Karin Zezza

Managing Director, Consultant

Karin Zezza is a leadership consultant with over 25 years of experience in executive coaching, leadership training, performance management, organizational development, team dynamics, succession planning, and change management. She is currently a Managing Partner of Side Tilt, a consulting firm based in Virginia. Karin serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Richmond’s Executive Education Department and their School of Professional and Continuing Studies. She also works with the Virginia Community College Workforce Alliance.

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Before starting Side Tilt in 2005, Karin worked for Capital One in Richmond, VA as an Organizational Effectiveness Manager and Human Resources Consultant. Prior to that, Karin was a Human Resources Manager at Merck Pharmaceuticals in northern NJ. While in graduate school, Karin developed a competency model for project managers at Eli Lilly in Indianapolis. Karin began her career at The Forum Corporation, a training and consulting firm, working in both Boston and New York City.

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Clients recognize Karin for her commitment to people, her ability to establish trust quickly, and working to bring out the best in each individual. Karin uses organization and structure to simplify complicated issues which ensures active learning and application. Karin facilitates and coaches with a blend of realism and optimism. Karin speaks from experience when it comes to dealing with tough issues; she’s able to motivate and inspire others by demonstrating respect and compassion for others. Karin believes that the most effective leaders focus on others first, bring out the best in their employees, and help them to reach their full potential.

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In her experience, Karin has developed and facilitated numerous leadership training courses on topics such as:  Creating a Growth Mindset, Demonstrating Executive Presence, Navigating through Times of Ambiguity & Change, Motivating Others to High Performance, and Delegating to Natural Strengths.

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Karin lives in the Richmond, VA area and enjoys learning and growing with her husband and business partner, Jim Zezza (also with Elements). As they approach their empty-nest phase of life, Karin and Jim appreciate any time that their “not so little’” kids join them for tennis, pickleball, or card games. Karin and Jim also enjoy watching (no longer coaching) their daughter’s volleyball team and going on walks with their extremely extroverted Golden Doodle, Maple.