The Center for Dynamic Knowledge was born out of a lifelong passion for helping people thrive at work and in life.

After decades in leadership development, teaching, and organizational systems research, Karla saw that too many leaders were struggling alone when they could be growing stronger together.

She created the Center for Dynamic Knowledge to make leadership feel less isolating, more human, and deeply impactful. The mission is to bring practical wisdom, psychological safety, and a sense of community into organizations so leaders can succeed while building workplaces where people want to stay and contribute.

I am Karla R. Van Havel, PHD, MASCL, ICF ACC — an executive coach, speaker, and leadership strategist. What drives me is seeing the “light bulb” moments when leaders recognize their own capacity to influence culture, build trust, and shape their future. I believe leadership is not about position but presence, and that motivates me every day. I am energized by helping people discover their strengths, overcome barriers, and lead in a way that creates belonging and results.

Credentials:

  • PhD, Human & Organizational Systems

  • MA, Strategic Communication & Leadership

  • MA, Human & Organizational Systems (Information Society & Knowledge Organizations)

  • BS, Community Development & Public Administration

  • ICF ACC Certified Coach

  • CEC Certified Agile Coach, Business Coach, Career Coach, and Executive Coach

  • Everything DiSC® Certified Practitioner

  • The Five Behaviors® Certified Practitioner

  • Everything DiSC® Agile EQ™ Certified Practitioner

  • Everything DiSC® Management Certified Practitioner

  • Everything DiSC® Productive Conflict Certified Practitioner

  • Authorized Wiley Partner

  • Authorized for the Leader’s Dashboard, Verbal 360, and the Time Study by CEC

  • FGU ISI Fellow

  • 35+ years of experience in leadership development, executive education, and organizational strategy

  • Director of Coaching Services for the Institute for Management Studies (IMS)

  • Published Author:

    • Advances in Social Change, Leadership & Organizational Decision Making (Bloomsbury Publishing · Jan 1, 2018)

    • The Sense of Community in a Geo-Dispersed Corporate Functional Subgroup (ProQuest · Jan 1, 2016)

    • Reframing Human Capital for Organizational Excellence (Bloomsbury Publishing India · Jan 1, 2013)

    • The Sense of Community in a Geographically Dispersed Organisation (International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, Inderscience · Jan 1, 2013)

    • The Virtual Executive (McGraw-Hill · Jan 1, 2012)

Fun Facts

  • Proud mom and GiGi

  • Has 2 golden retrievers that are constant travel companions 

  • Recharges outdoors, whether camping in her trailer, walking by the water, or exploring hidden trails

  • Favorite things: a good book, fresh tea, and the thrill of seeing a client have a breakthrough