About

As a leadership and change strategist with decades of experience, Catherine partners with forward-thinking, human-centred leaders who want to elevate their teams and create workplaces where people and performance thrive together. Known for her ability to guide teams through complex challenges with compassion and strategic focus, she empowers managers, directors, and business owners to reignite their mission and lead with purpose. 

Through her signature SPARK™ framework, she helps leaders move from uncertainty or overwhelm to being confident, focused, and committed to action — creating environments where work becomes a catalyst for growth, wellbeing, and lasting transformation.

Catherine’s philosophy is simple: when you put people at the heart of business, everything changes. Careers become more fulfilling, teams strengthen, and organizations flourish.

As the Founder & CEO of Ignite Leadership International®, a division of Catherine Rocheleau & Associates Inc., she has worked across a variety of sectors— from professional services, non-profits, and small business to healthcare, hospitality, food services and manufacturing.

Now based in Victoria, B.C., Catherine is rebuilding her business in a new city — one purposeful step at a time. Her social impact program, MoreThanGreen™, weaves giving back into every aspect of her business, reflecting her belief that leadership extends far beyond organizational walls.

Praised for her ability to “bring all the pieces together,” Catherine has been compared to a skilled band leader — someone who harmonizes people, process, and performance so organizations can hit all the right notes.

Where It All Began

Growing up in a military family meant change was the norm. As a naval officer, her father’s job necessitated frequent moves across the country and within the city. Each new city, school, and culture strengthened Catherine’s resilience and sparked a lifelong appreciation for diversity, connection, and the power of strong relationships. She quickly learned that while change could be challenging, it could also be exciting, energizing, and full of possibility.

Her time living in the United Kingdom deepened her respect for different perspectives and showed her how high standards and strong relationships can exist side by side. Returning to Canada introduced yet another wave of adjustment — one that shaped her belief that involvement creates connection, a principle that would guide her future as a leader, volunteer, mentor, and community champion.

Early roles as a consultant, interim manager, and project lead allowed Catherine to refine her signature approach: balancing people, process, and performance to drive transformation and deliver meaningful results. Her curiosity, commitment to continuous learning, and desire to create a positive impact became the cornerstone of her career.

Catherine earned a Bachelor of Science in Food & Nutrition at Mount St. Vincent University and completed her dietetic internship at Vancouver General Hospital to become a Registered Dietitian. She continued her education with a Master of Business Administration at City University, specializing in Managerial Leadership and Project Management. She has since acquired designations as an Organizational Change Professional, Certified Executive Coach, Certified Business Coach, Master Certified Coach Trainer, Certified DISC Practitioner and Virtual Master Presenter.

Life Tests Us in Unexpected Ways

Catherine’s path has included moments that demanded deep courage and reinvention. A decade ago, an assault forced her to take an extended medical sabbatical. With the help of family, friends, colleagues, and her coach, she rebuilt her strength — and her business — one determined step at a time. 

Just as she was returning to work during the global pandemic she faced another health-related pause. 

Each time, Catherine rose again, recommitting to her purpose: helping leaders dig deep to find their own resilience and lead with authenticity and intention – just as she had done for herself time and time again.

She often says her resilience is rooted in three pillars: a strong vision, clear communication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. 

One of her guiding principles comes from Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no try.” To Catherine, this means show up fully — with intention, integrity, and heart.

Accolades

As a 3-time international bestselling author, she has been featured in three anthology books – Smart Women Live Their Why, The Winning Way, and The Game Changers, and Catherine was awarded the prestigious Quilly Award by the Academy of Best-Selling Authors.

Throughout her career, Catherine has been honoured with awards recognizing leadership, innovation, and service. Sher received early leadership acknowledgements at Mount St. Vincent University for her roles on the Students’ Council. She was named Food Executive of the Year (Vancouver) and Western Canada’s regional winner for the same award by the Canadian Food Service Executives Association (CFSEA) for her industry contributions. The President’s Award was received for her commitment to the development of a national membership program by CFSEA (national). Each recognition reflects her drive to elevate people and results.

Media that has featured her includes Fox Business (Worldwide Business with Kathy Ireland), CTV, CityTV, Bloomberg Television, CFAX Radio, The Vancouver Sun, The Province, Business in Vancouver, and CUTV News Radio. Catherine is the proud aunt and great-aunt of a lively and inspiring group of nieces and nephews. She recharges by walking through forests or along the waterfront, reading, or enjoying a glass of red wine with friends. A committed cheerleader for the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Goldeneyes, B.C. Lions, and all Teams Canada, she proudly calls herself an Olympaholic.

Ignite Leadership operates with a virtual team. We engage other contractors for specific projects as needed to deliver the results we promise, and to ensure you receive a seamless and high quality experience.

Let us help you explore new opportunities or navigate the unique set of challenges you face in your business or non-profit.  

Certifications

As Seen or Heard On…

Best Selling Books