For 25+ years prior to clarity coaching, I was privileged to serve Fortune 500 and private companies, startups and nonprofits – including faith-based. In both business consulting and “client-side” strategy and research roles, my signature strength was to simplify complexity to facilitate wise decision-making.

Then I went through a painful season of life, with overlapping trials. Challenges in multiple “categories” of life for several years. Divorce, the deaths of three family members and a best friend, downsizing or clearing out multiple households, health concerns, financial pressures, and moving to a town where I knew no one. All this plus “regular life stuff” and career, with discriminating professional clients.

Even with other rich blessings, the disappointment and sheer disorientation were rough. Organization is a strength, but at times I felt overwhelmed and alone. A low point was unpacking into a new home; my heart wasn’t in it. I just felt “stuck.” But, as we know, necessity can be the mother of invention. That “simplifying complexity” gift kicked in. And over time it powerfully ordered my life and sparked momentum.

Meanwhile, outside of work, for the past 25 years, I was taking classes and volunteered at church and other ministries. And I co-led three small groups. I was learning how to best assist, offer wise counsel, and encourage anyone struggling. In doing so, I found that my "simplifying complexity" consulting gift could bless individuals. I could often discern: the “bottom-line” issue or situation troubling someone, a likely root cause(s) and/or a clear path forward for them.

Typically, the women I coached in those settings were juggling work, family and myriad other demands. Some were in or coming out of difficult life circumstances. I loved leveraging my skills and experience to bless and bring clarity to those:

• Feeling stuck or confused, but wanting to move forward in life
• At a crossroads, deciding among weighty options (e.g., career, geography)
• Who wanted a sounding board, so they could make the best decision(s) with confidence
• In transition, still managing work and other responsibilities like elder care, and desiring (frankly) moral support
• Simply needing sharper clarity on anything – for peace of mind.

In my own difficult season, I could well relate to those struggling. For those in crisis, a counselor or therapist is the best answer. But I myself wish I'd had an "after counseling" support option: a sounding board to help me walk out my life and faith that “the Lord is good” amidst ongoing pressures. To encourage, as I regained momentum. And, ideally, someone who’d personally had similar professional challenges.

So with a passion to serve other professional women feeling likewise, I founded Fresh Clarity Coaching. I’m a full-time Clarity Coach who leads clients with compassion by quickly:

• Distilling confusion, “cluttered” thoughts or feelings, or a “stuck” state into 1-2 issues at hand
• Clarifying what’s not relevant or “critical path”
• Identifying key action steps toward their most desired outcome.

I then support them throughout their progress toward that most desired outcome.

Are you ready for greater clarity and momentum in life? I’d be delighted to assist or simply answer any questions. Your bright new life chapter awaits.

Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, cum laude, from Duke University and an MBA with a marketing concentration from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. Her career includes five years in the UK and Europe. She’s completed 4+ years of layperson ministry training at church and leads a weekly prayer call. A cherished “tribe” is her book club, meeting monthly for 31 years. Other passions are connecting with family and friends, college hoops, volunteering and keeping her own house purged and simplified.