Kate Schaefers, PhD

Kate Schaefers is a seasoned executive coach and psychologist with more than 30 years of experience in leadership development, human resources, adult education, and career development across both corporate and nonprofit sectors. She specializes in executive coaching for career transitions—helping leaders step into new roles, adapt to new organizations, and reimagine their professional paths later in life or post-retirement. With a focus on aligning individual strengths with career goals, Kate equips leaders with the clarity, tools, and strategies they need to succeed with confidence and purpose.

A recognized thought leader on the future of work, Kate also coaches leaders and organizations to address demographic shifts and combat ageism in the workplace. She designs strategies to engage, retain, and recruit workers aged 50+, helping organizations unlock the value of an experienced and diverse workforce.

Kate’s career has included serving as Director of Lifelong Learning at the University of Minnesota, serving those at midlife and beyond as they navigate careers and lives. She has been featured by the Star Tribune, University of Minnesota, and MPR News, and testified before the Minnesota Legislative Task Force on aging populations and workforce challenges.

She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University, an MA from the University of Minnesota, and a BA from Loyola University Chicago.