Katie Cate, 35, Director of HR, Regal
Katie Cate’s life is a movie. At least, that’s the way she likes to think of it sometimes.
As a 17-year veteran of Regal, Cate has dreams of teaching and connecting students with international cultures after having to adjust to a global mindset in her career. Cate enjoys bringing her fellow employees together in camaraderie at Regal and mentoring along the way.
When you reflect on your career so far, which achievement stands out most?
One of the highlights of my career was merging my love for filmmaking with my role at Regal by creating an annual employee filmmaking contest. This initiative ran for many years and received thousands of entries from employees across the country. It became a meaningful way to engage our staff, connect them with the film industry and build a sense of tradition within the company. Seeing employees express their creativity and passion while fostering a strong sense of community has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my time at Regal.
What is the greatest professional obstacle you’ve had to overcome and how did you overcome it?
The greatest professional obstacle I’ve had to overcome was transitioning from working with a U.S.-based team to a global one. This required adapting to different cultures, communication styles and expectations. I learned to be flexible, develop open lines of communication and understand the unique needs of each region. By fostering collaboration and embracing diverse perspectives, I was able to navigate these challenges and work effectively across international teams, helping drive global HR initiatives while respecting regional nuances. This experience significantly expanded my leadership skills and global outlook.
What will you focus on in 2025?
In 2025, I’ll be focused on completing my master’s degree and elevating my skills to meet the demands of a changing workforce. With the new generation of employees looking for different values in a company, I want to spend time understanding their expectations and how HR can best support them. By staying attuned to these evolving needs, I hope to help shape a workplace that aligns with what today’s workforce truly values, ensuring that companies can attract and retain top talent while fostering a positive and supportive culture.
What is your biggest professional dream?
My biggest professional dream is to teach workplace skills in an international program that merges the transformative power of travel with hands-on learning. I envision taking students beyond the classroom, immersing them in new cultures while equipping them with essential life and professional skills like problem resolution, project management, office etiquette, leadership and adaptability. I believe that traveling opens people up to fresh perspectives, helping them grow in ways they never imagined. My dream is to create a global program that prepares students for life by helping them become confident, capable professionals who thrive anywhere in the world.
What mistake did you learn the most from?
The mistake I learned the most from is saying yes to everything. Early in my career, I thought taking on every task would showcase my abilities, but I quickly realized that overextending myself led to diminished results. It’s important to communicate your bandwidth and be mindful of your limits. When you take on too much, the quality of your work suffers, and you can’t meet expectations effectively. I’ve learned that it’s OK to say no if it means maintaining high standards and delivering work that truly reflects your capabilities.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by the opportunity to make meaningful improvements and drive long-term success. I thrive in environments where I can help shape processes, solve complex problems and contribute to achieving significant, lasting outcomes. Seeing the positive impact of my work over time, especially when it aligns with organizational goals, is a major source of motivation for me.
What is the most overrated piece of business advice you’ve heard?
One piece of business advice I’ve found overrated is the idea that emotions should be completely separated from the workplace. I believe there’s a balance in showing vulnerability and being authentic with your team. It’s important to know how to read others and adapt to different situations without losing your true self. You don’t sacrifice authenticity when you tailor your reactions to meet people where they are. In fact, it often strengthens connections and fosters trust. Being emotionally aware and adaptable can be just as important as being strategic in a professional environment.
What trait do you most want in a co-worker?
The trait I most want in a co-worker is joy. Life is too short not to enjoy the time we spend working, and having a positive, joyful attitude can make all the difference in the workplace. It creates an environment where people feel motivated, connected and excited to collaborate.
What about Knoxville would you like to improve?
As Knoxville continues to expand, it’s clear that more people are discovering what an amazing town it is. I’d love to see this growth met with thoughtful development that allows both new residents and longtime locals to thrive. Ensuring we have the infrastructure, green spaces and community resources to support this influx will be key to maintaining Knoxville’s charm while embracing its future. It’s important to preserve what makes the city special while creating room for everyone to flourish.
What don’t people know about you?
I have a habit of slipping into my own mental movies at any given moment. Maybe it’s from working in the film industry, but I love imagining “what if” scenarios and acting them out in my head like a full story, complete with dialogue, twists and even plot resolution. It’s probably why “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is one of my favorite movies. It captures that perfect blend of daydreaming and adventure that I find so fun. It’s my way of tapping into creativity, exploring different possibilities and keeping my imagination alive, even if just for a brief moment.
- Family: Ryan Cate, husband; Miles and Alex, children
- Years worked at current company: 17
- Degrees and certifications: University of Tennessee Knoxville, Master of Science in Management and Human Resources (expected graduation: May 2025); Tusculum College, Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management; Pellissippi State, Associate of Applied Science in Video Production
- Community involvement: Big City Mountaineers, HR Committee board member; Amachi Knoxville former mentor
– Myron Thompson
This post was originally published on here
