Growing up down the road from O’hare Airport, 9/11 was the first day I truly heard silence. It sparked confusion, curiosity, and determination: I knew then my career would be in national security. I’m very fortunate to have an incredible career with some unbelievable stories - as I know many of you do too. It is challenging, fulfilling, bureaucratically frustrating, and impactful all at once. I love it.
professional Coach,
national security VP, Mom, and Chocolate Lover
I’m Kristyn,
and I’m Glad You’re Here
An amazing mentor and senior leader in the national security community - my trusted guide - helped me map out my own career roadmap and what it would take to get there. I combined my newfound self-awareness with my new career roadmap, left my job, and now I’m a VP and a small business owner. I love both of my jobs, and I love the flexibility and support they give me for my personal life. I became a coach so I can help others achieve what I have - a career they love with fulfillment and mission impact, a great benefits package, and the flexibility to enjoy their personal life.
Like so many in the field, working night shifts and crisis accounts, trying to pay student loans, a mortgage, and childcare got tough. And then there was the career plateau. Working hard, winning awards, but not getting promoted. Stuck. I wanted to be a leader and continue advancing, and I needed to earn more money and have greater flexibility for myself and my family. What was I doing wrong? And how did I fix it?
A wonderful career coach entered my life, helped me improve my self-awareness (hello blindspots!), and showed me that my values, preferences, and work style were in conflict with my organization.
I’m a mom to two beautiful children.
I once got made fun of by Jay Leno at the Concours d'Elegance.
I learned how to scuba dive in the Red Sea.
Yes, if you Google me, you’ll see I used to compete in pageants and was Mrs. Virginia USA and a national titleholder. Trust me, those skills will benefit you.
Facts About Me
My favorite foods are guac + chips and mint chocolate chip ice cream (although Hu hazelnut chocolate is a close second there).
I’ve been crowd surfing - and yes, I made it all the way to the stage.
I studied Arabic as my second language and lived in Cairo for a year.
I’m an ENTJ, I love creating the future and I like to get sh*t done.
I also hold a Project Management Professional credential, Certificate in Cyber Risk Management, a Master’s in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies, and a Bachelor’s in International Studies.
My experience and expertise as a corporate Vice President, small business owner, public servant, non-profit board member, professional coach, and mother enables a deep understanding of the challenges facing mid-career professionals.
I'm mission-driven, energetic, and results-oriented. I have a National Intelligence Award to prove it.
I hold a Professional Certificate in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-being from George Mason University and provide strategic career management services for current and emerging leaders in the national security and defense industry.
