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Wendy Ryan

CEO at Kadabra | Executive Advisor | Author | Investor | Speaker

San Jose, California

Work Experience

2014

  • Chief Executive Officer

    2014

    Kadabra builds future-ready leadership for business transformation through unique learning solutions and The Learn Lead Lift Framework(r)

2018 - 2024

  • Managing Director, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor

    2018 - 2024

    Actively involved in selecting and mentoring Golden Seeds companies. Golden Seeds is an investment firm that invests in early-stage women-led companies. Founded in 2005, Golden Seeds has invested over $109 million in women-led companies in technology, health care, consumer products and media. Golden Seeds is a leading force in focusing on women’s leadership, gender diversity, entrepreneurship and job creation. Investments are made through its nationwide angel network and venture funds.

  • Senior Consultant/Engagement Manager

    2011 - 2017

    Design and delivery of leadership and organizational development services to client companies. My engagements focused on organizational change management, leadership development and executive coaching, HR operations assessment and functional alignment with the business model, and career transitions.

  • Senior Consultant

    2000 - 2004

    Delivered 360 performance assessments, executive coaching, and team development services to client companies. Acting HR Director for several start-up companies. Designed and implemented a series of training sessions to increase management effectiveness and communication skills for junior managers. Analyzed executive compensation and recommended market-based changes to senior management and board members. Researched, designed and implemented "best practices" for reductions in force in partnership with legal counsel, company executives and outplacement support providers.

1996 - 2000

  • Managing Director, East Coast

    1996 - 2000

    Started up and directed all client service field operations for the East Coast. Recruited, trained and directed a team of HR professionals to provide field client services to high tech start-up companies based in Boston, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Raleigh-Durham. Worked with East Coast Sales Director and Managers to develop business partnerships with venture capital firms and other service providers and generate new business leads. Previous roles at this company included HR Director, Northeast and HR Manager, Silicon Valley.

  • Human Resources Coordinator

    1994 - 1996

    Supported HR Specialists in all HR business processes. Delivered new employee orientations, provided benefits and compensation administration, HRIS administration, stock administration and employee relations support while the company doubled in size over a two-year period. Promoted from HR Assistant.

1992 - 1994

  • Client Services Supervisor

    1992 - 1994

    Recruited, placed and managed temporary employees in professional and light industrial positions with client companies. Partnered with Sales Managers to develop new client relationships and business leads.