About Us
Etiquette is a toolkit that everyone can use.
Whether you're stepping into your first job interview, leading a global team, navigating a business dinner, or welcoming international visitors, the way you interact with others matters. Etiquette and protocol aren't about rigid rules or memorizing which fork to use—they're practical skills you can choose to employ every day to build stronger relationships, enhance your credibility, and demonstrate your unique value.
These are learnable, practical skills that serve professionals at every level and across all industries:
C-Suite executives
Administrative support staff for organizational leaders
Development and fundraising professionals
Event planners
Sales professionals
Advisors
Students and interns
Job applicants
Human Resources professionals
Teachers and lecturers
And more!
Why these skills open doors
The workplace is evolving rapidly. Your technical expertise and education are essential foundations, but they're not the whole picture. You'll also be assessed on how you handle yourself in diverse situations, how you demonstrate respect for others, how you build trust with colleagues and clients, and how effectively you collaborate across cultures and contexts.
When you develop and practice etiquette skills, you gain tools that help you navigate uncertainty with confidence. These skills allow you to connect authentically with anyone, show consideration for different perspectives and customs, and create positive impressions that lead to opportunities. In competitive job and educational markets where many candidates share similar qualifications, these interpersonal skills become the differentiator that makes you memorable and trustworthy.
Protocol: Your guide for high-stakes situations
Protocol is distinct from everyday etiquette, though both work together in many situations. Protocol refers to the formal systems of conduct and procedure followed in official or diplomatic contexts. Elements of protocol—such as orders of precedence, proper seating arrangements, correct use of titles and honorifics, and formal introductions—provide structure for situations where cultural sensitivity and respect for rank or position are paramount.
Understanding protocol equips you and your organization to engage successfully in global contexts, whether you're hosting international visitors, planning a ceremony involving dignitaries, or representing your institution at formal events. These aren't antiquated rules—they're the shared language of respect that allows people from different cultures and hierarchies to work together effectively.
CATHERINE M. WILSON, CPL
Founder and trainer/consultant
Catherine M. Wilson brings deep expertise in protocol management, etiquette training, and intercultural communication to organizations and individuals worldwide. She has managed events and delegation itineraries across the United States, Central America, South America, and Europe, providing protocol consulting and etiquette instruction to professionals at all career stages.
Catherine's approach centers on making etiquette and protocol accessible and practical. She believes these skills should empower people to navigate diverse professional situations with confidence, not create anxiety about "getting it wrong." Her training helps clients understand not just what to do, but why these behaviors matter and how to adapt them thoughtfully to different contexts.
Catherine currently manages in-person events for the Association for Undergraduate Education at Research Universities (UERU) and previously served as Director of Protocol, Stewardship, and Partnerships at the University of Notre Dame. She has been featured on the Emily Post Institute's Awesome Etiquette podcast and serves as an advisory board member for Fūrinkazan Venture Company, LLC, supporting under-estimated founders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Education & Certifications:
M.A. in Nonprofit Administration, magna cum laude, University of Notre Dame
B.A. in Philosophy, University of Notre Dame
Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Florida Atlantic University
Sustainable Events Professional Certificate, Events Industry Council
Certified Protocol Leader (CPL), Global Center for Protocol Development
Licensed Intercultural Protocol & Etiquette Trainer, The Protocol School of Washington®
Certified in GlobeSmart Profile and Inclusive Behaviors Inventory, Aperian Global
Professional Leadership: Catherine serves as President of Protocol & Diplomacy International - Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA), having previously served as Vice President for Communications and in various committee leadership roles. She is a member of PDI-POA since 2016.
