We had the good fortune of connecting with Kara Kirby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
This isn’t an exciting story! I worked in leadership and talent development for a long time in a corporate setting and was always curious if I could make it in the wild. I knew I had to find out eventually.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started learning about organization development work (aka harnessing the power of people in an organization) at an early age and throughout my 15 years in corporate, I was afforded the opportunity to lean into developing others. I built and facilitated sales programs, leadership development, and employee experience in exceptional companies. 3 years ago, I wanted to challenge myself to bring my experience to the marketplace and it has been an amazing, humbling, and educational ride. I have loved working alongside companies helping to improve their team and leadership development. One of the things that separates me is that I been facilitating for a long time – so I know how to design experiences that are going to work with a group depending on their needs. I also grew up in examples of highly functioning and people-oriented companies which means I can provide practical steps to develop talent and organizations beyond theory. I deeply know the applications. The challenge in that is that every organization is different, and some do not value, see, or view the employee experience the same way. Some would give the advice to only work with aligned clients, but I like to take the stance to meet people where they are. Focus on the smaller impacts – one leader, one team, one employee has the opportunity to make a difference.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have two little boys so it would be very kid friendly! I would of course take them to the beautiful downtown Cary park, then to eat at Crosstown Pub with ice cream afterwards at Fresh. And then if we could get a little time away as adults, take them to my besties’ fabulous champagne bar called RBF to sip beautiful drinks, eat delicious appetizers, and listen to the evening’s entertainment. The next day we would check out another outrageous park (probably Pleasant Park in Apex) and stroll on a greenway. If it was warm, we would go up to Durham to the Museum of Natural Science to see the new baby bear and go take a dip in the Eno River. If we had an even longer weekend, we would take a day trip to Wrightsville beach or up to the mountains!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been so lucky to have a big group of people support me throughout my career, but this shoutout goes to my husband. He has sacrificed, supported, and encouraged my career in every way possible and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his partnership.

Website: www.insightslg.com

Instagram: @kara_insightsleadership

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-kirby-46632711/

Other: Tiktok – @insightsleadershipkara @popon_leadership

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