Meet Kara Warner

We recently connected with Kara Warner and have shared our conversation below.

Kara, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I’ve been in plenty of rooms where I was the only one who looked like me. That’s never stopped me. If anything, it’s made me more intentional about how I show up and the impact I leave behind.
First, I walk in knowing my worth. I don’t second-guess why I’m there—I know I bring knowledge, experience, and a perspective that needs to be heard. Whether I’m leading a career development workshop, working with families, mentoring youth, or speaking on racial battle fatigue, I don’t shrink myself to fit in. I take up space, and I make sure what I contribute matters.

Second, I read the room and build connections. Being the only one means I often have to bridge gaps—between leadership and employees, youth and their communities, or decision-makers and the people their choices affect. I know how to adapt, communicate, and make sure the right conversations happen.
Third, I make sure I’m not the last one in the room. It’s not enough just to be there—I use my position to create opportunities for others. Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or just speaking up when it matters, I make sure my presence has a ripple effect.

Finally, I stay grounded in resilience and purpose. Being the only one comes with challenges—bias, microaggressions, and being underestimated. But I don’t let any of that define me. I focus on doing the work, pushing forward, and making sure that when I leave, I’ve made it easier for the next person to step in.
At the end of the day, I don’t just want a seat at the table—I want to impact the entire room.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At the core of everything I do is strategic leadership and empowerment—helping individuals, organizations, and communities break barriers, navigate challenges, and create sustainable success.
As an independent contractor in workforce and career development, I work to bridge opportunity gaps by equipping individuals with the tools they need to excel professionally. Whether through mentorship, career coaching, or leadership development, I am committed to helping people unlock their full potential and build pathways to success. I believe that true empowerment comes from access, knowledge, and the ability to navigate professional spaces with confidence. My work focuses on ensuring that individuals—especially those facing systemic barriers—are given the tools and resources necessary to thrive in their careers.

Beyond career development, I specialize in facilitating workshops and speaking engagements focused on transgenerational trauma and intergenerational impact, workforce microaggressions, and family dynamics. Understanding how past experiences shape our present is crucial for growth—whether in professional spaces, families, or communities. I create spaces where real conversations lead to real change, helping individuals and organizations recognize patterns, build resilience, and move forward with intention. These discussions provide a foundation for healing, transformation, and long-term success, allowing people to break cycles and build stronger, more connected futures.

As a traveling speaker and facilitator, I engage with diverse audiences nationwide, bringing a strategic and empowering lens to leadership, transformation, and legacy-building. My work is centered on creating sustainable change, not just temporary solutions—whether through leadership training, community engagement, or personal development workshops. I am passionate about fostering environments where individuals and teams feel seen, valued, and empowered to step into their leadership potential.

Looking ahead, I am focused on expanding my impact through more traveling speaking engagements, reaching new audiences and industries. I am also facilitating additional workshops on transgenerational trauma and intergenerational impact, ensuring that these critical conversations continue to grow and evolve. As I expand my work in workforce and leadership development, my goal is to provide even more individuals with the skills and resources they need to navigate their careers with confidence and purpose. Additionally, I am working on publishing my next book, deepening the conversation around empowerment, leadership, and legacy-building.
At the end of the day, my work is about strategic leadership that leads to real empowerment My aim is to help others step into their power and create lasting change. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story and look forward to connecting with others who are ready to lead, grow, and transform.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been the most impactful: empathy, adaptability, and vision. Each of these has shaped my ability to navigate challenges, create opportunities, and empower others along the way.
Empathy has been a cornerstone of my work. Whether working with clients, teams, or individuals, the ability to truly understand and connect with people has been invaluable. It’s helped me guide others through their personal and professional challenges and to create spaces where people feel heard and supported. For those early in their journey, I would encourage you to prioritize building empathy by listening actively and seeking to understand different perspectives. The more you can relate to others, the better you’ll be at finding solutions that truly meet their needs.

Adaptability has been crucial in allowing me to evolve with changing circumstances and new opportunities. Whether transitioning into different industries, expanding my work, or taking on new leadership roles, adaptability has kept me grounded and prepared for what’s ahead. My advice for those starting out is to embrace change and be open to new experiences. Try to see each shift as a chance to grow, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The ability to pivot and adjust is what helps you stay relevant and successful in an ever-changing world.

Vision has been the driving force behind everything I do. It’s not just about looking at where I am today, but about creating a clear, long-term path toward the impact I want to make. Whether working in career development or facilitating workshops on generational trauma, I always have an eye on the bigger picture. For those early in their journey, I recommend setting clear goals and maintaining a strong sense of purpose. Vision is about knowing where you want to go and then breaking it down into actionable steps. Start by finding your “why” and let that guide your decisions and actions.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The person who has been most helpful in helping me overcome challenges and build the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge I needed to be successful is my mother. She passed away 15 years ago from a stroke, but her influence remains a driving force in my life. As a single mother, she raised both my brother, who has cerebral palsy, and me, demonstrating resilience, strength, and an unwavering commitment to our well-being. My mother taught me how to play the hand life deals you and how to move through life with grace and perseverance, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Her ability to navigate obstacles with a steady and hopeful outlook has shaped my own approach to life. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving despite adversity. Her lessons taught me the importance of empathy, adaptability, and vision—qualities that have been crucial in my journey toward leadership and empowerment. As an independent contractor and as a speaker and facilitator, I often draw from her example. The knowledge, strength, and wisdom she imparted have been fundamental in shaping the way I approach both personal and professional challenges.

While I have had other mentors and role models along the way, no one has had as profound an impact as my mother. She was my first teacher, showing me not only how to overcome challenges but how to build a meaningful, purposeful life, one that is driven by intention, compassion, and resilience. Her influence continues to guide me as I work to empower others through my own coaching and leadership.