I’ve been surrounded by storytellers my entire life. I cherish my earliest memories of my darling late Latvian Grandmother, Erika, sharing fairytales from her childhood and homeland.

My family has the gift of the gab, and with my Irish, Scottish, Latvian heritage, you could say the power of storytelling is in my blood.

From the age of 15, I knew I wanted to be a journalist and actually realised my dream.  With hard work and determination I became a reporter with the Seven Network Australia. It was around this time that the nickname, “Skubes”, stuck and now I rarely get called Kim unless I’m in trouble with Mum!

For more than 25 years, journalism led me around the world chasing yarns and adventures from war zones to cyclones, sharing stories that revealed the best and worst of humanity. Closer to home, I reported on some of Australia’s most emotive and divisive stories, and loved (nearly) every minute of it.

In 2015, I had a sliding doors moment whilst overseas. I realised my “why” was at home in Brisbane – my family – and I longed to spend more time with my boys (ask me how that went during Covid lockdown!!).

It was a scary time opening myself up to the next chapter, and the successful business I run today has grown from my passion to help people to become the most powerful communicators they can be.

Now, I regularly ask client friends, “You may be a confident presenter, but are you a powerful communicator?” They soon learn what I mean, as I support them to overcome their fears. They then go on to realise personal and professional goals, mastering many aspects of communication.

Just like journalism, I enjoy the variety of the work I dive into these days, be it as a keynote speaker, communications trainer, public speaking coach, crisis communications advisor or M.C.

I’m ever grateful to have worked alongside some of the best in the business, to deliver group workshops and one-on-one sessions channelling what one client describes as my, “hard arse with heart”.

I believe everyone has a story to share, and I hope one day I might hear yours. Wishing you happiness and success in your next chapter.

Kim xo