Fractional Operations Leadership for Growing Companies
Katalyst brings the spark that helps leaders run their businesses better.
Problems we Solve
Operational Clarity
When roles, priorities, and decision ownership aren’t clearly defined, teams struggle to execute effectively. Katalyst helps leadership bring structure and operating rhythms that keep work moving forward.
Often filling the role of a fractional Chief of Staff or operational partner to the leadership team.
Systems & Process
As companies grow or change, the tools and workflows that once worked can begin to break down. Katalyst helps improve the systems and processes behind the business so teams can operate more efficiently and effectively.
This may include work similar to RevOps, Marketing Operations, or Business Operations leadership.
Execution & Momentum
Many organizations have strong ideas and priorities but struggle to move initiatives forward. Katalyst partners closely with leadership teams to ensure important work turns into real progress.
Similar role to Head of Operations.
Meet the Founder
Katalyst is led by Karen Woods, a strategic operations leader with more than 15 years of experience helping companies run more effectively and deliver stronger results. Karen is known for one thing in particular: walking into a complex organization and quickly seeing exactly where it's stuck and what to do about it. She partners closely with founders and leadership teams to implement practical solutions that create real, lasting progress.
Client Reviews
“Karen is one of those rare operators who can walk into a business, quickly understand how everything actually works, and start making it better almost immediately. Karen brings discipline and focus while keeping teams moving forward. She’s also not afraid to give the hard feedback that you need to hear to get out of your own way. I’ve worked with her in multiple contexts and would absolutely bring her in again.”
- Scott Moore, Founder & CEO, Covalent Partners
“She became a trusted advisor to our social research client services team at MarketCast. Karen provided thoughtful mentorship, helped us navigate complex client expectations, and brought greater structure to our reporting workflows. Her ability to step into a fast-moving environment and improve both team confidence and operational clarity made a real difference. And on top of that, she was a pleasure to work with!”
- Jeremy Radisich, President Campaign Analytics, MarketCast
“I’m fairly sure that, in addition to her vast corporate ops and marketing experience, Karen was an air traffic controller in a past life. She stepped into our chaos and suddenly the priorities were clear, the systems were working as intended, and everyone understood their roles.
Karen quickly grasped our company and showed us what great operational leadership can do for workflows, strategy, and growth. In a short time she freed up leadership to focus on growing the business.
If you’re considering fractional operations leadership, Karen operates at a level that immediately elevates the entire organization. I highly recommend her.
- Lydia Clark, Founder & CEO, Integrity Benefits Partners
Our Services
Every engagement with Katalyst is tailored to the needs of the business. These examples provide a general sense of how we typically partner with clients.
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This engagement provides a focused set of time each month dedicated to advancing specific priorities within your business. Together we identify key outcomes, work through operational challenges, and move important initiatives forward.
Typically 15-20 hours per month.
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For organizations ready for more consistent operational leadership.
This engagement provides roughly one day per week of dedicated support focused on strengthening how the business runs. Katalyst partners closely with leadership to improve processes, implement systems, and drive execution across key initiatives.
The goal is simple: help your organization operate more effectively while freeing leadership to focus on growth.
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For companies that need deeper operational leadership and hands-on execution.
This engagement provides two days per week of dedicated support and a more embedded partnership with your leadership team. Katalyst works alongside the organization to implement systems, align teams, and ensure important initiatives move forward.
For Indianapolis-based clients, this engagement can include regular in-office collaboration.
Contact Us
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