About Our Host

Kathryn Lancioni is a communications strategist, leadership coach, educator, and award-winning public relations executive who has spent her career helping people find their voice, tell their stories, and lead through change.

As the host of Gut Punch, she explores the moments that challenge us most—the setbacks, failures, losses, and unexpected turns that ultimately shape who we become. A survivor of a life-threatening illness that left her in a medically induced coma, Kathryn knows firsthand that resilience is more than a buzzword—it's a skill forged through adversity. That experience transformed her perspective on leadership, communication, mental wellness, and personal growth, inspiring her mission to help others navigate life's most difficult moments with courage and purpose. Throughout her career, Kathryn has held leadership roles at global communications firms including Edelman, Ogilvy, and Weber Shandwick, and has advised organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging startups.

She is also a university professor, author, speaker, and founder of Presenting Perfection, where she coaches executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders to communicate with authenticity and impact. Kathryn holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a master's degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has been recognized as a PR News People of the Year honoree and a Stevie Award winner for her contributions to communications, leadership, and mentorship. Through candid conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, and everyday people, Gut Punch reveals a simple truth: setbacks don't define us—they refine us.