Karen Gulliford
Executive and leadership coach and HR consultant in Virginia
| Hourly rate range | $170 to $240 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | Leadership developmentTeam performanceTransitions and new rolesConflict and difficult conversationsExecutive presence and communicationAssessments (360, DISC, CliftonStrengths)Promotions and advancementCareer changeCareer clarity and purposeLeadership and team building |
| Works with | Executives, Managers and Professionals |
| Also coaches | Career coach, Business coach and Life coach |
| Based in | Virginia, United States |
| Credentials | Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coach Federation; M.Ed., Adult Learning/Human Resources Development; B.S. Psychology; Conflict Dynamics Profile certified; Entrepreneurial Mindset certified; Emotional Intelligence (EQ 2.0) certified |
| Practice | Great Workplaces |
Karen Gulliford is an executive and leadership coach and HR consultant in Virginia. She helps new executives, mid-career leaders and leaders near the end of their careers build trust, improve how they manage and create better workplaces. She owns Great Workplaces and holds a PCC credential. She has worked as an interim HR director at Virginia State University and as a career coach for Capital One employees. She also serves DEI and HR leaders and African American professionals.
What Karen helps with
Karen works with leaders on management skills, workplace culture and career steps. She also helps organizations with HR structure and conflict.
- Improving management effectiveness
- Building trust and sustainable culture change
- Handling conflict in the workplace
- Improving presentation skills and body language
- Getting more from a team
- Improving the relationship with a supervisor
- Moving into leadership or getting ready for a promotion
- Planning retirement or a move into business ownership
Who Karen works with
Karen coaches new executives, mid-career leaders and leaders who are ending their careers. Some clients come through their employer, and others hire her for private career coaching.
How Karen works
Karen starts by getting to know the client and often uses assessments. She then builds a plan of action with the client. The work focuses on what the client wants, the present and the future. It also builds self-awareness and personal responsibility. She uses tools such as a delegation checklist. Her Great Workplaces associate coaching program supports organizations that want to keep their best people.
Background and qualifications
Karen Gulliford holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.Ed. in Adult Learning and Human Resources Development from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation. She is also certified in Conflict Dynamics Profile, Entrepreneurial Mindset and EQ 2.0. Her past roles include interim HR director at Virginia State University, HR consultant at Titan Gallagher, career coach at the University of Richmond, career transition coach at Right Management and HR leader at Wolters Kluwer Health. She served on the International Coach Federation of Virginia board from 2014 to 2016.
Karen Gulliford pricing
Programs and services
- One-on-one executive coaching
- Associate coaching program for organizations
- Private career coaching
- Organizational development and HR consulting
- Free consultation
Karen Gulliford reviews
The CoachVouch take
Combines executive coaching with years of hands-on HR leadership, including a role as interim HR director at Virginia State University.
Best for executives and HR leaders who want coaching on management, culture and career moves from someone with HR experience.
Common questions
How much does Karen Gulliford charge?
Coaching with Karen runs $170 to $240 an hour. Message Karen from this page for an exact quote.
What does Karen Gulliford help with?
Karen Gulliford helps with improving management effectiveness, building trust and sustainable culture change, handling conflict in the workplace and improving presentation skills and body language.
Is Karen Gulliford certified?
Karen Gulliford lists: Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coach Federation; M.Ed., Adult Learning/Human Resources Development; B.S. Psychology; Conflict Dynamics Profile certified; Entrepreneurial Mindset certified; Emotional Intelligence (EQ 2.0) certified.
Does Karen Gulliford work with organizations as well as individuals?
Yes. Her firm, Great Workplaces, offers organizational development, HR strategy and an associate coaching program. She also offers private career coaching for individuals.
Can Karen help with a move into leadership or retirement?
Yes. Her career coaching helps people handle an internal promotion, move into leadership, retire or start a business.
How do I contact Karen Gulliford?
Send Karen a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.