profile

WIA Profile: Kathi Stout

How did you get into this? What in your background prepared you for what you're doing now?

In 1997 I moved to Seattle and started working for an ISP. I followed the CFO to SexTracker in 1998 and helped to establish their new hosting department. In 2004 I moved to Atlanta and started working for NationalNet. I learned early on it is easier to do work you love with people you like.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

What changes have affected your work since you started it?

Last year we started The Atlanta Forum, sister show to The Phoenix Forum. They do such a fantastic job, it gave us huge shoes to fill and we are continuing to try to make it happen. It was a fantastic opportunity to do business and meet new people. I love to entertain and this was like having hundreds of friends to visit and show my hometown.

What changes have affected your work as the Internet has gone from exotic to commonplace?

Because the Internet is 24/7, it amazes me when I need to shop for something that brick and mortar stores aren’t open when I need them. Bloomingdale's needs to be open at 3 a.m. when I have time to shop. While I do adore shopping online, sometimes you just need to put your hands on the items.

What do you see as the challenges to online adult enterprises as the economy tends to decline and discretionary spending slows?

I believe Customer Service is more important than ever to keep the current customers/clients we have and attract new ones. It is my belief that each and every customer should be made to feel we would bend over backwards to make them happy and — more importantly — successful. After all, if they aren’t successful, then neither are we.

Does your work affect your personal life?

Personal life? What is that?

Do you have a personal motto or slogan that you follow?

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

Segpay Marks 20 Years of High-Risk Triumphs

Payment processors are behind-the-scenes players in the world of ecommerce, yet their role is critical. Ensuring secure, seamless transactions while navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape requires both technological expertise and business acumen.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

The SCREEN Test: How to Prepare for Federal Age Verification

For those who are counting, there are now 20 enacted state laws in the United States requiring age verification for viewing online adult content, plus numerous proposed laws in the works. This ongoing barrage has been exhausting for many in the adult industry — and it may be about to escalate in the form of a potential new AV law, this time at the federal level.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How to Master Team Dynamics for Business Success

Having the right team in place is everything. Whether getting a startup off the ground and thriving, or safeguarding an established company, the right — or wrong — people can mean the difference between a successful venture and a failed dream.

Juicy Jay ·
opinion

Eight Steps to Fast-Track AI Site Approval for Processing

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic these days. AI technology is speeding up the way we do business across all industries and offers numerous benefits, from automating processes to increasing efficiency and scalability.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

How to Secure High-Risk Transactions With Network Tokenization

Ensuring the security of data as it moves through digital channels is the foundation of safe transactions, and crucial for your success. If your business can’t secure transactions, you’re exposed to myriad processing traumas.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Reba Rocket

As chief operating officer and chief marketing officer of Takedown Piracy, long at the forefront of intellectual property protection in adult entertainment, Rocket is dedicated to safeguarding the livelihoods of content creators and producers while fostering a more ethical and sustainable industry.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Protecting Content Ownership Rights When Using AI

In today’s digital age, content producers have more tools at their disposal than ever before. Among these tools, artificial intelligence (AI) content generation has emerged as a game changer, enabling creators to produce high-quality content quickly and efficiently.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How Payment Orchestration Can Help Your Business

An emerging payment solution is making waves in the merchant world: the payment orchestration platform (POP). It’s quickly gaining traction as a powerful tool for managing online payments — but questions abound.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Fine-Tuning Refund and Cancellation Policies

For adult websites, managing refunds and cancellations isn’t just about customer service. It’s a crucial factor in maintaining compliance with the regulations of payment processors and payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Laurel Bencomo

Born in Cambridge, England but raised in Spain, Laurel Bencomo initially chose to study business at the University of Barcelona simply because it felt familiar — both of her parents are entrepreneurs. She went on to earn a master’s degree in sales and marketing management at the EADA Business School, while working in events for a group of restaurants in Barcelona.

Women In Adult ·
Show More