About US

 

Kristen Brun Sharkey, ACC

Founder AND Executive Coach

 

meet the Founder

Hi, I’m Kristen Brun Sharkey.

I spent the first 15 years of my career leading teams in ad tech and marketing, at companies ranging from large corporations (Yahoo/Verizon and Hearst) to a 10-person startup. I became a people manager within the first two years of my career, and quickly realized that the most fulfilling part of my job was developing, mentoring and coaching members of my team. Shortly after that I started facilitating trainings and workshops through both my leadership role at work and running the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of Levo League, a network for young female professionals.

The other component of Emboldify clicked when I took my first improv class in November 2016. Not only did I fall head over heels in love with the art form, community and sheer fun of improv, but I also realized I was learning skills that impacted all areas of my life - especially work. I became more confident, was able to think more clearly on my feet, had greater self-awareness and empathy, was more present in the moment, and felt more creative than I had been since I was a child.

I started Emboldify to help other professionals and leaders learn these same skills without investing the time and courage necessary for a 6-week improv class. Through coaching and training sessions, we empower leaders to better engage their teams, develop innovative solutions and execute change effectively in this dynamic world.

I’m an ICF-credentialed coach (considered the gold standard) as well as a Board Certified Coach. I have a Master’s degree in Management, Strategy and Leadership from Michigan State University in addition to an undergraduate business degree from the University of Southern California. I’m also a certified practitioner with the Applied Improvisation Network and a Certified Consultant for the Big Five Workplace assessments.

You can regularly catch me performing with my improv team Required Taste in San Francisco and at festivals across the country. You’re also likely to find me skiing, crocheting, trying new restaurants, reading, listening to podcasts or hanging out at home with my fiancé and our two cats.

credentials

 

Certifications

  • Associate Certified Coach (ACC) - International Coaching Federation (ICF)

  • Board Certified Coach (BCC) - Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE)

  • Certified Executive Coach (CEC) - Center for Executive Coaching

  • Practitioner - Applied Improvisation Network (AIN)

  • Member - International Coaching Federation (ICF)

  • Certified Big Five Workplace Consultant - Paradigm Personality Labs

Education

  • MS, Management, Strategy & Leadership - Michigan State University

  • BS, Business Administration - University of Southern California

Leadership Roles

  • Director of Supply Acquisition - Yahoo/Verizon

  • Director of Client Services - Manifest, Inc.

  • Sr. Associate Director, Search Media - iCrossing/Hearst Corporation

  • Co-President, Board of Directors - Oakland Youth Chorus

  • Board Member, Team Fox SF - Michael J. Fox Foundation

  • SF Bay Area Chapter Leader - Levo League

What Clients Are Saying

  • Kristen's empathetic approach and keen understanding of leadership dynamics have made her the perfect partner in tackling some of the toughest challenges I've faced as an executive. She goes above and beyond to understand unique challenges and offers tailored solutions that lead to tangible results. Partnering with Kristen brings a deep understanding of leadership dynamics and a coaching relationship that leaves a lasting impact on your personal and professional journey.

    — Rebecca Yang, VP of Engineering

  • Kristen helped me make the transition into thinking more deeply and developing strategies to engage staff in quality learning and conversations. I was able to put into place these changes, a safety net to hold myself accountable, and provide a safe space for staff to thoroughly share their thoughts and ideas while making valuable decisions. Kristen was very personable and the sessions were directly related to my interests and needs.

    —Karla Mancini, Community Programs Director

  • Kristen is a great coach. She coached me over several sessions and helped me work through several issues that were causing me difficulty. These are two examples: (1) she helped me develop a plan to navigate a difficult founder conflict scenario, and (2) she helped me prepare for a stressful offsite facilitation. Kristen does a great job of asking really smart questions that help me think about my problems in new ways. She brings thoughtfulness and insight to her coaching practice. I highly recommend working with her.

    —Dave Schappel, Startup Advisor and Investor

  • Kristen’s exercises and discussions were eye-opening and refocused me on the “Why” I spend my time in certain ways, not just on the “How." Her gentle questioning also led me to identify practices to prioritize and be more effective with my time (which I am still using today). She’s also full of nuggets of wisdom and has a very calming presence.

    —Theresa Dykoschak, Attorney

SCHEDULE A CALL