Sponsor Spotlight: Keri Dole of Handspring Coaching + Consulting

Whether you're stepping into a leadership role, launching a business, or navigating a career transition, Handspring Coaching + Consulting helps you move forward with clarity and confidence. Founded by Keri, a former Fortune 100 executive with 25 years of leadership experience, Handspring empowers professionals to stop waiting for the "perfect" plan and start taking meaningful next steps. In this Sponsor Highlight, learn the leadership philosophy behind Handspring, and see why building community at RecRoom is an important part of what's next.

Learn more from our chat with Keri:

Tell us about Handspring Coaching + Consulting. Who is it for, and what inspired you to start it?

Handspring is a coaching and consulting practice for people who are trying to figure out what's next. That might be a corporate leader stepping into a bigger role, an entrepreneur building a business, a consultant, a creative, or someone navigating a career transition. They all come with different questions, but they're usually looking for more clarity and a sense of how to move forward.

I started Handspring after 20 years in corporate leadership roles and consulting. I realized the part of my job I loved most was helping people grow. Coaching felt like the right next step. It let’s me take everything I'd learned and help people work through challenges, make thoughtful decisions, and build careers and lives that feel right for them.

You've spent 25 years in Fortune 100 companies, startups, and everything in between. What's one leadership lesson you've learned that everyone can benefit from?Confidence isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build.

For years, I thought I needed to feel confident before taking the next step. I've learned that it's actually the opposite. Courage comes first. Confidence comes from doing the thing that scares you and realizing, "Okay...I can do this."

I also think we've been taught that working harder is the answer. Hard work matters, but it isn't the whole story. The leaders who thrive are the ones who know what matters to them and are intentional about how they spend their time and energy.

Where are we most likely to find you in town?

Walking my dog around Edgemont Park first thing in the morning, grabbing coffee at Bluestone, browsing Watchung Booksellers, or meeting friends for dinner at Faubourg. I also love wandering through Montclair's neighborhoods. They're beautiful, especially early in the morning when everything is quiet.

What does a perfect summer day off look like for you?

Anything that involves being outside. I grew up on a lake, so being near the water is my happy place. Paddle boarding, kayaking, or sitting on my screened porch with a good book is pretty close to perfect.

Once fall rolls around, you'll find me on the sidelines cheering (probably too loudly) at one of my kids' soccer games. I think I'm more excited for soccer season than they are.

 If you had only one professional development book to recommend, what would it be?

Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.

I recommend it all the time, especially to people who feel stuck or are at a crossroads. It takes the pressure off feeling like you have to find one perfect path. Instead, it encourages you to get curious, try things, and learn as you go. That philosophy really resonates with me. They also have a great TedTalk if people want to check it out. 

What's one small shift someone could make this week if they're feeling stuck, burnt out, or unsure about what's next?

Stop trying to figure out your whole future.

Instead, ask yourself, "What's one small step I could take this week?"

We put so much pressure on ourselves to have everything figured out. In my experience, clarity comes from moving, paying attention, and adjusting along the way. You don't need a five-year plan. You just need enough courage to take the next step.

Favorite local ice cream shop and flavor?

Applegate Farm! Plain chocolate on a sugar cone. I might mix it up and order cookies and cream every once in a while, but I always have to have a sugar cone.

What's coming up next for Handspring, and how can our community support or connect with you?

One of the reasons I became a RecRoom sponsor was because I wanted to find my people. Starting a business can be surprisingly isolating, and I wanted to be part of a community of people who are building interesting things and supporting one another.

That's what I hope to keep doing through Handspring too. I'll continue working one-on-one with leaders, entrepreneurs, and people who are figuring out what's next. I'm also exploring workshops and opportunities to bring people together for conversations about leadership, career transitions, and personal growth.

If you see me around RecRoom, please come say hello. I'd love to hear your story.

Interested in becoming a RecRoom sponsor? There’s more info waiting for you right here.