Dr. Kari Sulenes

Strategic Systems, Somatic Intelligence & Cultural Evolution

Get to know Kari

Dr. Kari Sulenes is a strategic systems coach and the founder of Heartwood Collective. She works with founders, executives, and teams to evolve how they work together—transforming organizations into systems of healing and high performance.

Kari holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and formerly led portfolio support at a venture fund.  

Her coaching blends personal experience in business and venture, somatic intelligence, systems strategy, and clear-eyed challenge to help leaders dismantle outdated patterns and move forward in alignment. 

Her work meets both the human and the business.

Kari is a recovering striver who has found strategies for full living through yoga, deep immersion in nature, and costume parties. 

What Clients Say

  • "I have found that sessions with [Kari] are always thought provoking, and that I usually come away thinking differently about a particular situation. She provides a great balance between listening and pushing me to evaluate a situation differently. I look forward to my meetings with Kari."

  • "Talking to someone who's actually inserted in the company context makes a huge difference; it helps a lot with perspective."

  • "I don't know how I can quantify how much I appreciate Kari. She has been fundamental in the rehabilitation of my mental health. And physical health, as she helped pull be back from the brink of 100 hour weeks down to a more manageable 60-80. She continues to help channel my drive to helping create a road for others in the company, vs leaving a path of destruction behind me."

  • Trainings & Certifications

    -PsyD Clinical Psychology, focus on Organizational Behavior and Yoga as a treatment modality

    -Yoga Teacher RYT-200- Neuroscience and Social Justice-Based Yoga from the Daya Foundation

    -Facet5 Administrator

    -Conversational Leadership Training - David Whyte

  • Areas of Focus

    -VC people Diligence design

    -Individual-based Systems Coaching

    -Organizational and Team Systems Coaching

    -Individual and Systems Assessments and Consulting

    -Speaking and Workshop Facilitation

    -Co-founder Alignment Coaching with a particular focus on Co-founders in romantic partnership

    -Lead Systems Coach and Supervisor

Meet Kari