
Elevate Leadership, LLC:
Igniting a Spark for Growth and Transformation
At the heart of every thriving organization are people—leaders who inspire, teams who collaborate, and individuals who are empowered to reach their potential. Elevate Leadership, LLC, founded by Karen Witherspoon, is dedicated to helping organizations and individuals unlock that potential, navigate challenges, and cultivate cultures where growth isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
Why Elevate Leadership?
Your Spark for Change
Every engagement is about lighting the spark that moves you from stuck to thriving.
25+ Years HR Leadership
Former statewide HR Director for a Fortune 500 company, now consulting across government, non-profit, education, mental health, architecture, and more.
Local Roots, Broad Impact
Deeply invested in the Hampton Roads community, but brings national-level experience and perspective.
Personable, Practical, Proven
Known for being encouraging, approachable, and action-oriented. Karen’s clients trust her to listen first, then deliver smart, tailored solutions.

HR Consulting:
Organizations often reach out to Karen during times of crisis—she calls these the “dumpster fire” moments. Whether it’s a complex employee relations issue, a compliance concern, or the need for new policies and procedures, Elevate Leadership brings calm, clarity, and actionable solutions. Karen’s hands-on experience means she’s not just a consultant; she’s a partner who understands the pressures leaders face and offers real-world, empathetic guidance.

Leadership Training:
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Elevate Leadership’s training programs are custom-built, addressing everything from personal branding and servant leadership to emotional intelligence and strategic planning. Karen’s sessions are known for their energy and practicality, often leaving teams with memorable “sparks” of inspiration and concrete action steps.

Executive and Group Coaching:
Karen’s coaching philosophy is simple: everyone has greatness within—they sometimes just need help uncovering it. Through one-on-one and group coaching engagements (often spanning six months to a year), she helps clients set and achieve meaningful goals, develop emotional intelligence, and achieve true balance—not just between work and life, but within themselves. Her approach is supportive, direct, and always focused on sustainable change .
Resources
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L.I.F.T.
- Love
- Inspire
- Fun
- Tenacity


Speaking Events
- Built for your audience
- Interactive and Informative
- Great Actionable Takeaways
Testimonials

Karen’s strategic insight and deep business acumen make her an invaluable partner. She consistently advocates for both employee well-being and organizational success, elevating our work and driving stronger outcomes. She is authentically kind and powerful in supporting and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Rebecca Kleinhample
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