KARIN PALLE

Strategic Development & Training Lead

Karin Palle is an expert in organizational transformation, executive coaching, and talent management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and an MBA from the University of Utah. Karin possesses a unique ability to assess an organization’s current state, envision its future, and develop actionable strategies to achieve its goals. Karin excels in strengthening organizational cultures by creating human resource development strategies that leverage a deep understanding of generational differences—Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials (Gen Y), and Gen Z.

Karin believes that recognizing and valuing each generation’s unique life experiences and perspectives is crucial for fostering a positive organizational future. By comprehending how individuals from different generations engage in the workplace, she guides leaders in building cohesive teams and processes that optimize each person’s time and talents, ultimately driving business profitability.

Karin shares her expertise in Leadership and Talent Management through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (GS10KSB) Program. Since 2012, she has served as a Business Advisor at SLCC Community College and Delgado Community College, Virtual Lead Business Advisor for the National Program through Babson College, and as Lead Faculty and Module Faculty. From 2015 to 2019, Karin led the Center for Entrepreneurship at Westminster College, where she spearheaded initiatives like the annual Opportunity Quest Business Plan Competition, the Social Impact Incubator, and the Lectures in Entrepreneurship Series, fostering networking between students and local business leaders.

With over 25 years of experience in management roles and advising businesses across the United States and Europe, Karin thrives on wearing many hats and unleashing entrepreneurial spirit. Since high school, she has created and supported numerous ventures, including co-founding Rico Mexican Market & Catering in 1997. She grew the business from a single market stall to a multi-million-dollar food manufacturer, distributor, retailer, restaurant, and caterer. Before Rico, Karin broke ground as the first female General Manager for the Larry H. Miller Group, overseeing Thrifty Car Rental and its seven locations.

Karin is dedicated to giving back to the community. She served as Executive Director of the Utah Women’s Networking Group for over 12 years, where she founded the Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference, providing grants to 125 women business owners across Utah. During the pandemic, she contributed to the Governor’s Business Task Force, offering critical guidance to businesses. Karin firmly believes success hinges on building and nurturing relationships and accessing resources for personal and professional growth.

Karin’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:

  1. Karen S. Johnson Woman of Distinction Award by the Assistance League
  2. Community Legacy Award by People Helping People
  3. Woman of the Year Award by the Women’s Networking Group
  4. Rising Star Award for leadership and community involvement
  5. Named one of the Utah Business’s 2016 “30 Women to Watch”