Q: How did you get started?
Kori Burkholder: My career journey has been far from linear, but each twist and turn has taught me invaluable lessons. I began as a music enthusiast with big dreams of working in the entertainment industry. That passion led me to chase down my dream roles at major record labels and entertainment companies, where I built a fulfilling career. Along the way, I realized that my purpose wasn’t just to land my dream job but it is to help others find theirs, too. I made the leap from employee to entrepreneur, transforming my side hustle into a career coaching practice. This shift allowed me to guide people through their career transitions, combining my experience in a competitive industry with a deep desire to empower others.
Q: What is your personal “Big Why” that keeps you motivated when things are tough?
Kori Burkholder: My “Big Why” is rooted in the belief that we all have the power to design careers that we love and align with our passions and values. It fuels me when I see someone break free from a job they hate, step into their potential, and begin to truly thrive. I’ve experienced the struggle of feeling stuck, but I’ve also experienced the joy of creating a career that fulfills me and makes an impact. That’s why I do what I do—I know firsthand what it feels like to break through those barriers, and I want to help others do the same. When things get tough, I remind myself of the people I’ve helped, the transformations I’ve witnessed, and the ripple effect those changes create in their lives.
Q: What advice would you give to a fellow leader with a Vision that is bigger than themselves?
Kori Burkholder: If you have a Vision that feels bigger than yourself, embrace it! Don’t shy away from it because it seems daunting. My advice is to take it one step at a time. Break that big vision down into smaller, actionable goals and work toward them consistently. At the same time, surround yourself with a community of people who believe in you and your mission. Having mentors, peers, and a support system can make all the difference when you’re leading something larger than life. Finally, keep learning and be open to growth. Flexibility and continuous development have been essential to my journey, and they’ll be essential to yours too. Remember, you don’t have to have everything figured out to make progress—just start.
Q: Who do you help with your work, and what are some of your success stories?
Kori Burkholder: I work with individuals at various stages of their career transitions, from passionate Gen Z professionals seeking purpose-driven careers to high-achieving Millennials looking for work-life balance or advancing into leadership roles. My clients come from diverse industries, such as entertainment, advertising, law, finance, and more.
One of my most rewarding success stories involved helping Michael, a 31-year-old stressed-out teacher, transition out of a career that no longer fulfilled him. Despite feeling stuck and doubting whether his skills were transferable, we worked together to redefine his career path, build his confidence, and uncover his strengths beyond teaching. Michael identified his knack for organizing and structuring, a skill he could leverage in new roles. After months of perseverance, strategic follow-ups, and refining his interview skills, Michael landed a new job as a School Operations Manager—giving him the fulfillment, balance, and joy he had been craving.
Another client, Hannah, an ambitious young professional, transitioned from feeling disconnected and stuck at her software company to landing her dream job. After four years in her role, the initial excitement had faded, replaced by the dreaded “Sunday scaries.” We worked together to clarify her values, map her career strategy, and build her confidence. Hannah took a much-needed sabbatical to reflect on her goals, revamped her resume with our step-by-step plan, and improved her interview skills. Her efforts paid off—Hannah secured two job offers and chose a role perfectly aligned with her values, starting on a meaningful date: April 1, her birthday.
These stories remind me of why I do what I do—it’s about helping people realize their potential and empowering them to make the changes that lead to fulfilling, purpose-driven careers.
