From Solicitor to CEO: An Unexpected Path

Kate’s journey into risk and compliance wasn’t meticulously planned, but in hindsight, it all makes perfect sense. She started with the traditional route, working as a litigation solicitor for ten years before the entrepreneurial itch set in.

“I threw it all to one side to forge a path on my own,” she says. “Risk and compliance just seemed to happen. Looking back, I can see why it all makes sense, but it wasn’t the grand design.”

What started as an unplanned venture has now evolved into a thriving business with a growing team of 12 analysts and consultants. HiveRisk provides tailored risk and compliance support to law firms, from acting as an entire compliance team to stepping in for highly technical queries on crypto or offshore funds.

Scaling Up: The Challenges of Growth

As HiveRisk continues its rapid growth, scaling strategically is a top priority.

“We got to where we are based on what we knew and had,” Kate explains. “Now, we need a new strategy to take it to the next level.”

“If we continued growing in this way from one to ten million, we’d burn ourselves out.”

To tackle this, Kate is focusing on digitisation and automation—ensuring HiveRisk can scale sustainably without simply increasing man-hours.

Defining Moments & Big Wins

Every entrepreneur remembers the moment they landed their first big client. For Kate, this happened when a top 10 UK law firm reached out for help.

“That was real validation,” she recalls. “We were credible in the eyes of some of the biggest law firms.”

But equally meaningful was the very first instruction HiveRisk received—smaller in scale but monumental in proving the concept. “That first payment from a client—it made it all feel real.”

The Art of Letting Go: Hiring a Managing Director

One of the most pivotal decisions Kate made was hiring a Managing Director.

“I always said I’d never have payroll, never have staff—too much risk,” she laughs. “Then two weeks later, we had a full-time Ops Director. A few weeks after that, a full-time Technical Director.”

That Ops Director, Justine, has since grown into the role of MD, allowing Kate to step into a more strategic role as CEO.

“If I was still handling the day-to-day while trying to bring in new business, we’d have fallen flat on our faces. Now, I can focus on vision, strategy, and those high-level conversations.”

The transition wasn’t easy. Kate had to consciously step back and resist the urge to dive into daily operations. “I had to physically restrain myself,” she admits. “At first, the team probably wondered if I’d checked out—but really, I was just letting them take full ownership.”

What’s Next for HiveRisk?

The future looks bright for HiveRisk, with major growth on the horizon.

“We’re in exciting talks with strategic partners to launch a digital offering,” Kate shares. “That’s set to roll out this quarter. We’ve also got partnerships in the pipeline that will hit the legal press soon.”

Beyond immediate growth, Kate is always thinking about the bigger picture. “We’re constantly asking: where are we going? What’s the point of all this?”

The Power of Resilience

When asked about the skills she brings to the Ministry of Work community, Kate highlights resilience.

“When things go wrong, it’s just part of business. You learn, adapt, and move on,” she says. “It’s about being flexible and not letting setbacks define you.”

She’s also keen to connect with fellow founders to discuss growth strategies, exit planning, and PR—so if that’s your area of expertise, she’s always up for a coffee chat.

Balancing Business, Life & Self-Discovery

For years, building HiveRisk consumed Kate’s focus. Now, she’s carving out time to rediscover herself beyond the business.

“I have three kids, a dog, and a very good husband, but I’d lost track of what I enjoy outside of work,” she admits. “Recently, I started the 5 AM Club—20 minutes of movement, 20 minutes of mindfulness, and 20 minutes of learning. It’s a game-changer.”

This new routine, combined with a focus on health—she’s lost 16 pounds since Boxing Day—has given her renewed energy. “Success builds on success,” she says.

“You make one positive change, and suddenly, you feel capable of more”

The Best Advice She’s Ever Received

Kate’s favourite piece of advice? Create a “to-do” list, but also a “did-do” list.

“It’s easy to end the day feeling like you haven’t done enough,” she explains. “But if you look at everything you actually accomplished, you realise you’re making progress—even if it wasn’t what you planned.”

If you’d like to chat with Kate, you’ll likely find her near the coffee bar at Ministry of Work. Otherwise, she’s active on LinkedIn. Whether you’re looking for insights on scaling a business, hiring a leadership team, or simply managing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, she’s a fantastic person to connect with.