Kris Quale
Client Partner
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Expertise
Human-Centered Value-Based Coaching
Portfolio & Project Management
Chief of Staff Partnership
Strategic Planning & Facilitation
Enterprise Operations
Cross-Functional Leadership
Organizational Effectiveness
Process Design
Change Leadership
Talent Development
DE&I Advocacy
Growth Strategy
Certifications
Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching - University of St. Thomas
ICF Associate Certified Coach
Certified Professional Project Manager - University of St. Thomas
MBA - University of St. Thomas
Kris is a strategic operations and leadership development expert with 20 years of experience at Target Corporation, where she partnered with senior executives to shape enterprise strategy, optimize portfolios, and lead complex cross-functional initiatives. Known for her empathetic and inclusive leadership style, Kris brings a rare blend of operational rigor and human-centered coaching to every engagement. She has led large teams, launched enterprise brands, guided annual and quarterly strategy planning processes, and served as a trusted Chief of Staff and thought partner to executive leaders. With formal training in executive coaching and project management, Kris excels at helping leaders clarify strategy, navigate complexity, and build high-performing, aligned teams that deliver measurable results. Kris is a Development Coach at heart, specializing in helping others realize their core values to unlock living life at their fullest potential.
Why I Work
“I love helping leaders grow in clarity, courage, and confidence so their teams, and the people they serve can truly thrive. I want to help others create a unique spark to start their own path to self-realization and awareness to keep going on their own journey.”
Kris Quale
What Our Clients Say
"Kris has a warm curiosity, is willing to understand what teams are doing, where issues are, and facilitate solution planning. She brings clarity to complexity and elevates every leader she partners with.”
Vice President, Fortune 500 Retailer
More About Me
For 20 years at Target, I had the privilege of growing from a sourcing analyst into a Portfolio Manager and Chief of Staff, partnering directly with senior leaders to drive enterprise strategy and operational excellence. Along the way, I led cross-functional teams across product development, global sourcing, and store operations. I led branch launches, guided portfolio health conversations, facilitated strategic planning sessions, and aligned complex initiatives across the organization.
What has always energized me most is helping leaders find clarity in complexity. Whether facilitating annual strategy offsites, coaching team members through growth moments, or driving alignment across competing priorities, I thrive at the intersection of strategy and people. I've managed and developed teams, mentored emerging leaders, and been recognized for creating inclusive, high-performing environments grounded in trust and accountability. Earning my MBA and Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching deepened my passion for leadership development.
Today, I bring both operational experience and coaching expertise to leaders who want to sharpen their strategy, strengthen their presence, and build teams that perform at their best. I value lifelong learning, meaningful conversations, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. Whether at work or at home, I'm most energized when building relationships and helping others grow. Today, as a Client Partner, I'm thrilled to be combining my love of building relationships, project and program management, coaching and helping our Clients unlock the potential of their people, while working with The People Side.
When I’m Not Working …
You'll likely find me cheering on youth sports, supporting my community, or enjoying time outdoors with family and friends. My husband and I spend many hours on the pool deck and basketball court rooting for our two daughters, and cultivating their love of staying active! Our pups also keep us on our toes!
Being in service is one of our family's core values. I love volunteering as the Parent Liaison for our Swim Team and as Communications Board Chair with our elementary school Parent Teacher Organization; both experiences reflect my deep commitment to community and connection.
My family and I love every single season our beautiful state of Minnesota has to offer (yes, even winter!) You can find us downhill skiing and ice fishing in winter, to camping and hiking in the summer - we love it all! When not enjoying our home turf, we believe vacations create core memories, and travel as much as we can!