About
I believe work should be better. And we can make it that way.
Most workplace suffering isn’t a personal failure. It’s what happens when systems, cultures, and leadership habits go unexamined for too long. I built Candid because I believe that needs to change — from both sides of the equation.
Who I Work With
I work with two kinds of people:
- People who are living inside difficult systems and trying to survive them with their confidence and careers intact.
- And people with the power to change those systems — managers and leaders who want to lead differently but aren’t always sure where to start.
Both deserve support. Both deserve honesty. And neither should have to navigate it alone.
How I Work
My approach draws on positive psychology, organizational research, and trauma-informed practice. I believe that emotional intelligence isn’t just a fixed trait — it’s state-dependent. When we’re regulated and supported, we can access our best thinking and leadership. When we’re not, all the skills training in the world won’t stick.
That means I don’t just teach frameworks. I help people build the internal conditions where real growth becomes possible.
About Me
Kate Larsen
I’m a certified professional coach and self-described psychology nerd with nearly two decades of experience across construction, local government, nonprofit youth work, law enforcement, and leadership coaching.
I’ve facilitated training for groups large and small, built programs from scratch, led teams, and interviewed and hired hundreds of people across my career. I’ve seen what strong leadership looks like up close — and I’ve seen what happens when organizations normalize dynamics that quietly break people down.
I built Candid because I wanted to do this work in a way that’s honest, practical, and actually useful — for the people doing it and the people around them.
A note for first responders
If you’ve been wondering whether you can find a coach who can handle what you’re carrying — I’ve got you. And if it’s more than coaching can hold, we’ll find the right resources together. You’re not alone in this, and you never had to be.
Values
These values aren’t aspirational. They’re operational — they shape every coaching conversation, every recommendation, and every interaction.
Integrity
We lead with honesty, accountability, transparency, and alignment between our words and actions.
Curiosity
We lead with questions, not assumptions — creating space for learning, reflection, and new possibilities.
Authenticity
We value real conversations and full-spectrum humanity. Growth happens when people can show up as themselves.
Clarity
We help teams and individuals get clear on what matters — values, direction, roles, and expectations.
Psychological Safety
We create environments where people feel respected, heard, and safe to take risks, speak honestly, and grow.
Sustainable Growth
We support progress that lasts — grounded in intention, paced for people, and aligned with purpose.
Let’s find out if we’re a good fit.
A free 30-minute discovery call is where we start. No pitch, no pressure — just an honest conversation about where you are and where you’re trying to go.