THE CAREER CATALYST

I help creative leaders take big swings in their careers so they can go from great to exceptional.

ever feel like you’re meant for more in your career?

You lie awake at night, unable shake the feeling that you're leaving potential on the table.

You have big ideas but never seem to get started on them.

You’ve achieved significant success, yet you can’t escape feeling like you’ve plateaued.

You catch yourself staring out the window wondering how years of industry-specific skills could possibly translate into a new career.

You sit alone, envisioning your biggest dream, wondering how to turn it into reality.

Career Coach for Creative Leaders

JUST IMAGINE HOW AMAZING IT WOULD BE TO stop playing small and start having the career of your dreams where you…

Wake up excited to take action on your biggest goals, step into your full potential, and create meaningful impact.

Successfully turn big ideas into fabulous new opportunities without procrastinating or second-guessing yourself.

Confidently break through plateaus and rediscover passion in your career with confidence and clarity.

Seamlessly transition your skills to a new career path that you’re excited to talk about, knowing you have everything it takes to thrive.

Finally see your biggest dream take shape, with a clear plan and the support you need to make it happen.

Karen Kunkel Young-Creative Career Coach

I’m an executive leadership and career coach who empowers creative leaders to unlock their full potential and pursue bold, expansive goals. I help high-performers like you go from great to exceptional by blending strategic leadership with creative storytelling to transform careers.

With over 20 years of experience driving success for top media and entertainment brands, I have launched huge (sometimes impossible) projects, mobilized and inspired over 100 teams, and navigated unprecedented disruption. Now, as a coach, I help you to stop playing small and start living big, gaining the clarity, confidence, and creativity you need to thrive. Together, we’ll break through what's holding you back, attract new, next-level opportunities, and craft a roadmap for lasting success.

Ready to dream bigger and make some bold moves? Let’s create a personalized strategy that turns your vision into reality.

HI, I’M KAREN.

  • "I’m evolving into the next best version of myself because of Karen and her coaching!"

    Nicole Danielle | Author & TV Producer

Let’s work together to unlock your potential & level up your career!

  • Karen Kunkel Young Creative Coaching

    READY TO SOAR

    Your Ongoing Partnership for Bold Career Growth. When you're ready to take big swings, elevate your leadership, and turn ambitious visions into reality, you need a partner who’s with you every step of the way. Over 6-12 months, we'll work together to set bold goals and refine your personalized strategy as you grow. Through regular coaching sessions, targeted support, and unwavering accountability, you'll stay aligned with your vision, overcome obstacles, and build unstoppable momentum. Whether you're navigating a major transition, scaling your impact, or taking the leap toward your biggest goals, Ready to Soar is a trusted strategic partnership to help you break through limits and achieve extraordinary, lasting success.

    WORK WITH ME
  • Karen Kunkel Young Creative Career Coaching

    CREATIVE CATALYST

    Your Career, Reimagined. Embark on a transformative journey tailored for creative leaders. Over 9 sessions, we’ll work together to identify what’s holding you back from achieving your career goals, uncover your strengths, and reignite your confidence. You’ll design an ideal career aligned with your passions, values, and transferable skills, crafting a strategic roadmap for success. From there, we’ll activate your success toolkit, refining your story and strategically presenting it through targeted outreach and networking. As your dedicated accountability partner, I’ll be with you every step of the way to help you build momentum, create opportunities, and launch a path toward the next chapter in your career.

    I want this
  • Karen Kunkel Young Creative Coaching

    3-Hour Power Session

    Three transformative hours. One game-changing intensive. Sometimes, you don’t need ongoing coaching—you need a game-changing conversation. In this 3-hour intensive strategy session, we’ll cut through the noise, tackle your most pressing career challenges, and unlock fresh perspectives to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and momentum. Whether you’re feeling stuck, navigating a major decision, or preparing for a bold leap, we’ll clarify your vision, uncover what’s holding you back, and outline actionable next steps to guide your path forward. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of direction, forward momentum, and a clear plan to move ahead with purpose.

    Let's go!

what PEopLE are saying

  • CEO Founder Creative Client

    "As a long-time television Showrunner, I appreciated Karen's years of experience as a producer and high-level executive. She understood the nuance of entertainment and met the moment as the business weathered an upheaval like I've never seen in my 20+ years of producing.  I've emerged from my time with her more steadfast in my mission and better able to articulate it, more confident in my skills as an entrepreneur and storyteller, and highly equipped to meet the moment as my career shifts gear."

    MARY BETH ANDERSON | CEO & Founder, Junk Drawer Creative Studios

  • Executive Producer & Show Runner

    “She helped me find my innate ability to lead. I have a newfound confidence in my managerial approach, editorial judgment, and overall direction. As a result of Karen’s coaching, the big shoes that an executive must fill now fit much more comfortably.”

    KYLE McCABE | Executive Producer & Show Runner

  • “One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about working with Karen is having the space to be creative. I’ve often come to our sessions in search of clarity on an issue. Once we get to the root, we have fun brainstorming solutions, creating action plans, setting goals and timelines. By working with Karen, I unlocked insights that propelled me to action.

    JAVIER GONZALEZ | Luxury Fashion Executive & Entrepreneur

  • “I never felt comfortable opening up to others in the way I was so effortlessly able to do with Karen from our very first session. We started our journey at a milestone moment with my first book being edited and finished this part of our journey as my book got published - and I can honestly say, I would not have had the courage to see this through without Karen’s beautiful spirit as my guiding light. Anyone who gets to work with Karen will instantly be awakened to who they can become.”

    NICOLE DANIELLE | Author & TV Producer

  • “I don’t know if I ever would have come to the conclusions that I reached without her help. So, it is with one step in front of the other that I am slowly writing the novel that is so important to me I feel more creative. Lighter. More accepting of failure because I know none of it matters unless I give it power. It’s been all about a lifestyle change for me, this shift, and it’s only happening because Karen showed me that I am more than I think myself to be."

    ADRIA MARSCHALL | Writer & Producer

  • “Karen brought a warmth, enthusiasm, and professionalism that immediately made me feel at ease doing deep self-exploration. Working with her helped me deepen my perspectives, transform my mindset, and develop actions that I have been able to sustain. I'd highly recommend her to anyone looking to "take charge" of their lives with intention.."

    KEVIN DELOS REYES | Sr. Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  • “Working with Karen is a truly unique experience and helps you maintain focus on taking action. She has a knack for driving accountability. With Karen, it's not just about setting goals, she ensures you're on track, making progress, and always looking further to make sure every base is covered. Her approach is both supportive and challenging, pushing you beyond your comfort zone while ensuring you never feel overwhelmed.”

    JOAN G. | Marketing Executive

  • "Before I did the Creative Spark with Karen, I was feeling pulled in a few different directions. Like many people, stressful experiences from past jobs were making it hard to look into the future with a positive outlook. This assessment helped me see I have more choices than I thought – both in what I do next in my career and how I approach it. Thanks Karen!"

    Becky Kaplan Farone | Founder & Self-Authority Speaker