Kara Hinzie
Championing People, Purpose, and Progress
Kara is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience in talent development, building relationships, and change management. Her career is defined by a consistent record of driving profitable outcomes through the creation of positive workplace cultures and a commitment to continuous improvement.
As a certified Health & Wellness Coach, Kara specializes in guiding individuals and teams toward sustainable success. She is process driven and strongly believes in the power of clear expectations, accountability, and recognition as a winning formula. Kara is an advocate for mental health and helping employees and employers manage workloads, set healthy boundaries, and prevent burnout.
Kara is also a dynamic educator, currently an instructor at Kirkwood Community College.
She offers courses on a range of wellness and leadership topics including:
Unlock Your Path to Wellness
Office Yoga - Importance of Movement
Redefining Success
Beyond Resolutions: Living in Rhythm
Burnout: How to Build Resiliency
Mental Health Awareness: 7-Pillars of Wellness
Leadership Development
Hiring the Right Candidate
Goal Setting and Accountability
Clear is Kind - Feedback that Builds Trust
Importance of Managing Change
AI: Work Smarter Not Harder
Continuous Improvement Fundamentals
Supply Chain - Emerging Leaders
“When I talk to managers I get the feeling that they are important. When I talk to leaders I get the feeling that I am important.”
A proud Iowa native, Kara resides in Cedar Rapids, the City of Five Seasons, with her partner Scott Beer and their two cats, Ollie and Franklin. She enjoys giving back to her community, exploring nature, cooking, photographing and spending time with her LFS Class of 2024.
Whether you’re seeking strategic guidance, leadership mentorship, or wellness solutions, Kara offers tailored, high-impact support to help your organization thrive. Reach out today to explore how she can help move you forward with clarity, compassion, and results.
More about Kara:
She redefined leadership with a people-first approach at CRST.
In 2025 was a CBJ Forty Under 40 Honoree for her work in business and the community.
Awarded the Caterpillar Supplier Excellent Certification in 2024 and 2025.
Creates wellness and leadership training for Luma Brighter Learning and was a guest on the I Love Learning Podcast hosted by Dr. Gina Anderson
Teaches Cooperate Trainings, Continuing Education, and Business 102 classes at Kirkwood Community College.
Kara is a Teacher Naturalist at the Indian Creek Nature Center.
Enjoys supporting her community through volunteering for organizations such as Last Hope Animal Rescue, Four Oaks, Junior Achievement, and Leaders Who Lunch.
Serves as the Sergeant at Arms (SAA) for the Non-Profit Narrators Toastmasters Club.
Member of the Women Lead Change - Women Connect group.
Is a mentor and speaker for the Collegiate Women in Business student organization at Iowa State University
Kara advocates for programs in the community that are building the next generation of leaders such as Girl Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and United Way.
Strong believer in the RISE Framework by Tanager. Relationships, Indicators of Well-being, Social Emotional Development, and Enhancements.
Contact
For inquires on consulting, coaching, mentorship, speaking or teaching engagements please schedule a FREE virtual consultation or use the form to contact Kara directly. Please expect 2-3 business days for responses.