Work Made Human Podcast: Katherine Barrios, Autility
On this episode of Work Made Human, Nichole and Jill sit down with Katherine Barrios, Fractional CMO and CRO of Autility and co-founder of a stealth startup, for a conversation about leadership, storytelling, and what it really takes to build companies that grow without losing their humanity.
Scaling a company isn’t just about strategy or metrics. It’s about people: how they show up, how they grow, and the cultures leaders choose to create along the way.
Katherine reflects on her journey to carving out a unique path in the tech startup and marketing space. Along the way, she’s learned that the strongest teams aren’t built through pressure, but through trust, authenticity, and a willingness to embrace discomfort as part of progress.
Together, they explore how storytelling shapes company growth, why mentorship and advocacy matter more than ever, and how today’s workplaces are evolving beyond hustle culture toward something more sustainable and human.
show notes:
00:00 - Simplifying Growth for VC Companies
05:42 - Adaptability Across Work & Life
09:36 - Adaptive Frameworks for Founder Success
12:23 - Customer Perspective and Team Growth
15:43 - Prioritizing Recovery and Flexibility
20:09 - Leadership Strategies for Growth
21:39 -Dreams of Advocacy and Growth
24:50 - Empowering Creative Possibilities