Karen Larson, MHA, MLS(ASCP)CM , Director of Operations, Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology

What’s your current role?

In my current role as Director of Operations with Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, I have the privilege to head operations as well as design and execute strategic initiatives.  I have accountability for our five clinic locations along with our service lines – Infusion, Neurodiagnostics (MRI, EEG, and EMG), and Rehab (PT and OT). My teams and I are also responsible for patient experience, clinical quality, and safety. I joined the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology in April 2024, following roles at Allina Health in consumer experience strategy, clinic management and laboratory supervision.

When did you join the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST and what roles have you held within the TRUST?

I joined the TRUST in January 2023, immediately after graduating from my MHA program. After spending two years creating strong bonds with my cohort of fellow executive students, I knew I needed to get involved with another group passionate about health care. The TRUST has been that and more, offering meaningful connections with fellow women in health care leadership who are passionate about advancing this industry and lifting each other up. I am so glad to have found the TRUST and be involved!

I made a commitment to myself to spend at least one year as an active member before diving in deeper. I loved participating in the TRUST’s Mentorship Program, attending the Well-Being Retreat and Forum each year, and participating in group networking and learning sessions. I found myself building deeper connections in the TRUST the more I became involved.

I joined the TRUST Associate Board of Directors in July and am a member of the Well-Being Retreat Committee.  I look forward to serving as Chair for the Well-Being Retreat in 2026!

What has been your favorite part of the TRUST?

I love the individualized relationships I have developed within the TRUST. While our membership numbers are large, the door is open and the invitation is there to make it personal. Sarah Torres modeled this culture early for me when she reached out on LinkedIn and invited me to coffee after seeing my name on the New Member Coffee event post. I make it a habit to carve out time to connect individually with fellow TRUST members and always leave richer for the experiences we share. 

Synergy can be found in unexpected places. You never know who you may be able to help or how you may be able to lean on each other. Staying curious together is key! I am a learner at heart, so I always delight in the chance to know more about another person’s life (both personal and professional), career journey and current endeavors.

P.S.  Don’t forget to take advantage of your access to the TRUST Member Directory by logging into the website. Reach out to someone you haven’t met with a starting point of, “I’m a fellow TRUST member and would love to connect with you about…” It will help you quickly grow your network in very rewarding ways. I have consistently received ‘yes’ replies with this starting point as a fellow member. It’s a testament to our supportive culture.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

In my early career years as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, our lab professional society had a campaign to ‘Be the Face’ and ‘Get Out of the Lab.’ These phrases were meant to inspire us to use our voices, advocate for our team using our unique expertise and break down silos or barriers across departments. It’s also a reminder to make things personal. We need to take time to get to know each other and build bond that strengthen our commitments to doing the right thing for each other and those we serve.

Especially with the historically hierarchical nature of health care, these messages are important. We all have a story to share, a perspective to voice and a unique lens to contribute. I believe health care can be better for everyone by making more room at the table for diverse perspectives, listening authentically and finding more common ground to solve problems cohesively. It takes time, it takes commitment and it takes persistence from each of us to continuously speak up.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly influenced your leadership style?

My first professional role was in a hospital lab where I noticed great and experienced colleagues leaving. Why? Their voices were not heard, nothing changed when they shared ideas for improvement, and too often the directives came from another department that didn’t understand the context of their work.

I quickly found my passion and calling as a leader, becoming a clinic laboratory supervisor at twenty-five. That first experience shaped my ongoing commitment to always treat our frontline team members and clinicians as the experts they are. My purpose is clear – to lift up their voices, prioritize our efforts around the needs they identify and remove barriers to delivering exceptional patient care. I operate with a mindset of ‘why not?’ and ‘how might we?’ This makes change efforts feel possible when we’re in it together using creative problem-solving. Creating a culture where people can thrive and feel appreciated is deeply important to me.

How do you approach mentoring others?

To me, the best mentoring relationships are those where we are open and candid with each other. As a mentor, I strive to open up to my mentee early on by sharing some details about my life and career journey.  This starts our connection strong and demonstrates that no subject is off limits in whatever they may want to discuss together. Humbly sharing about the challenges I’ve faced also normalizes the hurdles we all traverse along the way. As the relationship deepens, shifting to an action-oriented focus led by my mentee’s direction for self-growth provides them the support they need to build skills and confidence. 

One recent mentee shared that our mentoring relationship has made her hopeful for more ambitious career pursuits than she initially saw for herself. It feels great to be a sounding board, thought partner and cheerleader for others as a mentor! I am fortunate to have many valued mentors in my life, so making time to give to others in this way is very meaningful to me.

How do you balance the demands of your professional and personal life?

We need to start by talking about it. I model this with my direct team by making time at our meetings to share individual updates (including personal happenings) so we can support each other. Last fall, my dad was diagnosed with AML and I lost my best friend to an undiagnosed cancer two weeks later. In both cases, I talked with my team and colleagues. I shared what I needed and that I wouldn’t be as available at times. I decided to remove Outlook from my phone to better disconnect and recharge with my 5-year-old son and husband at home in the evenings and weekends. The support I received, knowing that everyone had my back, was incredible. At whatever level you’re comfortable, share with those you can confide in and keep building a culture where it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. Trusting in each other is huge and I feel so lucky to have a great culture we continue to strengthen where I work.

How do you foster innovation and creativity within your team or organization?

I start by listening and creating opportunities to learn. I firmly believe the best insights and ideas come from those who are closest to the work. My job is to discover, empower and help make it possible. 

In all cases, making time for conversation, connection, and creative thought keeps innovation alive and active. I get inspired every day by the amazing ideas our teams share and how we can continue to find ways to translate it into action.

What is something that not many people know about you?

I am a passionate knitter. It fits with my love of learning and brings me joy to create things, especially as gifts for others. My challenge this year was to knit a sweater for myself that actually fits! I’ve made four so far, so you may catch me wearing one at a TRUST event this fall. I would love to have a knitting networking meet-up! What a fun combination that would be. Whether you already knit (or enjoy another fiber craft) or would like me to teach you the basics, please reach out and let’s get together!

WHL TRUST