Kate Wessels

Kate Wessels is an experienced Executive Director, CHRO, and Consultant with over 13 years of global experience in biotechnology, Educational/Non-profit, and Fortune 500 sectors. She utilizes her background in behavioral science, finance, and law to develop organizational strategies, execute cross-functional initiatives, create leadership development programs, manage talent and performance effectively, and guide change and culture transformation.

Kate has a track record of successfully leading projects for companies such as Gilead Sciences, Merrill Lynch, Westfield, Sony, Roche, Nestle, and others. She has collaborated with academics, industry leaders, and Nobel Laureates on key initiatives, some of which have had high-level impact including audiences at the White House.

Passionate about fostering awesome workplaces, Kate aims to create environments where everyone can thrive and realize their potential. Her team philosophy focuses on rational compassion, embracing intelligent failure, practicing common sense thought leadership, maintaining a learning mindset, and encouraging curiosity for innovative HR practices.

Kate's professional journey includes roles at Gilead Sciences, where she shapes leadership experiences for the C-suite, and as Executive Director at the Behavioral Science & Policy Association, emphasizing strategic alignment with HR and operations activities. Beyond work, she co-founded the Applied Behavioral Science Association and actively engages in her children's school community. Kate also enjoys Formula 1 and consumes books and podcasts on organizational behavior and culture.

Her competencies encompass Agile HR, analytics, communications, compensation, culture, financial management, change management, innovation, learning and development, management consulting, operations, organizational development, people and performance leadership, stakeholder development and management, strategy, talent acquisition, talent management, and vertical leadership development.

Educationally, Kate completed programs at UCLA Anderson School of Management, The London School of Economics and Political Science, and London Business School, specializing in management, behavioral science, mergers & acquisitions, project management, financial analysis, economics, and law.