For this episode, Anna Anisin invited Katherine Double – CEO and founder of Engage, a marketing and public-affairs firm that serves highly regulated sectors like law, finance, government, non-profits and higher education.
Double leads strategy that combines policy understanding, data and storytelling.
Miami roots and beginnings
Born in Miami Beach, Double is a second-generation resident. She has “watched the city grow and transform” and credits its dynamism for shaping her outlook and network.
Double started Engage just before the birth of her third child. At the time, Facebook marketing was still free to use, and organisations needed “comprehensive marketing” that connected channels to measurable outcomes.
Visibility through style
Work often places her in rooms dominated by men in dark suits. She chooses colour and distinctive pieces to remain visible: “When I show up as myself everybody in the room pays more attention.”. Her approach is to be remembered rather than to blend in.
A period inside another agency helped her test work-life balance. She realised she preferred running her own company. She returned to Engage full-time and committed to long-term learning around business operations.
Metrics and milestones
Goal orientation can obscure completed achievements. Coaches remind her, “You said you were going to do this and you did.” She now pauses to mark milestones, even a short break or personal reward, to acknowledge progress.
Katherine Double expects artificial intelligence to streamline production work, yet “there will be a higher value placed on really thoughtful relationship-based marketing.” Activities such as community meetings, journalist outreach and public affairs rely on individual trust that automated text cannot replicate.
Fashion as a tool of confidence
A structured blazer is her preferred confidence item. She pairs jackets with sneakers when client schedules or injury make heels impractical.
Double inherited vintage Chanel pumps from a former supervisor who could no longer wear heels. The supervisor said, “You’re kind of taking my shoes and go walk in my shoes next.” Soon after, Double assumed her role, making the gift symbolic of professional transition.
Conclusion
Double’s experience shows that intentional appearance, data discipline and relationship capital can coexist in regulated industries. Her practice illustrates that visible personal style does not conflict with measured business outcomes.
