Chicago-based HR leader Karla Van Winkle builds on her role as a career management expert to advocate for workforce adaptability and personal growth.

CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / April 21, 2026 / Karla Van Winkle, Director of Talent Development at R.M. Chin & Associates, is continuing to contribute to conversations around career growth, workforce development, and professional advancement following her role as a Subject Matter Expert on Career Management at the WTS Greater Chicago panel, "Negotiating Your Career: Salary and Beyond."

While the panel took place in 2023, Van Winkle's insights remain highly relevant as professionals navigate a rapidly changing workforce.

"People often think they need better opportunities or more resources," Van Winkle said. "But your work ethic and how you position yourself are what really drive your career forward."

Why Career Management Still Matters Today

The need for career ownership continues to grow.

According to the World Economic Forum, nearly 44% of workers' core skills are expected to change within five years, while Gallup reports that only about one in three employees feel engaged at work. These trends point to a widening gap between workforce expectations and individual career development.

Van Winkle believes the solution starts with personal accountability.

"You can't wait for someone else to define your path," she said. "You have to take ownership of where you're going and the steps it takes to get there."

Building Authority Through Industry Engagement

Van Winkle's participation in the WTS Greater Chicago panel positioned her as a trusted voice in career management and talent development.

At the event, she shared practical insights on navigating promotions, career transitions, and long-term professional growth. Her perspective was shaped by her own nontraditional path-from education into Human Resources.

"I didn't have a network in HR when I started," she said. "I had to rely on my ability to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward."

That experience continues to inform her approach to both leadership and mentorship today.

Applying Career Strategy in Real Time

In her current role, Van Winkle leads talent development initiatives across multiple locations, working closely with executive teams to improve employee experience and performance systems.

Her work focuses on measurable outcomes.

She has helped implement performance management strategies that increased completion rates to 90%, improved onboarding processes, and strengthened employee feedback, and contributed to compensation and benefits strategies aligned with market benchmarks.

"I measure success by the outcome and the value it brings to others," she said.

From Panel Insights to Ongoing Leadership

Van Winkle's message has remained consistent since her panel appearance: career growth is an active process.

Her continued involvement in professional organizations, speaking opportunities, and development initiatives reflects a broader shift in her role-from internal HR leader to external industry contributor.

"Being able to navigate change and uncertainty is critical," she said. "You have to be comfortable with ambiguity and willing to keep learning."

A Call to Action: Focus on What You Control

Van Winkle encourages professionals to take simple, consistent steps toward growth:

• Set clear goals and priorities

• Invest in continuous learning

• Use setbacks as opportunities to improve

• Take ownership of career decisions

"I set intentions for the day and focus on what matters most," she said. "Then I take the steps to make it happen."

Her advice is grounded in experience, not theory.

"Don't let a lack of resources define your future," Van Winkle said. "You can create your own path."

About Karla Van Winkle

Karla Van Winkle is a Chicago-based Director of Talent Development and Human Resources leader with over two decades of experience spanning education and corporate leadership. She began her career as a high school teacher and administrator before transitioning into HR, where she earned her SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications. Known for her focus on talent development, performance management, and organizational growth, she has led initiatives that improve employee engagement, streamline HR systems, and align workforce strategy with business goals. She is also an active industry contributor and speaker, recognized for her insights on career management and professional development.

Media Contact:

info@karlavanwinkle.com
https://www.karlavanwinkle.com/

SOURCE: Karla Van Winkle