Fear-based leaders are forming networks—and they’re not hiding anymore. In this return episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte sits down with CEO coach and author Kate Lowry to unpack practical tools for navigating toxic leadership without losing yourself in the process.

Kate Lowry is a CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author based in Silicon Valley. She developed her expertise on fear-based leadership growing up in a hierarchical family, then refined her approach across startups, private equity, management consulting, and big tech—including roles at McKinsey, Meta, and Insight Partners. She is the founder of Scaleheart Co. and the author of Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders (October 2025). Kate first appeared on the Balancing Act in Episode 213.

In this conversation, Kate describes the cultural whiplash she’s witnessed over the past three years—a dramatic swing from emotionally intelligent, employee-centered leadership to an environment where fear, dominance, and cruelty are openly celebrated. She shares how she recognized that her coaching clients—accomplished leaders from top institutions—were paralyzed by this shift, and realized she had a survival toolkit they desperately needed.

Guest: Kate Lowry

Website: katelowry.com

Coaching: scaleheart.co

Book: Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry

Instagram: @kaitunbreakablelaury

Host: Andy Temte

Website: andrewtemte.com