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Meet Kate
Culture Isn't a Perk. It's Your Strategy.
I’ve spent my career helping leaders and organizations build people-first cultures where performance, connection, and growth can thrive.
As the Founder and Chief People Officer of Kate McKinnon HR Solutions, I partner with organizations—especially in sports, entertainment, and high-growth environments—to develop leadership development initiatives, strengthen HR strategy, and create workplaces where people actually want to stay and grow.
With more than 15 years of experience leading People teams across various industries, I bring both strategic insight and real-world experience to every engagement. As the former Head of Human Resources at Playfly Sports, I led the People function during a period of rapid growth—helping scale the organization from 200 to 1,000 employees while earning recognition as a Most Loved Workplace and one of the Best Employers in Sports.
But what drives me most isn’t just organizational success... it’s people.
My Approach
I’ve interviewed and hired thousands of candidates, built and scaled HR strategies, and worked alongside leaders navigating real business challenges. That experience shapes everything I do—grounded, practical, and focused on what actually works for enhancing organizational culture.
Whether I’m coaching an executive in leadership development, advising a leadership team, or working with someone at the very start of their career, my approach is the same: meet people where they are, help them see what’s possible, and give them the tools to get there.
I’m especially passionate about bridging the gap between classroom and career. Through my From Classroom to Career Bootcamp™ and upcoming book, I’m focused on helping the next generation of talent start strong—while equipping leaders with the tools to engage, develop, and retain them effectively.
At the heart of it all is one belief: when people feel valued, trusted, and supported, they do their best work.
When people thrive, organizations succeed.
Building People-First Cultures
Some of my best leadership development lessons have come from my CHO, Chloe. Her resilience, presence, and ability to find joy—even in the hardest moments—continue to shape how I think about leadership, organizational culture, and what it truly means to show up for others. While she’s no longer with me, her impact on our HR strategy is still very much a part of this work and this company.
