Nice to meet you,
I’m Kate Smiley (Rodgers).
I’m Kate Smiley (Rodgers)—a brand marketing consultant, personal brand advisor, and speaker on a mission to make brands and leaders impossible to ignore.
For over a decade, I’ve been in the trenches of brand building—leading bold campaigns, reimagining employer brands, and driving growth for companies from scrappy startups to Fortune 500 powerhouses. At GE HealthCare, I helped lead one of the most historic spin-offs in healthcare, launching global campaigns like the New York Times takeover and Care That Can. Later, I brought to life the voices of 53,000 colleagues, connecting people’s stories to a $19.6B innovation mission. Before that, I rebuilt a SaaS company’s brand from the ground up and helped position them for a $191M acquisition.
Here’s what I know: brand isn’t fluff. It’s the fuel that drives trust, revenue, talent, and culture. It’s the thing people remember when everything else feels like noise. My approach blends data with gut instinct, strategy with creativity—because if your brand doesn’t move both hearts and business metrics, what’s the point?
Now, I partner with leaders, teams, and organizations to help them own their story, amplify their presence, and turn visibility into opportunity. Whether I’m consulting, advising, or speaking on stage, my goal is the same: to unlock the kind of clarity, influence, and energy that gets people leaning in.
Beyond the Boardroom?
You’ll find me laughing loud, sipping strong coffee, and front row at a live show (with my trusty Lumo Earplugs in - did I mention I built a product and growing DTC brand?). Because building a brand isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you live it. My creative energy also finds expression through teaching jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop dance classes throughout Wisconsin. As the eldest of five siblings, I treasure family time and embrace my role as a proud fur-mom to a playful golden retriever and a spirited tabby cat.
My Philosophy: The Art & Science of Breakthrough Marketing
After years of leading brand transformations across Fortune 500 companies and startups, I've developed a clear vision of what makes marketing truly exceptional. Here's my philosophy:
Start with Truth
Great marketing begins with authenticity. Every compelling campaign starts with:
A singular, powerful brand truth that resonates deeply
Genuine understanding of audience needs and challenges
Clear connection between business goals and human impact
Strategic thinking that transcends budget constraints
Create with Purpose
Creativity must serve strategy while moving hearts and minds:
Break category conventions with bold, distinctive approaches
Tell human stories that drive measurable business outcomes
Solve complex challenges with elegant creative solutions
Maintain excellence across every touchpoint
Measure What Matters
Impact isn't just about metrics—it's about meaningful change:
Focus on quantifiable business transformation
Track genuine audience engagement and connection
Demonstrate clear return on marketing investment
Build sustainable, long-term brand value
Push Boundaries
Excellence demands calculated risks and continuous innovation:
Challenge established thinking in fresh ways
Embrace emerging technologies thoughtfully
Take smart risks that advance your brand
Elevate industry standards through example
The Bottom Line
Great marketing tells a complete story—from challenge to impact. It balances data with emotion, strategy with creativity, and bold thinking with measurable results. Most importantly, it creates authentic human connections that drive real business growth. That's my standard for breakthrough marketing, and it's what I deliver for every brand I touch.
Speaking Engagements & Expertise
I'm available for speaking opportunities and love connecting with others about:
Building compelling B2B brands that stand out in crowded markets
Developing storytelling and social media strategies that forge genuine connections
Navigating the transition from STEM to business leadership
Empowering women in STEM to advance their careers and build financial success
Let's connect and explore how we can create impact together.
