Katie Frazier | COO at [solidcore]
A conversation with Katie Frazier, Chief Operating Officer at [solidcore], on redefining strength in and beyond the studio, navigating leadership without shrinking, and building communities where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to take up space.
Have there been moments when self-doubt made you question whether your voice belonged in the room? What has helped you find the courage to speak anyway?
I've noticed a pull toward silence in moments when I don't feel like the smartest person in the room, or when I doubt I have something worth adding. There's a voice that says, "not enough."
But I'm naturally outspoken, and I've learned that courage to speak up is rare. It is hard to say the thing that others do not want to say or to put yourself out there. I've had people tell me that watching me speak gave them the courage to share too, or that something I said made them feel empowered. That means a lot to me and reminds me to not keep quiet.
So even when I don't feel like the smartest person in the room, or like I've earned the right to speak, I remember that people are looking to me to lead. And that's what makes me courageous.
How has your understanding of who feels comfortable speaking up at work evolved?
I've done a lot of work in the DEIB space. As a white woman who has typically worked in women-dominated industries, I've often seen others in the room who look like me, which has made it easier for me to feel comfortable speaking up. Earlier in my career, I would sometimes speak on behalf of others who felt less comfortable doing so themselves. I've since shifted that approach: instead of speaking for them, I now make space for them to share their own perspective, and I reinforce their message afterward. Helping people who aren't always represented in the room find their voice leads to a more inclusive work environment, stronger collaboration, and better outcomes.
Who has created space for you to be heard, supported, or simply not carry everything alone, and what has that meant to you?
I have had coworkers who have made space for me to speak and be heard. Just having that space to share and check in helps carry the emotional labor. But the most important decision I've made outside of my career is who I chose to spend my life with. My husband has always been my biggest supporter. He lets me vent when I need to, and hypes me up on the days I need that too.
What has meaningful advocacy looked like in your professional relationships that has changed your experience of leadership?
Throughout my career, I've had people I could share my feelings with. Some validated what I was going through, others gave advice, and some told me I was overthinking things and needed to just move on. But I am currently lucky enough to have a peer who's different: an incredible thought partner who also represents me, who says my name in rooms I'm not in, and who advocates for me in a real way. It's not just that they make time for me or make me feel seen, it's that they're actually going to bat for me. This has led to increased support, better collaboration and understanding. Leadership can feel lonely at times and when you have these relationships things are easier and a lot more fun.
What has your own experience taught you about a leader's responsibility to create the safety and space for others?
As a leader, I've always felt a deep sense of responsibility. I know my team looks to me not just for guidance, but for creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up and know their voice will be heard. My personal story has shown me just how rare that kind of culture is, and that not every leader creates it. I'm the mother of two adult daughters from an interracial marriage and watching how the world sometimes treats them differently has only strengthened my resolve. It's a big part of why I make it a priority to speak up and ensure every voice has a space to be shared and heard.
“So even when I don’t feel like the smartest person in the room, or like I’ve earned the right to speak, I remember that people are looking to me to lead.”
About Katie
Katie Frazier is a retail operations executive with two decades of experience scaling consumer-facing businesses. Katie spent over 14 years at Ulta Beauty, helping grow the company to a national powerhouse of more than 1,300 stores. She later served as VP of Retail Store Development at Cresco Labs and now as Chief Operating Officer at [solidcore].
Katie serves on the national board of Step Up, an organization dedicated to mentoring girls and young women, and has previously served on the board of Mutual Ground.
Connect Further
Website: https://www.solidcore.co/ | LinkedIn: Katie Frazier