The change you want to make in the world starts closer to home than you might think.

Picture of Kara leaning against a wall and smiling at the camera

Hi, I’m Kara, a coach and advisor to changemakers.

A former social intrapreneur and grassroots movement builder within and across organizations, I’ve spent my career working with people who are driven to make a difference: those who question the status quo, spot opportunities for change, and take action to make this change happen.

I create spaces for these changemakers to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and act with greater clarity and intention. This inner work, in turn, makes their outer impact more powerful, sustainable, and genuinely fulfilling.

My work is shaped by my own ongoing journey, and by my realization that the status quo that most needed questioning was my own way of relating to myself.

More about me
Get in touch

Driven by purpose, a deep sense of responsibility, or a feeling of urgency, the changemakers I’ve met often focus their energy on serving others and their mission — leaving their own needs behind.

This works for a while… until they find themselves burnt out, stretched thin, uncertain of their path, feeling like an imposter, or creatively stuck. Slowing down feels difficult, if not impossible. Sometimes the only obvious option is to walk away.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Changemakers are naturally curious, brave, and driven to make things better. When these qualities are turned inward, they open up something powerful. Clarity strengthens. Confidence builds. Resilience renews. Relationships improve, and even thrive. Joy returns.

And when this happens, they don't just stay in the work — they show up for it more fully, and make a greater impact because of it. Just as importantly, they start to feel more alive and joyful in their own lives: awake to them, present in them, and living with intention.

Helping changemakers do this is my own way of making a difference.

My offer

Image of Kara in her office, speaking to a coachee via her laptop

  • I work one-on-one with individuals through a series of conversations in service of their goals. Together, we create the space to slow down; reconnect with who you are, what you want, and what truly drives you; and turn that understanding into deliberate, grounded action. The result: you bring the best of yourself to the change you’re activating — making a greater impact in the world, without losing or sacrificing yourself along the way.

  • I design and deliver group programs for changemakers who are leading their own initiatives: people who have a vision and drive, and who are ready to look inward as well as outward.

    Offered as multi-session programs or one-day workshops, these experiences focus on inner development: understanding yourself more deeply, exploring how human beings are wired, and translating that understanding into concrete next steps. Participants leave with new insights and practical tools, as well as a sense of connection and renewed inspiration for the work ahead.

  • I partner with foundations and organizations who share a passion for empowering changemakers, particularly those building programs that equip changemakers with the skills and insights needed to sustain their impact over the long term.

    I advise and support their work, drawing on my experience: as a former social intrapreneur and grassroots movement builder; as someone who has spent years at the intersection of people, systems, and change; and as a coach versed in inner development and regenerative leadership.

    I bring this same experience to speaking engagements, research conversations, and mentoring — always in service of a broader ecosystem that supports the changemakers of today and tomorrow.

Learn more

Working with me: Sample experiences and outcomes

  • “Meeting you was one of the greatest gifts I received this year. You gave me a renewed sense of joy and motivation in the work we do… and in myself as a person…You are an amazing coach with a real talent in seeing and empowering others.”

    - Jo, 1:1 coachee, artist & social entrepreneur

  • “I had the pleasure of working closely with Kara through the Z Zurich Foundation’s Global Changemakers Program, where she coached dozens of young leaders driving positive change in their communities.

    What stood out from the start was the care and thoughtfulness she brings to every person she works with. Combining professionalism, neuroscience insights, and deep empathy, Kara creates spaces where people feel safe to reflect honestly on themselves and build confidence. I’ve seen many changemakers gain clarity and grow in confidence as leaders through their work with her.

    It has been a real pleasure to collaborate with Kara and learn from her. I would strongly recommend Kara to any young changemaker or any organization supporting emerging leaders.”

    - Quentin, Global Changemakers Program Coordinator

  • “Working with you has given me a new perspective on leadership, confidence, and how I approach both my goals and myself. I really appreciated how thoughtful you were in asking questions that challenged me to think differently rather than simply giving answers. I truly feel like I’m leaving these sessions with a stronger sense of direction and self-awareness.” 

    - Anjani, 1:1 coachee, student & non-profit leader

  • “The biggest change is how I lead my team and engage with funders. I now anchor conversations around clarity of purpose and values, even in high-pressure situations. I’ve become more comfortable saying “no” to opportunities that don’t align with our mission—and that clarity has helped us gain better-aligned partners. One powerful takeaway was that scaling does not mean losing yourself. I now intentionally pause before reacting to demands and ask, “Does this reflect our purpose, our roots, and our impact goals?” That reflection has made me a calmer, more focused changemaker.”

    - Royford, 1:1 coachee, social entrepreneur  

  • “As for what changed, quite a lot. My views about how I approach challenges have changed from fear-driven to mission-driven, my method for deciding when to keep trying to win at something and when to pivot has also become more clearly defined, and I will now better understand the importance of being kind to myself as well.”

    - James, 1:1 coachee, social entrepreneur & community leader

  • “Kara brings a distinctive point of view to any discussion. She has the ability to ask the right questions, get into the details of an issue without losing sight of the larger picture. She is a natural leader and is effortlessly able to bring colleagues and stakeholders along in the journey by carving a vision for whatever she leads. Her strong empathy is very evident in all her dealings and her approach. She is able to understand the various dynamics around relationships and easily build credibility through her exceptional communication skills. Her strong relationship skills enable her to develop trust quickly thereby expediting the positive impact of her interventions…She has strong conviction and isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in and isn't afraid to stand up for others.”

    - Céline, collaborator and co-lead, internal grassroots movement

Let’s connect

Interested in learning more or exploring how we might work together? Send me a note. I look forward to hearing from you!