Clear brand strategy.
Breakthrough narratives.
Full-funnel creative.

Positioning, messaging and campaigns that compel and propel.

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Great work requires a specific type of leader.

One who understands brand deeply enough to protect it — and has the creative pedigree to push it somewhere worth going.

The best creative I’ve ever seen wasn’t a creative idea. It was a brand truth, told beautifully — by someone who understood both well enough to protect each one.

A unicorn? Not at all.

I’ve spent my career being exactly that person.

Narrative Alignment
Clarifying positioning, messaging architecture and the narrative that carries your brand across markets.

Brand & Campaign Architecture
Translating strategy into cohesive campaigns and brand systems that perform.

Creative Development
Achieving measurable performance with complete creative development.

Fractional Strategic Brand Leadership
Ongoing advisory for organizations without a senior brand or creative lead.

Strategic brand leadership meets insightful, inciteful creative.

Brand strategy and creative development across national B2B companies, nonprofits and consumer brands.

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When brand momentum stalls,
it usually looks like this:

Messaging has become fragmented across teams or channels
A strong product isn’t translating into market momentum
Marketing feels busy but not effective
The brand story has outgrown the positioning
New products or audiences require a clearer narrative
Creative looks great, but it’s not performing

Meet Kat, AKA Katalyst

I’m Kat Downend, strategic brand and creative leader. who works with organizations that need real brand leadership: strategic vision and creative moxie, from the same mind.

My work includes deep experience working with global blue-chip brands, including Pepsi, Home Depot, Clorox and SMART Technology—leading initiatives inside national ad agencies, partnering with executive teams and helping organizations navigate growth and transformation.

When I’m not building brands and campaigns, I’m usually chasing the next big idea or a tiny tornado named Jazz.

There's simply no better storyteller.

James Wall, Nonprofit Marketing Communications Leader
Katalyst has been instrumental in developing our new brand positioning. The work takes our brand to the next level.

Sherry Thermon, Account Manager
I can always expect great strategic thinking, new ideas and whole-hearted dedication to client expectations, even with a tight budget.

Debra Duprey, Senior Marketing Leader