Breaking Barriers- Missy’s Leadership Journey with CatTongue Grips
Missy shares her journey from overcoming everyday frustrations to co-founding a game-changing business alongside her husband, Matt. Her leadership is defined by authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to breaking barriers. Missy continues to inspire by turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. She has not only shaped her own success but also paved the way for future women entrepreneurs to lead with purpose and authenticity.
Missy, Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to co-found CatTongue Grips with your husband, Matt?
I grew up in a family that instilled a strong work ethic and a drive for excellence. Before co-founding CatTongue Grips, I spent many years in sales and leadership roles, honing my skills in relationship-building and problem-solving.
The inspiration for CatTongue Grips came from an everyday frustration—Matt’s phone kept slipping out of his hands. That small problem sparked an idea to create non-slip, non-abrasive material, and before we knew it, we were building a brand that now serves industries from safety to aerospace.
What started as a small solution to a personal problem evolved into a mission-driven company, and the journey has been one of constant growth, learning, and impact.
What inspired you to create CatTongue Grips, and how did you approach entering industries traditionally dominated by men?
Initially, our focus was on consumer products, but as we developed our Gription Roll, we saw its potential to serve a broader purpose. Entering male-dominated spaces required a mix of perseverance, creativity, and the confidence to show up even when I felt out of place.
I focused on building relationships, proving the product’s value, and staying true to our mission. Each challenge became an opportunity to push boundaries and demonstrate the unique contributions we could make.
Being a woman meant I often had to work harder to prove myself, but it also fueled my determination to succeed and to pave the way for other women.
What were some of the initial challenges you faced as a woman entrepreneur in male-dominated industries, and how did you overcome them?
Early on, I often felt like my ideas were dismissed or not taken seriously. I learned not to internalize them and let my results speak for themselves. I also learned into mentorship and support from other women in business, which gave me tools to navigate those environments with resilience.
Over time, I gained confidence and learned to embrace my unique perspective. I realized that being underestimated wasn’t always a disadvantage—it allowed me to surprise people with my capabilities and deliver results that spoke louder than words.
How did you build confidence as a female leader, especially when navigating environments where women’s voices were often overlooked?
Confidence came from preparation and persistence. I focused on staying clear about my goals and what I brought to the table. Surrounding myself with mentors and allies who believed in me also helped.
Building confidence is a process, not a destination, and it’s something I continue to cultivate every day by stepping out of my comfort zone and challenging myself.
What role has personal development played in shaping your leadership style and helping you overcome self-doubt in your journey?
Personal development has been transformative in my journey. Releasing perfectionism and embracing imperfection allowed me to take bold actions and trust my intuition. It also deepened my empathy, which has been vital in connecting with my team and customers.
Leadership is as much about personal growth as it is about business strategy, and my ongoing commitment to self-improvement has shaped every aspect of my leadership style. I believe that the more we invest in understanding ourselves, the more effectively we can lead others.
Can you share a pivotal moment when you realized your business was having a broader impact, and how did that shape your leadership vision?
A turning point came when Paralympian Chris Waddell told me how our Gription Roll had transformed his daily life, becoming a game-changing tool for accessibility.
That conversation made me realize we weren’t just creating products; we were delivering life hacks for the adaptive community and beyond.
It reinforced our mission to improve the lives of millions by providing solutions that genuinely make a difference. That moment broadened my leadership vision, reminding me to always stay connected to the impact behind the innovation.
How have you embraced feminine leadership traits, like empathy and intuition, and how have these qualities shaped your business strategy?
Empathy and intuition have been central to my leadership. Empathy helps me connect with my team and customers, while intuition guides decisions when data alone isn’t enough.
These traits have allowed us to remain agile and customer-focused. They’ve shown me that leadership isn’t about fitting into traditional molds—it’s about bringing your authentic self.
How do you balance your role as a leader with mentoring other women entrepreneurs, and what does that look like in your daily routine?
Mentorship is a non-negotiable part of my mission. I love working with women entrepreneurs, whether through one-on-one sessions, group masterminds, or speaking engagements. Balancing this with my leadership role means setting clear priorities and ensuring I have time to recharge.
Helping other women succeed is incredibly rewarding and energizes me for my work at CatTongue Grips. Mentorship is less about giving answers and more about lighting a spark that spreads far beyond the person you’re helping.
Can you recall a time when you were underestimated due to your gender, and how did you handle that situation?
There have been times when I walked into meetings and felt dismissed before I even spoke. Instead of letting it deter me, I leaned into the moment to show others what I was capable of.
I delivered results, exceeded expectations, and used those moments as fuel to keep breaking barriers. Being underestimated is frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity to rise and show what you’re made of.
What is the most important advice you offer to women who are starting their own businesses or navigating male-dominated industries?
Stay true to your vision, trust your intuition, and don’t let fear hold you back. Surround yourself with mentors and a support system that lifts you up. Success is about building something that aligns with your values and makes an impact.
My advice to women starting their own businesses is to take bold action, embrace imperfection, and trust that every step—no matter how small—moves you closer to your goals.
What defines great leadership to you, especially as a woman in business, and how has your leadership style evolved over the years?
Great leadership is about inspiring others to be their best and creating space for them to thrive. It’s about empathy, clear vision, and the courage to take risks. My leadership style has evolved to prioritize authenticity and trust.
I’ve learned that leading isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about empowering others to find their own. Leadership is a journey, not a destination, and the best leaders are those who are willing to learn, adapt, and grow alongside their teams.
How do you empower your team at CatTongue Grips, and what role does mentorship play in that empowerment?
Empowerment starts with trust. I give my team autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their roles. Mentorship plays a big role in this—I’m always looking for ways to guide and support their growth.
I believe in leading by example and showing my team that failure is part of the process. When they see me embrace challenges, it encourages them to do the same. Empowerment isn’t just about delegation—it’s about creating a culture where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to contribute their best.
Your upcoming book, Women Gone Wild: The Leadership Edition, focuses on women breaking through glass ceilings. What can readers expect from the book, and how does it tie into your own leadership journey?
This book is a powerful collection of stories from women who are redefining leadership and breaking barriers. My contribution shares lessons from my own journey—overcoming perfectionism, embracing intuition, and navigating male-dominated spaces.
Readers can expect inspiration, practical advice, and a roadmap for leading with authenticity and purpose. It’s a book that celebrates the resilience, creativity, and strength of women leaders and offers actionable insights for anyone looking to make a difference.
What are you most excited about for the future of CatTongue Grips and for empowering more women in entrepreneurship?
I’m incredibly excited about CatTongue Grips’ new focus on Aging in Place—designing solutions that help people feel safer and more secure in their homes as they age. This next chapter is all about expanding into areas where our products can truly improve quality of life, while continuing to innovate across industries.
Beyond the business, I’m deeply passionate about empowering more women to lead with purpose, break barriers, and create meaningful impact. For me, the future is about legacy—developing opportunities for others, inspiring the next generation of leaders, and contributing to a more inclusive, innovative, and purpose-driven world.
