Your Systems Are Speaking.
Are You Listening?

Structure. Simplicity. Sustainability.

You’ve built something great—but lately, it’s starting to feel like the business is running you. The systems haven’t kept up. The financials are tight. Your team is stretched thin. I help CEOs fix what’s breaking behind the scenes—so their systems, finances, and team can finally work together and scale with confidence.

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Meet Karen

I wasn’t always a consultant. I was in the trenches—working inside a startup, wearing too many hats, and trying to build systems while doing the work at the same time.

I remember being asked to create a project plan and design documentation for a new client. There were no templates. No standard processes. Nothing to build on. So I created it all from scratch. What started as a workaround became the foundation for every project after that—saving time, improving quality, and training the team.

That moment stuck with me. Because I saw how much energy businesses waste trying to reinvent the wheel, recover from dropped balls, or work around broken systems. I saw how quickly growth can break things when you don’t have the right foundation.

Today, I help CEOs simplify what’s behind the scenes—so they can scale with confidence, protect their profits, and build a business that doesn’t depend on their constant involvement. My work blends financial clarity, operational systems, and people-centered leadership, because real sustainability takes more than one lever. It takes alignment. 

It’s Not Just What You Fix—It’s How

I don’t just fix workflows or layer on technology—I build structural integrity into your business.

That means we don’t treat symptoms—we solve root issues. I work at the intersection of systems, financial clarity, and people strategy, because everything in a business is connected. A cash flow issue might be caused by a clunky delivery process. A team performance gap might be the result of poor system design. If you try to scale one area without supporting the others, things break.

That’s why I don’t offer one-size-fits-all frameworks or tech-first quick fixes. I help you build a strong, self-sustaining business that performs under pressure—one that can grow without depending on your constant presence to hold it all together.

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Who I Work With

My clients are smart, values-driven CEOs who care deeply about the business they’ve built—and the people behind it. They’ve grown fast, but now the cracks are starting to show. The systems are strained. The financial picture feels foggy. And their team is stretched thinner than they’d like to admit. These leaders don’t need more hustle or another shiny tool—they need clarity, alignment, and a trusted partner who can help them build a business that actually works.

You might be a good fit if…

Karen Hairston 3s Smart Consulting About us check mark Icon You’re leading a small but growing business in the tech or services industries
Karen Hairston 3s Smart Consulting About us check mark Icon Revenue is up, but profitability and peace of mind are down
Karen Hairston 3s Smart Consulting About us check mark Icon You’ve outgrown the DIY systems that got you here
Karen Hairston 3s Smart Consulting About us check mark Icon You care about your team and want to build a business that works for everyone
Karen Hairston 3s Smart Consulting About us check mark Icon You’re ready to fix what’s not working—with solutions that go deeper than dashboards or downloads

Core Values

Values aren’t just about culture—they show up in the systems you build, the decisions you make, and the kind of business you become. These six core values shape how I help leaders scale with integrity.

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Professional Highlights & Affiliations

I bring a mix of hands-on experience and big-picture thinking to every engagement. I’ve led systems, training, and operations projects for startups, state agencies, and Fortune 500 companies—including Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Motorola, and Rockwell Collins. I’ve also worked closely with organizations like Michigan State University, the State of Michigan, and ASCD.

Along the way, I’ve earned credentials like PMP® certification and the Clear Path to Cash™ Professional Certification, and I’ve been honored with awards including the Brandon Hall Gold Medal for eLearning design. My insights on systems and profitability have been featured in the Small Business Association of Michigan’s Focus publication, as well as the Expert in You magazine and podcast.

Previously, I served as Chairperson of the Education Work Group for the XR Association, helping shape the future of learning and technology in business and education.

Let’s Talk

Ready to simplify what’s behind the scenes—and finally scale with confidence?
Scaling shouldn’t come at the cost of your time, team, or peace of mind. If you’re ready to fix what’s not working under the surface, I’d love to help. Book a free strategy session and let’s build the foundation your business needs to grow.

Want to see how I help clients stop growing broke and scale sustainably?