Meet Kip Salter
I’ve spent 25 years leading teams across the Navy, corporate, and government sectors. Over and over, I saw smart people working hard, but their foundation was cracked. The problem wasn’t effort; it was the design of the communication and roles.
Why Leadership Isn’t About Effort, It’s About Clarity
My philosophy is simple: Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or outworking everyone else. It’s about the design of your leadership itself. I help leaders gain the clarity—in their voice, their roles, and their expectations—that allows their team’s effort to finally pay off.
I left the corporate world to focus on coaching small to mid-sized businesses because I know how to help you fix the design. I don’t bring quick fixes or jargon—I bring simple, steady practice.
My coaching approach is rooted in creating three non-negotiables:
-
- Clarity: So roles and expectations aren’t left to chance.
- Communication: So leaders know how they’re being heard and teams feel understood.
- Consistency: So progress doesn’t stall or snap back to the way things were.
I work alongside you using the 5 Voices framework to cut through the noise and align people to your business goals.
The Principles Behind My Coaching
Mission
To help leaders create clarity and calm in the noise, transforming effort into alignment and progress through intentional, human-centered leadership design.
Vision
A world where leadership feels grounded, not frantic. Where clarity replaces chaos, calm replaces burnout, and teams move with steady, shared rhythm.
Values
- Clarity Creates Confidence
- Language Shapes Culture
- Leadership is Practice
- Calm is Contagious
- Progress Over Perfection
More about Kip
The same patience it takes to craft something in my workshop translates directly into my coaching style—steady, practical, and focused on progress over perfection.
-
- Veteran Leader: Navy Veteran, though the Navy somehow forgot to teach me to swim. I’m petrified of the water, but I love being out on a lake in a boat, canoe or on a paddleboard.
- Family: Married for over 24 years to an amazing Navy Vet, with a growing family that includes two granddaughters.
- Therapy: Woodworking is my therapy (my garage usually has more sawdust than tools). Hiking clears my head, especially in the mountains.
- Fuel: My fuel is always black coffee. Non-negotiable. Don’t ask me to drink any of those fancy coffees.
- Fun: I’m a diehard fan of my UNC Tarheels and Denver Broncos. Between basketball and football games, I’ll spend my weekend in the backyard experimenting on my Traeger.
- My Belief: Coaching works best when it’s real, not perfect. Just like life.
Certifications & Awards
5 Voices Leadership Guide
2025
Certified through GiANT Worldwide in the 5 Voices framework, focused on developing communication clarity, self-awareness, and team alignment. Enables leaders and teams to identify their natural communication styles and build stronger collaboration through shared language.
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
2024
Advanced certification in process improvement and operational excellence. Trained in data-driven problem solving, root cause analysis, and strategic process design to optimize performance and reduce waste across business systems.
SHRM-SCP
(Senior Certified Professional)
2016
Achieved SHRM Senior Certified Professional status recognizing advanced HR leadership and strategic expertise. Certification currently inactive but reflects a continued foundation in organizational effectiveness, compliance, and people strategy.
Master of Human Resource Management
2014
Advanced degree focused on strategic human capital management, organizational design, and leadership development. Provides a strong foundation for translating people strategy into measurable business performance.
U.S. Navy Veteran
Honorable Discharge
2002
Served with honor and distinction in the United States Navy. Built the foundation for a leadership style grounded in discipline, accountability, and teamwork—values that continue to shape how I lead and coach today.
English