Founder & Partner @ Kanvas | Foster Innovation, Develop Business Strategy, Drive Growth

Katie Nowak

It’s been 3 years without my dad.
Here’s what I'm reflecting on today -

My dad taught me to build a career that I loved.

He did that by taking me to his medical presentations and dinners around the world when I was young.

I remember I joined him at a private investigator meeting in Munich, Germany, and his colleagues were torn over whether or not Dr. Nowak’s 12-year-old daughter needed to sign an NDA to attend. 😂 

In that same meeting, he introduced himself as being from “Day-toi,” instead of Detroit, as everyone else was from various European cities. Lots of laughter ensued, and the whole room suddenly felt warmer, kinder. It was his magic.

Every time I travel internationally for work or step on stage (virtually or in-person), I think of my dad. 

Every time I make a pun or a joke in a meeting (approx 23408 times a day) and see my team light up, I think of my dad.

I wish I could share with him how watching his love of his work, and thus his love of people, all over the world fundamentally shaped who I am today….

…someone who loves what she does.

I often reflect on how I could someday pay this forward to my future family, someday.

How could I involve them in international travel? Have them attend my presentations or panels? Ask them to join me while I write invoices in my office? (That was hilarious - “what do you think, Kate, let’s add an hour, I read fast!!”) … and how might I make each shared moment more fun than the last?

Today, I’m reflecting that I hope to be even half of the role model that he was for me.

I hope this inspires a reflection for you, too - he would love that.

Miss you, dad.

—
I'm Katie Nowak, an investor, innovation leader, and new venture designer sharing examples & lessons weekly. Follow me + hit 🔔 to stay tuned.

Innovation Leader, New Venture Designer, Speaker @ Kanvas || Investor @ Altra Venture Partners

Goodwill South Florida

Chair of the Board Goodwill South Florida from 2020-2023, with $180M annual revenue and 3,000 employees providing a range of services including operating retail stores and apparel manufacturing. Currently member executive, audit, cybersecurity & technology, compensation and governance committees. Spearheaded the restructuring of the Board of Directors by establishing a new committee framework to support Goodwill's strategy, while providing stronger board oversight.

Member Board of Directors

Widener Global Leader Program Wichita State University 

Widener-GLP is designed to foster an inclusive community for women majoring in business, communication, or fine arts at Wichita State University. Through multidisciplinary learning experiences, networking opportunities, and mentorship from top-level professionals, the Widener-GLP will propel participants to more powerful arenas within businesses and organizations worldwide.

Industry Advisory Board

The Venture Mentoring Team

The Venture Mentoring Team (The VMT) is a nonprofit educational 501(c)(3) dedicated to fostering the startup community by training and certifying mentors and connecting them with the best and brightest entrepreneurs to help startups reach their full potential. The organization is composed of 200+ experienced entrepreneurs and executives who donate their time and talent.

VMT Certified Business Mentor, Membership Committee, and Co-Chair Engagement Committee

SLB Advisors

Advises a range of clients on strategy, finance, revenue enhancements and brand management. Provides guidance to investment firms on opportunities to invest in companies seeking organic growth or expansion through M&A.

President

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Vice President, International Market Service, 2011-2012
Vice President, Brand Finance and Administration, 2005-2010
Vice President, Customer Loyalty and eMarketing, 2001-2004
Vice President, Market Planning, 1999-2000
Vice President, Strategic Planning, 1997-1998
Director, Sales Planning and Administration, 1994-1996
Director, Assistant Controller, 1991-1993

•	Served as the senior financial officer for Royal Caribbean International with $5B revenue, the largest division of RCL. 
•	Directed operations for international business including strategy, finance, technology, and marketing, driving international business growth from 30% to 50% of total RCL business.  
•	Led the integration of the $1.3B acquisition of Celebrity Cruises into RCL, enabling Celebrity to operate more efficiently and become a profitable brand.
•	Directed accounting and financial reporting for RCL’s initial public stock and debt offerings, and led the company’s transition from a private to a public company. 
•	Sustained profitability during severe economic downturns by balancing brand management with short-term initiatives to generate cruise bookings. 
•	Led strategic and long-range planning, ship deployment, and itineraries. Actively involved in the development and design of new ships including onboard revenue offerings.

Vice President

Summit Communications/DKM Communications

Controller

Cox Enterprises/Cox Communications

Assistant Controller

Staff Accountant

An independent board member, qualified financial expert, and business strategist with the vision to deliver results and navigate recovery during challenging times. She is recognized for leading board governance and strategic planning, with service on executive, audit, finance, technology and compensation committees. Her public company perspective, M&A experience, international growth leadership, strong business and financial judgement, independent voice, and collaborative approach are hallmarks of her career.

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