In complex organizations, career growth rarely follows a straight line. The opportunities that build leadership capacity often arrive as stretch assignments, unfamiliar responsibilities, cross-functional work, or transitions that require professionals to lead before they feel fully ready.

In this interactive session, Dr. Karalee Picard explores how intentional stretch experiences can strengthen strategic judgment, expand influence, and prepare professionals for larger leadership roles. Participants will gain practical ways to approach uncertainty, challenge limiting assumptions, and make more purposeful decisions about their next career move.

Through a blend of real-world stories, guided reflection, and discussion, participants will identify a current growth opportunity and leave with greater clarity about how to pursue it, build the right support, and take a meaningful next step.

Speaker: Dr. Karalee Picard

Dr. Karalee Picard is a strategic decision-making consultant, executive coach, nonprofit executive, and university faculty member. With over two decades of experience as a former GS-15 defense intelligence professional and Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, she has honed her ability to influence within complex organizations.

Through her company, Insight Leadership Consulting, she helps leaders clarify priorities and complexity into actionable strategies. She is also the author of an upcoming book, The Strategic Translator, which explores how leaders translate complexity into strategic clarity, sound decisions, and aligned execution.