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Professional & Personal Coaching

Creating clarity so you can
move forward with intention
and impact.

The people I work with are at a turning point. Some have just left jobs that no longer fit. Some are still in them, quietly counting the cost. Some have spent so long taking care of everything else in their lives that they've lost track of themselves. Wherever you are, this is your space to reconnect with what matters most.

You haven't lost your way. The clarity you need has been there all along — waiting for the noise to quiet.
Karen Johnstone-Hobbs

A coach who understands
leadership from the inside.

Karen Johnstone-Hobbs

Karen Johnstone-Hobbs

Professional & Personal Coach

Before I became a coach, I spent over 30 years in the Government of Canada as a Senior Diplomat and a leader working on some of the most complex, high-stakes files in the federal public service. I've sat in rooms where the pressure was constant and the expectations were high. I've also navigated the relentless demands of parenthood alongside all of it: the juggling, the compromises, the moments of wondering whether you're doing any of it well enough. And I've sat with the quieter, harder question of whether the life I was living was truly the one I wanted. I coach from all of those places. And if any of this sounds familiar — the pressure, the juggling, the quiet wondering — you're in the right place.

I work with leaders and professionals who are ready to face that honestly. Through coaching, we slow things down, cut through the noise, and reconnect with what matters most — so you can move forward in a way that feels real and aligned.

Executive Coaching Certification
Group & Team Coaching Certification
ICF ACC — credential in progress, expected Summer 2026
Dare to Lead Trained — based on the research of Brené Brown
30+ years of senior leadership, including as a Senior Canadian Diplomat
ICF Member — International Coaching Federation Certified Professional Executive Coach — Coach Academy 2022 Certificate in Team & Group Coaching — Coach Academy 2026 Dare to Lead Trained — Brené Brown

Choose the conversation
that's right for you.

Every engagement is tailored to where you are and where you want to go. Here are the ways we can work together.

01

Discovery Conversation

20 minutes  ·  Free

A short, thoughtful conversation to explore what's bringing you here and what would feel most helpful right now. This is a space to speak openly, without pressure or agenda, to see if working together feels right.

Book now →
02

1:1 Coaching Session

50 minutes

A dedicated coaching conversation to help you slow down, get clear, and find your next step. Entirely on your terms, at your pace.

Book now →
03

The Clear Path Experience

Six Sessions

A private six-session journey for those who want sustained, structured support as they work through what matters most.

This journey begins with a Discovery Conversation.

Begin the journey →

Words from those who've done the work.

Working with Karen while recovering from burnout helped me untangle the stories I was telling myself from what was actually true, patterns that had been holding me back for years. She partnered with me skillfully and with genuine care, creating a space where I felt safe to challenge my assumptions and shift my perspective. I've reconnected with a sense of confidence and possibility I didn't expect to find so soon.

Being coached by Karen feels like entering a space where you can slow down, think honestly, and be fully yourself. She creates an incredibly warm and safe environment that invites genuine connection and allows for vulnerability without expectation or rush. Her questions are beautifully timed and often lead to moments of deep awareness and clarity, especially when I feel stuck or unsure how to move forward.

Partnering with Karen has been highly motivating. She brings presence, empathy, and clarity, creating a space where I felt heard, challenged, and supported to grow. Her deep insight into my needs allows her to tailor her approach with precision, and her ability to draw the best in me and guide me toward meaningful action sets her apart. I learned how to go from an average coach to an exceptional one. As a leader, Karen models integrity and emotional intelligence, fostering trust and accountability. She is a transformational coach who creates lasting impact through shifts in mindset, behaviour, and well-being.

Working with Karen has been a very positive experience. She created a safe space for me to talk, reflect, and gain more clarity. I also really appreciated her thoughtful follow-up emails after each session. They were such a kind gesture and showed the care she brings to her coaching.

Prefer to reach out first?

LinkedIn contact@clearstatecoaching.ca

Your next chapter starts with one conversation.

Book a Discovery Conversation today, a free, 20-minute call to explore what's bringing you here, and what moving forward could look like.

Start the Conversation