And my mission is to help you name your gifts, attain your goals and make light.
I'm a leadership coach and an author, holding a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Texas A&M University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center. I'm the former Chief Counsel of Landmark Graphics Corporation, one of the largest software companies in the oil and gas industry, as well as the former Chief of Staff of Halliburton Energy Services, a Fortune 200 corporation. I remain an active member of the State Bar of Texas.
All of these skills, combined with my passion for empowering others toward self-determination and leadership, helped me become one of 2016's 40 over 40 Women to Watch, as well as one of YWCA-Houston's 2016 Outstanding Women of the Year.
(Keep scrolling to learn more.)
First, I'm the creative mind behind Chookooloonks, an award-winning online publication on leadership, lifestyle and travel. First published in 2004, Chookooloonks is all about living with intention and a sense of adventure. Here, you'll learn what it means to thrive.
During the 16 years that Chookooloonks has been in existence, it has earned many accolades, including receiving the 2014 Iris Award for Best Photography, 2012 Top 100 Mom Blog and 2011 Top 50 Mom Blog from Babble.com, Best Eye Candy Blog 2010 of the 2010 BlogLuxe Awards; the 2010 Black Weblog Best Photoblog Award (Judge's Choice); and was a finalist in the 2011 Bloggies.
In addition, I'm a bestselling author, and have also contributed both photographs and essays to books on faith and self-expression. You can read all about it here.
And of course, I never tire of traveling all over the world capturing joy and light.
Second, I've spoken around the United States and abroad to individuals and organizations on the topic of thriving through leadership development, the magic of creativity, the value of cultural and racial diversity and inclusion, and the power of social media.
I'm a sought-after keynote and TEDx speaker, and I've spoken to small groups, as well as audiences comprised of thousands. I've appeared on both local and national television and other news media, including PBS, Huffington Post, CNN.com and The Oprah Winfrey Show. I've also won several awards, including the YWCA Houston Outstanding Woman Award.
I'm a proud and awestruck member of the ONE Girls & Women Advisory Board, a part of the ONE Campaign, a grassroots advocacy and campaigning organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease in developing countries, particularly in Africa.
And finally, through creativity and self-expression, I can help you discover your gifts, superpowers, and what it means to thrive.
I'm a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, having been trained in Brené Brown's work on vulnerability, courage, shame-resilience and worthiness. I'm also trained in positive psychology coaching from the Wholebeing Institute, using the science of well-being and research-based assessments and interventions to bring about greater satisfaction, purpose and fulfillment in life. Whether through one-on-one coaching, retreats and workshops or online courses, I can encourage you on your path to your own self-discovery. Through focused introspection, I'll help you create your own guideposts toward a more fulfilling life.
I'm originally from Trinidad & Tobago, but currently live in Houston, Texas with Marcus (my English husband), Alex (my American daughter), and Soca the WonderMutt.
kim thompson
digital strategist :: chief-of-staff
Kim began working with me in 2018, and she ensures everything around Chookooloonks HQ runs as smooth as a top. Rooted in home with a great love for the world and the passion to learn more about it, Kim assists with social media strategy and client relationships; she also plans, develops and helps execute Chookooloonks workshops, retreats and other in-person events. When she’s not making light here, she’s doing so with her husband Kevin at their amazing travel website, Journey & Play.
Feel free to contact Kim directly for any information about Chookooloonks products and services at kim@chookooloonks.com.
“Karen’s insightful coaching, her gift for storytelling with words, photography and art, her accessibility, humour and wit create a sense of belonging, affirmation and validation. You are in excellent hands!”