Kate Horvath Is Shaping the Future of Work at PeopleSense

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

Hi friends. My name is Kate Horvath, and I am the Founder and CEO of PeopleSense, based in Summit, New Jersey. I believe leaders and businesses are most successful when they cultivate a thriving culture for their people. Some may know this as “good vibes.” We call it the emotional operating system of a company—the invisible force that shapes how people feel, behave, and perform together to drive stronger business outcomes. So, that’s why I created PeopleSense. To bring a relevant approach to the future of work, a mission that is deeply personal.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurship was not on my radar growing up—my dad was a corporate lawyer, my mom stayed home, and there was never any push to “start something.” Still, I’ve always had a start-and-lead mindset, whether it was founding clubs in high school, serving as President in college, or leading culture and innovation initiatives at Propeller. Those experiences, combined with seeing firsthand how strong leadership and intentional culture drive performance, naturally led me to start PeopleSense. Looking back, the path was not obvious, but it brought me here, and I could not be happier.

Are you a mamaprenista?

I am a Mamaprenista with two boys, Holden, 10, and Hayes, 7. Starting my business this year has been amazing, in part because they are old enough to understand and cheer me on for every win. The biggest lesson I have learned is to be kind to yourself. Some days will be 90% work and 10% family, other days 100% family to care for a sick child, and that is totally okay. Embracing the balancing act, being present, and celebrating wins makes both family life and building a business incredibly rewarding.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

When I first launched PeopleSense, my marketing strategy was part tried and true, and part winging it. I started with legacy clients who already knew my work, shared ideas and conversations on Instagram and LinkedIn, and leaned on my network and communities like Entreprenista and Re:Brand. Not everything went perfectly. Some posts took off, some fell flat, and there were rejections, follow-ups, and plenty of unanswered messages, but I quickly learned that showing up authentically and consistently matters more than perfection. That approach helped me build a foundation that continues to grow today.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

The accomplishment I am most proud of is just starting. Taking the leap to go out on my own was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating and writing that letter to officially launch my own venture was one of the wildest feelings I have ever had. Since then, I have loved working with incredible clients, exploring new partnerships, and figuring out how to collaborate, set expectations, and define my role along the way. Every challenge has reminded me why I took the leap and why this work is so rewarding.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

To be totally honest, I am still figuring that out. Maybe, the importance of taking days off to rejuvenate. The entrepreneurial journey is so new for me, and every day feels like a mix of learning, experimenting, and discovering what really works. There is no one clear answer yet, but that is part of what excites me. 

What did you go before starting your own business?

Before starting PeopleSense, I spent several years on the leadership team at Propeller, an Omnicom agency, where I helped guide a major acquisition, lead change management, scale innovation, and built the company’s brand identity and culture. Prior to Propeller, I was a Fashion and Luxury Digital Marketer at Hearst (ELLE, BAZAAR, Marie Claire, Town & Country) and Billboard/The Hollywood Reporter. Across these experiences, I have created teams, experiences, and strategies that empower people to perform at their highest, while having fun and growing the business together.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I started PeopleSense because I crave building new ideas from the ground up, especially when they are close to my passions and obsessions—in this case, elevating work experiences and creating stronger cultures. While work comes in all shapes and sizes, everyone has to work so I am excited to make it more relatable, relevant, and fun. On top of that, there is nothing more powerful than seeing a workplace transform, watching people have success, and driving meaningful change.

Do you have any recent wins?

One of the wins I am most excited about from our first year was launching the PeopleSense “Future of Work” survey. With 166 amazing participants, we turned real employee insights into a report full of actionable ways leaders can create better workplaces. Seeing people I have never met engage, share their perspectives, and know their voices mattered was incredibly energizing and validating. This win feels like a real step forward in helping organizations build workplaces where people can truly thrive. Drop me a message if you want a copy!

Who are your customers?

Our clients are growth-minded founders and executives who choose to shape the future instead of react to it. They want cultures that fuel innovation, retain top talent, and unlock peak performance. They are ready to start now because the companies that invest in change today are the ones that won’t be left behind.

What's your top productivity tip?

I start my day early, before the kids are up, carving out a little me time with a 7-mile run to clear my head, spark ideas, and map out the day ahead. This morning fitness and health time sets me up to show up energized, focused, and ready to tackle whatever comes my way.

What's your favorite business tool?

My favorite business tool right now is definitely Copilot. It truly helps with everything from brainstorming ideas and writing content, to developing and tweaking business plans. It is like having a partner who is always ready to jump in, think through challenges with me, and help me work faster without losing the personal touch.

What's your approach to work-life balance?

My approach to work-life balance is really about setting the right boundaries and being intentional with my time. I have never been an 8-8-8 rule person and probably never will be, but I do stick to a consistent routine that works for me. I wake up early, go for a run, and start the day feeling grounded and focused. Then I can be fully present in whatever part of the day I am in — whether that is work time, family time, or a moment to myself. I also introduced a 4-day work week to model the human-centered culture I believe in.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: just start. Climb “cringe mountain,” make mistakes, post the content, send the emails—even if it is messy or scary. Keep experimenting, learn as you go, and give yourself permission to grow. You never know where it might take you.

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