Kate McKinnon went from aspiring criminal profiler to leading HR for one of the fastest-growing companies in sports - Playfly Sports. In this episode of Bright Ideas, host Jess Duemig dives into Kate’s dynamic career path, from behavioral health to sales, to building HR teams in healthcare and sports. Learn how curiosity, people-first leadership, and the ability to adapt fueled Kate’s journey - and how she now empowers others through her own consulting practice.

Kate’s journey into sports wasn't planned - but it was perfectly aligned. Starting in behavioral health, transitioning into corporate sales, and then pivoting into HR, Kate built a toolkit rooted in relationship-building, adaptability, and servant leadership. When the opportunity to work at Playfly Sports arose, she jumped at the chance to merge her professional skillset with her personal passion for sports. What followed was a meteoric rise, helping grow the company from under 200 to over 1,000 employees.

Kate and Jess dig into what it really takes to build successful teams in sports. From promoting curiosity and enthusiasm over rigid credentials, to dealing with burnout and post-COVID workplace expectations, they explore how hiring the right humans - not just résumés - creates thriving companies. Kate also speaks candidly about how HR professionals have been stretched in new ways since 2020, navigating everything from vaccine mandates to diversity training, often without formal preparation.

Now running her own firm, Kate McKinnon HR Solutions, she helps companies and individuals align people strategy with business strategy. From leadership coaching to DEI programs, she’s creating lasting impact across industries. Whether you're early in your career or leading teams in sports, this episode offers fresh, grounded wisdom on how to succeed and stay human while doing it.

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