Foundress Friday: Meet Karen Hurley, Public Safety Wellness Consultant at PIF Samaritan Services

PIF Samaritan Services supports police and fire departments in establishing wellness programs for their personnel. In the United States, the average police department consists of nine sworn officers, and 75 percent of fire departments are entirely volunteer, meaning members are not paid for their service.

They have few resources to stay healthy while supporting communities, leading to a growing crisis involving suicides, divorces, substance abuse, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

“I also run a spiritual coaching and training business, Coaching with a Karen, where I provide team performance training. I work with businesses, leadership teams, and first responders, integrating science-based spiritual principles – such as intention, gratitude, and hope – with methodologies used in high-performance environments like the NBA,” Hurley said.

AZF: What is your “life motto”?

KH: Shakti Gawain’s quote: “When you’re following your energy and doing what you want all the time, the distinction between work and play dissolves.”

AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path right for you?

KH: No. Both of my parents owned businesses when I was growing up. We had customers dropping work off at our house, and as a teenager, I definitely didn’t appreciate having to answer the door while lounging in my pajamas! It took me decades to build the confidence to take a leap of faith and bet on myself as a business owner, and I’ve never been happier!

AZF: How do you feel best supported?

KH: I love deep, authentic conversations and relationships. I’ve always valued quality over quantity, and that principle is the foundation of the work I do. It’s about creating trusting relationships that allow for direct, honest conversations, to overcome barriers and build bridges. This holds true in business, in relationships, and in life.   

AZF: What motivates you to keep going amidst the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?

KH: The uniqueness of what I do was shaped by my experience as a co-responder for the Phoenix Fire Department during the pandemic. As first responders, they don’t have the option to work from home. They selflessly show up for their communities on our worst days. Supporting those who support us is what drives me. I’m willing to navigate the challenges because the work matters deeply. And honestly, I’m at a stage in my life where I just can’t work for someone else anymore, haha!  

AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.

My perfect Saturday morning starts with waking up without an alarm, making tea – which is part of my morning prayer and meditation practice – and heading to Pilates to move and strengthen my body. I love having unscheduled time with open space to slow down and enjoy myself after a busy week.

AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?

Enjoy the process and journey! You get to do this. It should feel like fun at least 51 percent of the time.  

AZF: What excites you most about being an entrepreneur?

I love the diversity of my days – no two ever look the same. Every night before bed, I write in my gratitude journal. Sometimes, as I reflect on the day, I’m surprised to realize that something happened just that morning – it feels like it was a whole day ago! I’m also excited by the level of creativity I get to tap into. When you’re working for someone else’s business, you have to align with their vision, not your own. Being an entrepreneur is so. Much. Fun.

Learn more about PIF Samaritan Services at pifsamaritanservices.com or follow the business on Instagram at @pifsamaritanservices.

About the Foundress

The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.

Every Friday, AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the Foundress Fridays online series. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at foundress.co.          

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