March 3, 2025

From Corporate Burnout to Purpose-Driven Success: Lessons from Karen Evers

From Corporate Burnout to Purpose-Driven Success: Lessons from Karen Evers

Running a business comes with challenges, but it also brings opportunities for growth and transformation. In this episode of Business Growth Talks, host Mark Hayward sits down with HR leader and entrepreneur Karen Evers to explore her journey from corporate burnout to building a thriving HR consultancy. If you've ever felt stuck in your career or wondered how to scale your business without sacrificing your well-being, this conversation is for you.

The Turning Point: Leaving Corporate America

After spending 25 years in corporate HR, Karen found herself feeling unfulfilled. The large enterprise environment had turned into a numbers game, with less focus on people and more emphasis on risk mitigation. This disconnect from her passion led her to a period of deep burnout.

"Burnout isn’t about how much you work," Karen explains. "It’s about whether you're aligned with your purpose."

Rather than continuing down a path that no longer excited her, Karen took a leap of faith. In 2022, she founded Human Smarts, a fractional HR consultancy dedicated to helping small businesses manage talent, compliance, and workplace culture. Her transition wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for her growth and fulfillment.

Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

1. The Power of a Business Mindset
Karen emphasizes that understanding business fundamentals is crucial, even in people-centric roles like HR. "You can’t create a strong workforce without first understanding how a business operates," she says. She encourages professionals to continuously educate themselves on strategy, leadership, and financial management.

2. Navigating Difficult Conversations
One of the biggest struggles business owners face is managing tough conversations, whether it’s about underperformance, restructuring roles, or letting employees go. Karen advises that postponing these discussions only leads to bigger problems. "Procrastinating difficult conversations is not like fine wine—it doesn’t get better with time," she warns. Learning how to address challenges head-on can prevent workplace toxicity and inefficiency.

3. From Generalists to Specialists
Many small businesses start with a handful of employees wearing multiple hats. While this is necessary in the early stages, there comes a time when specialization is key to growth. Karen works with companies to identify each employee’s strengths and help them transition into roles that align with their skills and passions. "What got us here won’t get us there," she notes, emphasizing the importance of structure as businesses expand.

4. Building a Business Through Relationships and Referrals
Unlike traditional marketing strategies, Karen’s business thrives on referrals. "Networking isn’t about meeting the most people—it’s about meeting the right people," she explains. By cultivating meaningful relationships with business leaders and referral partners, she has built a steady stream of clients who trust her expertise.

Scaling with Purpose

Karen’s vision for Human Smarts isn’t just about revenue growth; it’s about making a real impact. She aims to build a team of HR professionals who share her people-first approach, ensuring small businesses receive high-touch, white-glove HR support. Her advice for fellow entrepreneurs? Focus on profitability, but never at the expense of your mission and values.

Final Thoughts

Karen’s journey is a testament to the power of alignment, resilience, and passion. Her transition from corporate burnout to purpose-driven entrepreneurship serves as an inspiration for business owners looking to create work that truly fulfills them.

If you want to dive deeper into Karen’s insights, listen to the full episode on Business Growth Talks and connect with her through the links below.

Connect with Karen Evers:

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