
It nearly broke me as a Director and then as a Managing Director.
By 28, I had a career that looked great on paper: the title, the team, the 6-figure salary.
I was leading 7-figure programs, speaking on stages, and partnering with brands like Google, Subaru, and PayPal.
On paper? Killing it. In reality? Every decision, problem, and fire drill ran through me.
I was always "on,” pulled into everything, the default decision-maker. I was running on fumes and calling it ambition.


One work-filled weekend, I was flat on my back staring up at the ceiling, thinking: What the hell am I doing while all my friends are skiing?
My husband walked in and said, "Karissa joked you're a figment of my imagination because you're never around."
That gutted me, and it made me realize the harsh truth:
Work got my best hours & I had nothing left for me & those I love
I wasn’t leading in a way I’d want anyone else to live
I wasn’t sleeping, and my marriage was absorbing my stress
Leadership that depends on constant effort breaks… and it usually breaks the leader first.

One work-filled weekend, I was flat on my bed staring at the ceiling, thinking: What the hell am I doing?
My husband walked in: "Karissa joked you're a figment of my imagination because you're never around."
That gutted me, and it made me realize the harsh truth:
Work got my best hours & I had nothing left for me & those I love
I wasn’t leading in a way I’d want anyone else to live
I wasn’t sleeping, and my marriage was absorbing my stress
Leadership that depends on constant effort breaks… and it usually breaks the leader first.


I was stuck in the weeds, pulled into every decision, with no space to think strategically or lead at the level I knew I was capable of. Working with Alli helped me trust my team, let go of control, and shift how I lead. I was promoted to Senior Director, expanded my team by four members, took on an additional $2M revenue-generating program, and regained time and energy to be fully present at work and at home.


Before The Elevate Lab, leadership meant being “always on.” I felt responsible for holding everything together, responding to everything, and carrying more than was sustainable. The Elevate Lab helped me set clear boundaries, protect what matters most, and change habits that were draining my energy. I now start my days with intention, make space for joy and family, and lead in a way that feels aligned and sustainable. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress and knowing you’re worth it.


I went from an overwhelmed manager to a strategic leader, and landed a 29% raise in the process. Before working with Alli, I was buried in the weeds, saying yes to everything, and unsure how to use my leadership voice. She helped me shift into true leadership, build systems I trust, and start pitching my ideas with confidence.


I was able to get my VP work done by 9:30 am for the first time in a long time, and started a newsletter I'd been dreaming about for years. If you’re looking for a program that helps you overcome everyday struggles while continuing to grow personally and professionally, I can’t recommend this enough.

I used to feel guilty about taking time off & practiced "secret self-care." I also had to catch endless requests from leadership, and could be timid in my approach to shaping conversations with higher-ups. After working with Alli, I openly model self-care as part of my team culture, triage projects to focus on those that create the most impact, and have stepped into my power & influence, which means I'm confidently shaping conversations with my boss & skip-level.

As a department head facing a high-stakes, emotionally complex decision, I turned to Alli for support, and I’m so glad I did. Alli provided clarity and steadiness that enabled me to move from indecision to confident action. If you're a senior leader navigating complexity or change, Alli is an invaluable thought partner to help you gain clarity and move forward with alignment.

I joined Alli’s pilot program as a job seeker and quickly realized it was exactly what I’d been needing. The small, supportive community helped me feel less alone in my career journey, and the exercises pushed me to think differently and define what success looks like for me. The Elevate Lab gave me clarity, confidence, and practical approaches that fit my values. The group conversations opened new perspectives, helped me set healthier boundaries, and supported habits that truly stick.
If you are:
Stuck in reactive days/nonstop meetings
Feeling you must "earn" the role you already have
Ready to reclaim strategic leadership in your current role
Doing work that shouldn't be yours
Your next level doesn't come from working harder. It comes from leading differently.
We'll map your CEO-to-Strategic path in one conversation.

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Helping women directors & above step out of the Chief Everything Officer role and into strategic, high-impact leadership.