“While each has her own style, both Karen and Colleen exude empathy, expertise, encouragement, motivation, and accountability”.

- Kristina E, HR Leader

  Karen Van-Liew Creek 

My passion for career coaching spans 20 years of collaborating with professionals and executives across industries. I work with individuals through all types of career transitions including traditional job searches and support to clients transitioning to high level consulting, entrepreneurship, board roles and productive retirement options. I also provide leadership and executive coaching to private clients as well as individuals with corporate sponsored executive programs.

My leadership development and executive coaching work focuses on helping people achieve their potential and elevate their careers.

I am a certified career coach and also hold coaching certifications in Executive Coaching, Change Management, and Developing Personal Resilience. I have set up and led large career centers for Microsoft and coached at career centers for Capital One and Verizon. In addition to my private business, I consult to the largest international outplacement company.

Having led job search groups for 15 years, I’m an advocate for networking which led me to create and ongoingly lead an executive networking group and a professional women's networking group.

In my prior career, I was Vice President of a financial management/executive benefits company with responsibilities over the years for operations, leadership, culture, and customer excellence. Outside of work I have served on volunteer boards in various capacities.

Colleen Ferris

I am a career and leadership coach with a focus on the "soft skills" of energy, attitude and positivity. I believe that in every situation there is a gift and opportunity. I provide individual and group coaching for people who have been laid-off or are unsatisfied in their current job. I work with people who want to find full-time work, as well as people transitioning to retirement.

My passion is helping people figure out what they really want, come up with a strategy to get what they want, and then support them as they follow through with their plan.

I spent years as a corporate leader in large, multi-national banks, both in sales and finance. I survived many reorganizations and downsizings. I lived through mergers as both the acquirer and acquiree. As a hiring manager, I know what it takes to stand out in an interview, as well as what it takes to get promoted. As a sales manager, I know how to put together a good pitch.

As someone who transitioned from a first career in banking, to a second career in coaching, I understand what it means to plan for retirement, learn new skills, and launch a new, more flexible, more meaningful career path.

I have served on a number of volunteer boards, including as Board Chair. I was also a volunteer board trainer for United Way.

I am a certified coach and currently work at the world’s largest outplacement firm. My certifications include:

  • International Coach Federation – Professional Certified Coach (ICF-PCC). The ICF is the main accrediting and credentialing body for coaches.

  • iPEC Certified Professional Coach (CPC) – iPEC is one of the most highly regarded coach training schools.

  • Certified Positive Intelligence Coach™

  • LHH Active Placement and Global Career Transition Expert Quality Delivery credentials.

 
 

"I can’t say enough wonderful things about Karen and Colleen. I have personally learned so much from them.

I have experienced first-hand the positive impact of their coaching and witnessed them help so many others. They are generous with their time, wisdom, advice, and guidance.

While each has her own style, both Karen and Colleen exude empathy, expertise, encouragement, motivation, and accountability.

From the different forums I attend with them, it’s obvious they have earned the respect and admiration of their many clients and peers.

I trust Karen and Colleen to help me achieve my goals and aspirations. I consider myself fortunate to have them as my coaches." 

- Kristina E, HR Leader