Karalee Picard

About Karalee Picard

Partners with nonprofit and government leaders to design visioning and strategic planning processes that align mission, stakeholders, and resources around a clear, multi-year roadmap for impact.Facilitates inclusive strategy sessions and retreats that translate big-picture aspirations into focused goals, measurable outcomes, and practical implementation plans tailored to complex public-sector and community contexts-As a transformational leader with over 25 years of service in defense and intelligence, I specialize in helping teams overcome fear and find their voice—even in the most complex, high-stakes bureaucracies. Early in my career, I witnessed talented professionals hesitate to speak up, silenced by unspoken rules and risk-averse cultures. Determined to change this, I championed psychological safety with a simple premise: true collaboration begins when people feel safe to be themselves, challenge assumptions, and offer new solutions.​Whether coaching Navy intelligence officers or guiding multi-agency teams at DIA and Strategic Command, I created environments where trust and accountability flourished. Through inclusive training, candid feedback, and resilience-building workshops, I helped teams shift from silence and uncertainty to open dialogue and collective problem-solving—resulting in historic funding wins, measurable engagement gains, and a 75% promotion rate in systems designed to resist change.​Recognized by leaders at the highest levels and honored with awards such as the ODNI\'s National Intelligence Superior Service Medal and DIA Director’s Women of Influence Award, my legacy is building cultures where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to lead. Today, as principal of Insight Leadership Consulting, I blend data-driven strategy, adaptive leadership, and a passion for belonging to help organizations energize their talent and master complexity. If you’re seeking a leader dedicated to unlocking potential, driving transformation, and ensuring every voice counts—I’d love to connect

Experience

1. CEO Founder

   Insight Leadership Consulting

   Aug 2022 — Present · Omaha, NE, US

Education

• National Intelligence University

  Geopolitical Studies

• Creighton University

  Lifestyle Medicine (Wellness Coaching), Health

• University of Cambridge

  Geopolitical Studies

• Webster University

  MA, International Relations

• Creighton University

  Doctor of Education - EdD, Interdisciplinary Leadership

• Harvard Kennedy School

  Senior Executive Fellowship, Leadership

• Concordia College

  BA, International Relations, Russia Studies

Skills

• National Security
• Military Operations
• Defense
• U.s. Department of Defense
• Intelligence Analysis