About Karen
Karen May is an organizational psychologist and former Google VP of People Development known for her pioneering work in leadership development and talent management, contributing to Best Practice Institute's insights on cultivating thriving workplaces.
Who is Karen May?
Karen May is a distinguished organizational psychologist with over two decades of experience in leadership development, change management, and executive coaching. She is recognized for her significant contributions to talent strategy, particularly during her tenure as Vice President of People Development at Google.
Throughout her career, May has applied psychological principles to enhance organizational effectiveness, focusing on how individuals and teams can achieve their full potential. Her work has influenced talent and leadership practices across various sectors, including Fortune 100 companies.
Quick facts about Karen May
| Role | Organizational Psychologist, Executive Partner |
| Company | Executive Coaching Connections LLC, Ace Hardware Corporation (Board), Alcon Inc. (Board) |
| Expertise | Leadership Development, Talent Management, Executive Coaching, Organizational Psychology, Change Management |
| Notable for | Former VP of People Development at Google, founding two management consulting firms |
| BPI affiliation | Expert Faculty member |
What is Karen May known for?
- Pioneering talent development at Google: Led global learning and development, leadership development, and talent management initiatives for over 50,000 Googlers across numerous international offices.
- Founding two management consulting firms: Established RedFish Consulting and co-founded Terranova Consulting Group, providing strategic guidance to Fortune 100 companies.
- Expertise in organizational psychology: Applied industrial and organizational psychology principles to address complex workplace challenges.
- Executive coaching and leadership development: Guided leaders through strategic planning, conflict resolution, and change management processes.
- Integrating mindfulness in professional development: Explored and advocated for the role of mindfulness and meditation in personal and professional growth.
What is Karen May's background and experience?
Karen May's extensive career began with a strong academic foundation, earning a B.A. in Psychology from Mills College, followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from U.C. Berkeley. This academic rigor provided the basis for her practical applications in organizational behavior and leadership.
Prior to joining Google in 2010, May spearheaded two management consulting firms. As president and owner of RedFish Consulting and a principal and co-founder of Terranova Consulting Group, she consulted for Fortune 100 companies across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Her consulting work encompassed strategic planning, executive coaching, leadership development, conflict resolution, and change management. At Google, she oversaw a global team that implemented diverse developmental offerings, including executive coaching, new hire onboarding, and peer-to-peer instruction. Her approach at Google emphasized collaborative, interactive, and technology-integrated learning experiences, often incorporating social media and gaming components to suit various learning styles.
What topics does Karen May speak and write about?
Karen May's insights focus on the intersection of human psychology and organizational effectiveness. She frequently addresses how companies can cultivate robust leadership pipelines and foster a culture of continuous learning.
Her discussions often revolve around the practical implementation of learning programs, emphasizing innovative approaches that leverage technology and promote active engagement. She also explores broader themes of talent management, career development, and the strategic importance of employee well-being, including the role of mindfulness in the workplace. Her past presentations, such as "Lessons in Guiding People and Teams," highlight her commitment to sharing actionable strategies for leadership and team development.
How does Karen May contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
As an Expert Faculty member of the Best Practice Institute, Karen May contributes her deep knowledge in organizational psychology and talent development directly to BPI's mission of identifying and disseminating best practices. Her experience in scaling talent initiatives at a global technology leader like Google provides invaluable insights for BPI's members seeking to optimize their own human capital strategies.
May's expertise aligns with the principles of the Most Loved Workplace® certification and the SPARK Model, which emphasize leadership, purpose, and acknowledgment in creating highly engaged work environments. Her practical wisdom helps BPI members understand how to implement effective leadership development programs and build workplaces where employees can thrive.
Where can you learn more from Karen May?
You can explore additional insights from Karen May through the Best Practice Institute's resources and by reviewing her contributions to discussions on organizational psychology and leadership development. Her public profiles and past speaking engagements offer further perspectives on building effective teams and fostering talent.