Helping small teams feel confident using Excel

ckraus profile

I’m Catherine Kraus, founder of Excel Confidence, and I help small business teams build real confidence in Excel through practical, hands-on workshops.

I’ve been working with Excel on a daily basis since 2013, using it across project management, finance, and operations roles.

Today, I work as a Senior Project Manager, as well as a Finance and Operations Manager — where Excel plays a central role in managing data, reporting and decision-making.

I use Excel for everything from reporting and budgeting to data analysis, dashboards, process improvements, and fixing complex or poorly structured spreadsheets. My work ranges from advanced Excel solutions to more intermediate tools like Power Query and Power BI, depending on the task.

I understand the reality of working with Excel in a business environment — where spreadsheets need to be accurate, efficient, and easy to maintain.

Why I started Excel Confidence

Over the years, I kept seeing the same challenges again and again:

  • Spreadsheets without structure
  • Manual work that could be automated
  • Reports that take longer than they should

Most Excel problems aren’t formula problems — they’re structure problems.

I also realised that most people never receive proper, structured training in Excel. They learn as they go, which often leads to inefficient processes and unnecessary frustration.

I started Excel Confidence to help small teams simplify the way they work with Excel, reduce manual processes, and build confidence in what they’re doing.

My experience in training

I began delivering Excel training in 2015, working with colleagues and teams in real business environments.

Over time, this developed into more structured training within my organisation, where I have been regularly delivering workshops for the past four years.

I design and deliver my own training materials, based on real spreadsheets, real data, and real business scenarios — not generic examples.

All training is delivered in small groups (typically 5–6 participants), allowing for a hands-on, practical learning experience where everyone receives individual support.

How I work

My workshops are practical, hands-on, and designed for real-world use.

You won’t learn Excel in theory — you’ll learn how to use it in your day-to-day work.

Practical, real-world learning
  • Based on real spreadsheets and real business scenarios
  • Focused on how Excel is actually used in day-to-day work
  • Not generic or overly theoretical
  • Understand which formulas to use in different situations — not just memorise them
Supportive, patient teaching style
  • Small group sessions (typically 5–6 participants)
  • Individual support throughout the session
  • A patient, structured approach that builds confidence step by step
Built on real business experience
  • Background in finance, operations, and project management
  • Strong focus on structure, accuracy, and efficiency
  • Systems-thinking approach to how spreadsheets are designed and used

Ready to improve how your team uses Excel?

Whether you’re looking to reduce manual work, improve reporting, or build more structured spreadsheets — my workshops are designed to help your team work more efficiently and confidently in Excel.

View Workshops
Get in Touch