The Short Cut:

A quick-fire chat about working life with Cat Hoad

The Short Cut designed to bring you a snapshot of our members’ working lives. Today, we’re speaking to Cat Hoad, Business Mentor and the Chair and Founder of Absolute Project Management.

At the heart of the Nurture Network is the power of sharing experiences.

From breakthrough career moments to best-ever advice, how to deal with stress and the women that inspire them.

Tell us about your breakthrough career moment

My breakthrough moment was issuing my first invoice from my own business.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is, “Decide on your boundaries and stick to them.”

Have you ever felt held back as a women? How did you respond?

Yes I have, and I responded by challenging the behaviour – which is scary, but necessary.

How do you protect your mental health in moments of pressure?

By box breathing ( a deep breathing technique where you inhale, hold, exhale, and then hold your breath again).

The woman who empowers me the most is…

…There are too many to be specific!

I feel empowered when…

…I plan ahead and feel confident and can deliver what I’m saying effectively.

The woman who everyone should know about is…

…Maya Angelou.

The world will be a better place when…

…We measure value in impact on the planet and its inhabitants, as well as financial cost.

Do you have any hobbies to keep you busy in your spare time?

Yes, I have many; travel, gym, galleries, reading – and ranting with my friends and family!

Where is your favorite place in the world?

My favourite place in the world is Bab Ourika in Morocco.

As the Chair and Founder of Absolute Project Management, Cat Hoad brings extensive experience in scaling and advising SMEs, alongside a background as a City finance solicitor. Passionate about embedding ESG principles into corporate strategy, Cat is a recognized advocate for sustainability in interior design. Through her work with Interior Design Declares and as an industry speaker, she champions a future where renovation and design are both innovative and environmentally responsible.

Ready to inspire and be inspired?

Join the Nurture Network—a free community of women empowering women. Share your story, connect with like-minded leaders, and be part of the conversation that’s changing the game.

Your journey matters—tell us about it here.

The Short Cut: A quick fire chat about working life with Cat Hoad