Canvas Rebel Interview: Nancy’s Journey From Corporate to Coaching
- Nancy Kalsow
- Jun 25
- 3 min read

If you’re curious how someone transitions from decades in corporate HR to running a thriving coaching practice, you’ll love this story of soul-searching, strategic pivot—and staying real along the way. As a Leadership Coach in Wisconsin, Nancy exemplifies authenticity and heart.
From Corporate HR to Leading Transformation
Nancy worked for over 30 years in financial services and corporate HR—all that time learning what makes organizations and people tick. She wasn’t just a cog in the machine; she was building teams, clarifying strategy, coaching leaders—and realizing she loved that part most.
In the Canvas Rebel chat, Nancy explains how she kept returning to one question during her corporate tenure: "Am I making the impact I want?" When the answer kept landing in the coaching zone, she knew it was time to lean in. And so she did—with intention, courage, and a framework she now calls Get REAL with Coach K.
Lessons from the Conversation
This interview is loaded with so many fun takeaways, but here are a few that really stood out:
1. Embrace Transition—Don’t Fear It
Nancy didn’t jump overnight. She reflected, planned, and leaned on her values before making the leap. She reminds us that big changes don’t need to be reckless—they can be courageous and well-paced.
2. Know Who You Are
Her signature, The R.E.A.L. Framework™, stands for Reflect. Engage. Align. Lead. It’s less about shiny life hacks and more about knowing yourself deeply, then letting that knowledge guide your choices.
3. Authenticity Builds Trust
One thing Nancy keeps coming back to is this: she’s real. Her style is human, warm, and purposely playful. In a world of buzzwords and sales pitches, she pulls you in by being you, not a brand.
4. Relationships Over Transactions
She doesn’t just guide clients through a process: she builds connection, invites laughter, and stays with you long after the workshop ends. That’s the heart of coaching—and a cornerstone of her mission.
How That Shapes Her Current Mission
Nancy’s not just coaching leaders—she’s partnering with them. Her mission? Help executives and teams become fully alive in their roles, not just clock tasks. She leans on her corporate background and blends it with her deeply human, personal coaching style.
Here’s how that shows up now:
Foundation in HR smarts – She understands organizational dynamics because she lived them.
Personal depth with a coach’s lens – She guides clients through transformative reflection and action using proven mindset and growth strategies.
Real-talk culture in sessions – Warmth, candor, and accountability define the experience.
Why This Matters to You
If you’re a leader or executive who is:
Feeling the pressure to perform and stay authentic
Wanting to grow both your people skills and strategic impact
Craving a partner who sees you, not just your role
Then Nancy’s story—and her approach—is worth a chat. As a Leadership Coach in Wisconsin, she’s built her coaching practice around exactly that kind of synergy.
Want Some Social Proof?
Nancy is certified through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the gold standard for coaching professionals—and their research shows certified coaches boost goal achievement, leadership skills, and personal well-being by up to 80%. In addition, her YouTube channel has fun and valuable tidbits, you should subscribe!
Final Thoughts
Nancy Kalsow’s journey from corporate HR leader to beloved coach is proof that soul and strategy don’t have to live in separate houses. She shows that real impact comes when you reflect, engage, align, and lead—from a place of authenticity. Whether you're a leader in transition or someone who just wants to stay real while growing—she’s got your back.
Let’s take your next step—together. Explore the journey:
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