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Amanda Karst

Partner and Chief Operating Officer

Amanda Karst is an executive coach and business strategist known for helping leaders turn complexity into clarity—and ideas into action. With a career spanning IT project management, learning and development, and strategic operations, Amanda brings a systems-thinking mindset to every engagement. She partners with executives and senior leaders to align leadership behavior, business objectives, and organizational culture for measurable impact.

At-A-Glance

  • INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE: Information Technology | Telecom | Software | Financial Services | Commercial Real Estate | Commercial Services | Mission-Driven Non-Profits | Holding Companies
  • 20+ years of experience across Fortune 500 companies, startups, and mission-driven organizations
  • Chief Operating Officer at AO People Partners, leading operations, finance and accounting, strategy, marketing, and leadership development programs
  • Leads AO’s Growth Culture Consulting practice, designing systems and tools—including capability models, behavioral interviews, and dashboards—that link people development to business performance and embed learning throughout the employee lifecycle
  • Board Chair, Conscious Capitalism Washington, D.C.
  • M.B.A., Johns Hopkins University – Carey School of Business
  • Masters in IT Project Management, George Washington University
  • Executive Certificate in Facilitation, Georgetown University
  • Dances in her kitchen and loves pool time with her kids and family dog

Favorite Quote

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. . . And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

This quote by Marianne Williamson reminds me of the significance of being authentic, courageous, and open-hearted; and the power of creating magnificence in life. As a mother, friend, and coach, I appreciate this virtuous cycle—when you step forward and embrace your potential, it invites those watching to do the same.

Amanda's Publications

book title
-Meggan Bandrick, Senior Director, Global Biologics Research at Zoetis
“Amanda challenged me to recognize the personal biases and assumptions that were limiting my growth. Her keen understanding of my influencing style allowed her to communicate with clarity, precision, and impact. As a result, I now lead a team of 12 that has achieved a remarkable 107% year-over-year increase in portfolio value. Amanda’s coaching was instrumental in refining my leadership approach, empowering my team, and driving tangible business success. Her approach is deeply personal, passionate, and laser-focused on helping others reach their full potential.”

Favorite Quote

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. . . And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

This quote by Marianne Williamson reminds me of the significance of being authentic, courageous, and open-hearted; and the power of creating magnificence in life. As a mother, friend, and coach, I appreciate this virtuous cycle—when you step forward and embrace your potential, it invites those watching to do the same.

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