Women in Leadership | Karen Schumacher

Karen Schumacher, owner of Crescendo Leadership Development, understands what goes into being a business owner, a volunteer, an executive and personal coach, as well as a mom and stepmom. She has inspired and empowered thousands of people to achieve their goals and work through obstacles holding them back through one-on-one coaching, her training workshops, and through her speaking engagements. Karen has partnered with hundreds of companies across the United States for organizational and leadership development since starting her company in 2013.

Karen is a keynote speaker, leadership instructor, and executive coach focused on organizational, leadership, and individual development. She has over 25 years of experience in learning and development, talent management, organizational development, as well as performance and career coaching. Her mission is simple: to grow others. She helps others turn their learning into action.

Karen is a Lead Trainer for Real Colors® Personality Instrument. Since first becoming certified in 2003, Karen has introduced over 20,000 people to Real Colors and has helped change organizations and people as they learn how to be more effective in communicating, partnering, and leading others. She is certified in DDI and Six Sigma; is a certified Executive Coach, recognized through the International Coaching Federation; and in 2016 became a John Maxwell certified trainer, coach, and speaker. She is a 2011 graduate from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Leadership for Five Seasons program. In 2017, Karen was recognized in her community as a Women of Achievement in Leadership through Waypoint Services. Her first book, "More than Your Mindset" was published in June 2022.

Beyond her professional life, Karen has been a volunteer in her community serving on such boards and committees such as Aiming for a Cure; President of the local chapter for Association for Talent Development; chaired the National Council on Youth Leadership; dedicated ten years as a Youth Leader for Junior High and High School students; and participated on the United Way’s Women’s Leadership committee, and Zach Johnson’s Kids on Course. She is involved in Marion Chamber's Leadership in Action, Waypoint Services Women of Achievement Committee, is a Make-A-Wish Wish Granter, and in March 2023 was voted to be on the YMCA board.