About
About Karla
Karla Van Winkle does not describe her career as a straight line. It is a series of decisions, risks, and steady effort.
She grew up in Ferdinand, Indiana, a small town with limited resources. Today, she leads talent development for a multi-location company in Chicago. Along the way, she has built systems, led teams, and helped shape how organizations think about people and performance.
“I’ve never been the person with the most resources,” she says. “But I’ve always believed I could outwork the situation.”
Karla’s early life shaped how she approaches work.
She grew up in a hardworking family. Her father was a machinist and farmer. Her mother was a hairdresser who worked long hours. After her parents divorced, she became independent at a young age.
“My dad had me mowing lawns, baling hay, and working with cattle by middle school,” she says.
She stayed busy in school, too. Sports, band, cheerleading, and dance filled her schedule. That environment taught her how to manage time and adapt quickly.
“I learned early that effort matters,” she says. “That has stayed with me.”