From Basketball to Building Better Online Experiences: Kate Doerksen’s Journey as a Founder
At the helm of Sage Social, Kate Doerksen is on a mission to transform the digital world for the better. As the Founder and CEO of this forward-thinking company, she’s striving to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing kids and families today: the harmful effects of social media, online bullying, and digital addiction. But what sparked this drive to make a difference? For Kate, it all started with a personal connection.
The Inspiration Behind Sage Social
“Sage is inspired by a family member who is in the midst of a mental health crisis exacerbated by bullying and harmful social media,” Kate shared. “We also wanted to build better online experiences for our own kids. I’ve seen firsthand how much the digital world can affect mental well-being, and I wanted to be part of the solution.”
The desire to create a safer, more supportive online environment is what led Kate to start Sage. The company is rooted in the belief that social media should be a space that promotes mental health, not undermines it.
A Founder’s Journey: Key Lessons Learned
When it comes to lessons learned along the startup journey, Kate emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a strong support system. “Surround yourself with people who help you be your best self,” she advises. “It makes the journey joyful both in startups and life. I learned what deep support and love looked like from my amazing family and took this confidence and heart into future relationships with my husband, friendships, and teammates.”
It’s this sense of community that has been vital in her entrepreneurial journey, and Kate encourages other founders to prioritize relationships that nurture their personal and professional growth.
Building a Healthy Mindset
Reflecting on her past experiences, Kate reveals a pivotal realization she wishes she had known earlier. “My worth and capability are not determined by the current status of my company,” she admits. “With my last company, my emotions would rise and lower based on the day’s performance.” She’s learned to keep a healthier, more balanced perspective, especially through her involvement with the Leaders in Tech fellows. “This lived experience along with support from my peers helped me develop a much healthier outlook on entrepreneurship.”
The Highs and Lows of Founding a Startup
As a founder, the emotional rollercoaster is real. For Kate, one of the hardest parts of being a founder is finding balance. “There is always more work to be done, so it’s hard not to be thinking about the business 24/7,” she shares. “It’s a challenge to stay present with my family and friends and make space for hobbies and health.”
Yet, the rewards of building a business that solves real problems make it all worth it. “The most rewarding part of being a founder is turning an idea into a real product to solve a problem the world needs,” Kate says. “I also love the agency of being a founder—the ability to shape the company’s vision and culture.”
A Fun Fact: The D1 Basketball Player
For those who might not know, Kate isn’t just a tech innovator; she also has a competitive edge from her sports background. “I was a D1 women’s basketball player at Ball State and still hold the record for most shots attempted, but not the scoring record,” she laughs. “I’m a gunner, and my family loves to tease me about this!”
It’s clear that Kate’s determination and resilience, whether on the basketball court or in the startup world, have been key to her success.
Changing the World One Step at a Time
At the heart of Sage’s mission is the goal to fix the problems that plague social media today, such as online bullying and digital addiction. Kate is determined to create a happier, healthier digital landscape. “We are going to fix social media, online bullying, and digital addiction and help the world become a happier, healthier place,” she says with conviction.
The Call to Action
Kate’s passion for creating positive change is what drives her every day. “I feel called to start Sage and use my talents to solve one of the most pressing issues of our time,” she says. For Kate, this work isn’t just a job—it’s a mission.
For inspiration, she often draws strength from her family. “I am summoning all of my mom-energy that wants to protect my kids and create a better experience for them online,” she shares. “When I need inspiration, I spend time with them or talk to my mom friends who are struggling to navigate technology use for their kids, and it fills my tank.”
Join the Movement
Kate’s work with Sage is about more than just a company—it’s a movement to make the digital world a safer, more supportive space for everyone. If you’re a parent or educator, Kate encourages you to check out Sage’s free guidebook for elementary school parents at sageparents.org/guidebook. Additionally, the company’s Sage Sisters podcast offers valuable insights and inspiration for those who want to learn more about Sage’s mission and work.
As Kate continues to lead Sage Social into the future, there’s no doubt that her commitment to mental health, technology, and families will have a profound impact on the digital landscape.
