying. I love traveling to new places, meeting new people, and experiencing new things.

What’s the First Thing You Do When You Wake Up?

One of the most important lessons from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is the power of a daily ritual of personal renewal. I guard the first hour of my morning, avoiding my phone and instead spending time reading, journaling, and exercising. This prepares me for the rest of the day.

And the Last Thing You Do at Night?

Similar to my mornings, I turn off my phone and electronics about an hour before bedtime. I often go to bed thinking about an issue I want to make progress on, writing myself a note or two before sleep. This helps me focus my reflection time in the morning.

How Would You Describe Your Job to Someone from Another Planet?

Although I’m the General Manager, I think of myself more as a coach. We hire incredible people at FranklinCovey, and my job is to work alongside them, ask great questions, help them find solutions, and then get out of their way.

What Would Your Eulogy Say About You?

That I really cared and was a lot of fun. I believe work should be engaging and fun, which is achieved by having a compelling vision and mission, caring about people, being real, and not taking yourself too seriously.

If You Were Given US$50,000 to Start a Business, What Would It Be?

Right now, our business model is B2B. My next vision would be to build something B2C. The potential for human development and improvement is huge, and people are burned out and seeking more meaningful and effective lives. I love that our product helps people achieve just that. Our vision in Australia and New Zealand is to dramatically increase the number of lives we impact.

What Would the Title of Your Autobiography Be?

Take 2. A lot of life is about do-overs, reinvention, trying things again to get them right, or going a new way entirely.

What’s the Last Thing You Did for the First Time?

I took a helicopter ride earlier this year. It was on my bucket list, and a friend visiting from the United States and I made it happen. I enjoyed it so much that I took a second ride.

What Do You Think About in the Car?

I work from home, so I’m usually on my way to the airport when I’m in the car. I often think about a current challenge and try to frame it differently.

What Do You Have to Do But Don’t Like?

I only dislike tasks that aren’t adding a lot of value and that I’ve allowed to take up my time. I’m working more and more to free up creative time and reduce administrative tasks in my day.

Catherine Nelson’s journey from a not-for-profit worker to a key leader at FranklinCovey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and continuous personal development. Her dedication to improving herself and others is inspiring, and her insights into leadership and organizational development are invaluable.