Strategic. Bold. Proven.
An Operator Who Builds What Others Only Strategize.

For twenty years I have worked at the intersection of strategy and execution scaling brands, building AI systems, launching startups, and running marketing functions that drove real revenue. The through-line is building things that work, not writing plans about things that might.

Meet Sterling (Karie Barrett)

I am a full-stack strategist and builder with more than 20 years of experience across AI implementation, enterprise marketing, and startup development. I initiated and led  marketing AI adoption within a $40M enterprise, building the program from zero before the organization had an AI strategy, an AI team, or an AI budget. I have launched 15+ startups, led marketing functions that contributed to 4x company growth, and built the kind of governance and operational infrastructure that makes organizations resilient rather than fragile.

I operate across two distinct disciplines: AI implementation strategy and marketing leadership. Both are grounded in the same belief: strategy without execution is a document. The work is done when the system runs without you in the room.

How I Lead

Clarity over Chaos

I simplify complexity and help teams move fast with confidence.

Strategy First, Always

Every campaign, every platform, every hire aligned to the bigger picture.

Systems that Scale

I build repeatable engines, not just one-off wins.

People Over Egos

I lead with empathy, mentor with intention, and build teams that work.

Relentlessly Results-Driven

I focus on what moves the needle and cut what doesn’t.

Bias for Execution

Ideas are cheap. Execution wins. I deliver.

Governance Before Scale

AI that is not governed is not safe. I build the guardrails before the deployment, not after the incident.

Testimonials

Words from the People Who’ve Worked With Me

The Go-To Leader When the Stakes Are High

Karie is the person you turn to when the stakes are high. Her creative instincts and strategic thinking consistently kept our clients ahead of the tech curve. Her solutions always exceeded expectations—and she’s just as exceptional to work with in or outside the office.

Chuck Snyder, Enterprise & Government Client Advisor, Nearshore Development Expert, QAT Global

A Strategic Mentor Who Elevated My Career

Karie is one of the most diverse and talented leaders I’ve worked with. She understands marketing far beyond the basics—able to see how each piece works both separately and together. Her vision, creativity, and attitude are out of this world. She always made time to help me grow. Working under her was one of the best investments I’ve made in my career.

Scott Papek ,Mindset Coach to high performing teen athletes and teams.

Respected, Reliable, and Results-Focused

Karie is an exceptional coordinator with deep knowledge across IT and business architectures. She communicates clearly, takes initiative, and consistently delivers with minimal direction. She’s widely respected and depended greatly by her colleagues and a true asset to any team.

Julie Parsons, Director of People & Culture at QAT Global

Personal Note

Why I Work the Way I Do

I’m a builder at heart, midwestern born, remote-first by choice, and wired to solve complex problems with clarity and heart. I’ve led product strategy from my sunroom office, shipped startup launches across time zones, and mentored interns who now lead growth teams themselves.

I don’t need the spotlight. I just need to make it work.

Learn more about how I think and lead on my personal brand site.

Explore my Performance + Growth Operating System.

Catch up with my latest thought-leadership on Medium.

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