Steve Lear

On May 5th, Kathy Kolbe passed away, leaving us an incredible legacy to carry on. My heart is heavy, and yet it feels full at the same time. Heavy with the sadness of loss, yet full of gratitude for having had the opportunity, over the past 25 years, to meet, interact with, and learn from her.

Although I didn’t know Kathy well, her thoughts, teachings, and remarkable deeds profoundly shaped my life.

Kathy helped people identify their innate strengths and leverage them to unlock their full potential. She taught that “when you act according to your instinctive strengths, you are not only more productive—you are more fulfilled.” She defined success as the freedom to be yourself.

Thanks to Kathy, I was able to help hundreds of people become more productive and fulfilled in their work and personal lives. Through her wisdom, I built organizations grounded in Kolbe principles. I found financial independence. I drew closer to God and recognized the strength of a higher power more deeply. And I gained a better understanding of human relationships, viewing them with greater clarity and compassion.

My Kolbe A™ result is 3-6-9-1, and Kathy’s was 2-6-8-4. I felt she was a kindred spirit and realized that my gift to her would be spreading her wisdom. I found it energizing because of the similar ways we got things done. She modeled how to assemble a team with different instincts and get them to row in the same direction. And she did not do it alone. Her family worked alongside her, and I give credit to Strategic Coach and EOS Worldwide for collaborating with her company to advance the idea that cooperation could be more powerful than competition in moving our society forward.

Personal tributes commend Kathy’s ability to be both a mentor and friend, someone whose warmth and wisdom enabled her to connect deeply with others. It was always a joy to listen to her wonderful stories! And she was kind—so very kind—to her audiences. I am a better person for having known Kathy Kolbe.

For me, this is not a closing chapter, but a renewed commitment. I plan to double down on my mission to spread the value of conative action. I believe it is one of the few true ideals that can mend our broken world with its message of acceptance and empowerment.

To David, Amy Bruske, and the entire Kolbe family—may you find comfort in knowing that Kathy’s vision lives on through all of us who were touched by her life and work. We will use that vision to help repair the world!

To hear Kathy describe her innovative work, I invite you to watch the moving documentary, “The Last Part of the Mind.”

And if learning about her legacy inspires you, contact the following resources to discover how the Kolbe Index and conative action can transform your work, relationships, and purpose:

• SteveLear.org: Begin your self-discovery journey by joining our virtual workshops.
• The Instinctive Advantage: Connect with these Kolbe experts for personalized coaching and group experiences.
• The Noble Method: Explore how Kolbe-based training for youth can assist you as an educator or someone who works with students.

May our memory of Kathy Kolbe forever be a blessing. And may we honor her legacy by continuing the work she so passionately believed in.