I have been in the “people business, serving people” for over eighteen years. I started my career as an occupational therapist studying the art of resilience, motivation and how people overcome challenges in their lives. In 2002, I opened To the Stars Occupational Therapy working closely with other specialists, teachers, therapists and parents alike, teaching them the skills of listening and effective communication, the interpretation of non-verbal cues and the art of understanding others on a level that inspires long-term connection.
As an entrepreneur I found the skills of deep communication to be invaluable to establish trust with new clients, build a solid referral stream and to inspire my amazing team. After expanding my network and subsequently building my company, I was inspired to bring this knowledge of people to the business arena. Thus my second successful business, Be the Anchor, was launched.
I offer professional coaching, workshops and webinars to teach you how to be that trusted person for your clients, your team and your networking community. More than that, I want to demonstrate how you can be your own anchor, to maintain a point of security and stability that remains solid no matter what turbulence life brings.

Kari Lotzien
Occupational Therapist & Professional Speaker

My Anchor Story
About ME
I married my high school sweetheart. He was a charming boy with a love for adventure; staying out late, riding motorbikes and was always the life of the party. He was the fire to my water, the risk to my rules and was always surrounded by people. With our marriage, I inherited a “Papa Jack.”
Papa Jack was the first person to call me an anchor. At first, I thought it was an insult. I equated the term “anchor” to “ball and chain”. It was years later, he gently explained the term to me over a cuppa coffee at the kitchen table. It went something like this…
“We all need anchors in life” he stated as he held his strong hand in a fist and pulled it downward toward the table. “You see, when things get a little crazy, we need that person who can ground us and hold us stable.”
Papa Jack was the definition of anchor to me. I witnessed this hundreds of times, sitting at that same kitchen table, listening to his stories of life, going to war, raising kids and grandkids, raising animals and farming. I met him in his later years, after the intensity of life had settled a little and his gentle wisdom had risen to the surface to be shared with anyone who would join him at the table for a cuppa coffee*.
His wisdom guided us for many years, as we raised our own kids and moved through the various trials of life. The Anchored Parenting program is based on how I have used the concepts in my personal life and in my work as a pediatric occupational therapist for over 20 years.
I also used the concepts of being anchored as I built, established, and grew my business. When the world seas were stormy with changes in the economy or when budgets were tight, I returned again and again to these key concepts. Returning to a place of stability and subsequently finding my strength, I captained the ship of my business and led our team through many changes. I know that the world needs more leaders, we need leaders who know how to captain their ship and how to create stability no matter what turbulence life brings. The Anchored Leadership program brings these concepts into your business. Whether you are a solopreneur just starting out or an established business with a full team, Anchored Leadership will help you go to the next level.
*a cuppa coffee is not the same as a cup of coffee – a cuppa coffee is shared. It comes with wisdom, truth and vulnerability. When you sit down to a cuppa coffee with someone you bring the truth of yourselves together and you will walk away a better version of yourself
Testimonials
Here is what our clients are saying:
I have had the pleasure of working with Kari both personally and professionally. I am continued to be amazed by Kari’s knowledge and her ability to connect with both kids and parents! I have learned so many practical skills and get very excited at every opportunity we have for her to present. She has made such a difference in my personal and professional life and I cannot thank her enough for all of her hard work!
I cannot say enough about the coaching I have received from Kari. It started from me thinking I just needed help with a resume and ended with me working hard to fulfill my dream of teaching what I’ve learned in over 25 years as a massage therapist and business owner. Every time I get over excited Kari carefully reigns me in making sure it aligns with my goals and vision for my future. I can’t recommend her enough, it will be the best decision you’ll make.
I have worked with Kari a couple times now and I cannot say enough good things about her. She has helped me not only in my business but also in ways that helped me personally. There are so many areas that she is knowledgeable in when it comes business development. Everything from how to have hard conversations with employees, to the careful wording of an ad or email. Kari is incredibly understanding and I felt like she truly cared about me and my business. Whether someone is starting a brand new company, or already established and just needs advice, I would not hesitate to recommend her services to any business owner.
I don't believe that any important life challenge can be solved without conversation. The experience I received with Kari's coaching was her ability to hold space for the powerful, revealing conversation. What Kari does beautifully is hold the mirror and the space to help you realize what is holding you back from reaching your full potential. If you are looking to discover the real reasons why you are not reaching your full potential professionally or personally you will want to reach out and have a conversation with Kari Lotzien.
Kari is exceptional. I came to her with a leadership issue and within 15 minutes we had come to a conclusion as to where the issue steams from. She led me through the process to discover myself, she didn't just tell me what needs to happen. Kari is a fantastic listener and excellent at communicating important ideas. I would highly recommend her services.
I’ve gotten help with kari in the past and she’s always been very helpful. I attended the language of leadership course with her for some help in conducting my business. It was such an eye opener for how I conduct myself personally and professionally. I’d definitely recommend her services to anyone in a leadership role or just has some hard conversations to have in your relationships with people in general. Thanks so much.
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