Everyone deserves happier workdays.

Craving work-life balance? I've been there, and I can help.

Hi, I'm Kim Bartels. I started my leadership coaching business in 2006. I was in search of meaningful work, where I could help people and do so by being my best self, versus trying to fit into a given work culture. My children were young at the time, so going out on my own also helped me have greater control over my schedule and my work-life balance.​
That's why I enjoy helping clients juggle their work lives and their leadership responsibilities with greater ease and enjoyment.  I want to support my clients in their definition of success and well-being, so they can focus while at work but also have time to relax and do what matters most to them. 

​I am a firm believer in the value of human connection

 ​I care deeply about my clients and work hard to support them in experiencing more enjoyment and fulfillment in their work. I possess a depth of training and experience that enables me to:
  • Listen intently
  • Meet clients where they are
  • Adapt my approach to changing goals and needs 
I see the value of brainstorming possible solutions together, but then giving each client the space to make their own decisions and next steps based on things they already know about themselves and what they want. I love seeing a client’s eyes flash as they experience an important insight or realization about their career or leadership situation. I feel honored to have clients place their trust in me as a sounding board and someone who can offer an outside perspective. 

My "compassionate intelligence" can help you thrive

A former colleague describes me as having “compassionate intelligence”, a vital mix of empathic awareness of a client’s struggles and analytical skills to help them look deeply to better understand, reframe, and solve their own problems.​ That's why I say I put "brains and heart" into everything I do as a coach and as a human being. I'd love to learn more about you. Book your free introductory call to get started. 

Words clients use to describe their experience with me

"genuinely cared"
"was proactive, creative, and encouraging"
​"inspired me to grow authentically"
"gave honest and direct feedback"
"a fantastic framework to explore new fields"
"left me so well prepared"
"offered empathy and constructive action"
"intuitively understood my background and needs"

Education and specialties

​As a first-generation college student who went on to earn a Ph.D. and work in higher education, I have a profound appreciation for the ways in which higher educational attainment changes lives. I respect what faculty, staff, and administrators do for their students and academic institutions, and I want to support them in their work. 
  • Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
  • Teaching experience at six different educational institutions
  • Tenure-track Assistant Professor of Psychology for four years
  • Over 20 years as a Career and Leadership Coach, in settings including Higher Education
  • Board Certified Coach with the Center for Credentialing and Education, with a specialization as an “Executive/Corporate/Business/Leadership Coach”

"I'm now thriving in an academic leadership position"

​Working with Kim was truly a pivotal experience for my career and personal growth. Kim was recommended to me by a colleague during a time when I did not have a clear direction for my professional development and I felt stuck. With insightful exploration of my skills and talents, she helped me get a clearer picture of my potential and the goals I wanted to achieve. I gained clarity about where I wanted to grow and ultimately was successful at moving into an academic leadership position where I am truly thriving.
​–Dean, School of Business