Katie Hird, CPC, ELI-MP
Katie Hird, CPC, ELI-MP is a human-centered leader, transitions coach, and keynote speaker based in the Austin, Texas metropolitan area. She is the Founder and CEO of Pivotal Transformations, LLC, where she works with individuals and organizations to navigate career and life transitions through coaching, workshops, and leadership development programs. Her work emphasizes the importance of human connection and interpersonal skills in modern workplaces, particularly as people adapt to rapidly changing professional environments.
With more than a decade of experience in human resources, talent development, and corporate learning, she has held progressive roles at organizations such as HP and Dell Technologies, focusing on onboarding, global learning, and leadership development. Much of her early career centered on supporting Gen Z employees entering the workforce and helping organizations build stronger talent pipelines. After years in corporate environments, she made a deliberate shift into entrepreneurship and coaching, driven by a desire to focus more directly on individual growth and human-centered leadership development.
Katie holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Idaho and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. She is also a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP) through iPEC Coaching. Her areas of specialization include transition coaching across life and career stages, leadership development, Gen Z onboarding and talent strategy, and one-on-one coaching and workshops designed to strengthen adaptability, communication, and resilience.
• Certified Professional Coach
• Energy Leadership™ Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP)
• Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach
• SHRM-CP
• Western Governors University - MS
• Award of Excellence for Programming
• Georgetown Chamber of Commerce
• Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter supporter
• Local food bank donations
• Community fundraiser donations
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of humility, continuous learning, and the willingness to take on new challenges. I started my career by getting my foot in the door in human resources through someone who believed in me, and I’ve continued to build on that foundation through progressive education, including a master’s in management and leadership and a Certified Professional Coach credential through iPEC. Along the way, I’ve been shaped by mentors and coaches from different backgrounds and perspectives, as well as my own belief in growth and potential. I’ve also learned the importance of taking calculated risks and raising my hand for opportunities outside my comfort zone, which has allowed me to gain valuable experience that continues to influence how I lead and work with others today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to build and learn from a diverse network of mentors rather than relying on a single perspective. I’ve intentionally surrounded myself with mentors across different life stages and experiences—including Gen Z mentors and women leaders—which has broadened how I think and lead. That network of mentors and supporters has significantly shaped who I am today and how I run my business. Their guidance, combined with my own willingness to learn, has helped me build the confidence to take calculated risks, step into new opportunities, and continue growing throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to not be afraid to take calculated risks and to confidently raise your hand for opportunities that may fall outside your current expertise. Some of the most valuable growth in my career has come from stepping into projects and roles that were outside my comfort zone, which ultimately taught me lessons I’ve carried with me throughout my career. I would also encourage a commitment to continuous learning and development, both within and beyond your day-to-day work. Staying curious, open, and willing to grow has been a major part of my journey and continues to shape who I am today.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field is preserving the human side of work in an increasingly digital world. As technology grows, interactions can become transactional, so there’s a real need to stay intentional about connection. I’m passionate about reminding us that we’re humans first, working in a digital space, and that meaningful relationships are key to long-term success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are people, community, and authentic connection. I’m passionate about supporting others and building strong, caring communities where people feel a sense of belonging and purpose. I focus on prioritizing the human side of work over transactional interactions, especially in a digital world, and strive to build a genuine network rooted in mutual support, where people uplift one another.