Kristine Atri
She/Her
USC MBA & Veteran | 7-Year Business Owner & Strategy Coach
I'm currently welcoming new clients for one-on-one Business Operations & Strategy coaching. I'm happy to work with entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and professionals looking for a fresh perspective on a challenge or opportunity. I'm based in California (Pacific Time) and offer virtual sessions. If you don't see a time that works for you, feel free to reach out, and I'll do my best to accommodate!
Questions?
You can start chatting with Kristine before you get started.
Work with Kristine
Business Clarity Session – Get Unstuck & Find Your Next Steps
$79
Business Challenge Breakthrough – From Problem to Action Plan
$230
About
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to run a business, especially when you're juggling a dozen responsibilities and trying to make the right decisions without always having someone to bounce ideas off of. I'm a U.S. Air Force veteran, USC Marshall MBA graduate, and former business owner who spent seven years building and operating my own company. More recently, I served as Chief of Staff at an early-stage AI startup, working closely with founders on business operations, financial analysis, and process improvement. My background in military intelligence analysis also taught me how to break down complicated problems, question assumptions, evaluate information, and find clarity when the answers aren't obvious. **Here's where I can help:** - Business strategy and problem-solving - Brainstorming growth opportunities and revenue ideas - Improving operations and workflows - Evaluating business decisions and tradeoffs - Turning ideas into realistic, actionable plans My coaching style is collaborative, practical, and straightforward. I ask questions, challenge assumptions when needed, and help you look at problems from different perspectives. Whether you're starting a business, navigating a challenge, or exploring a new opportunity, my goal is to help you walk away with greater clarity and confidence in your next steps.
Kristine’s Business Operations & Strategy Qualifications
Experience level: Manager
I bring a combination of hands-on business experience, strategic thinking, and a strong analytical background. I spent seven years building and running my own business, managing everything from financial planning and daily operations to hiring, process improvement, and navigating unexpected challenges. More recently, I served as Chief of Staff at an early-stage AI startup, working directly with founders on business operations, financial analysis, and product development. I also hold an MBA from USC Marshall, along with degrees in Business Administration and Psychology. Earlier in my career, I served as a U.S. Air Force intelligence analyst, where I developed a disciplined approach to research, critical thinking, and solving complex problems. What I bring to coaching is a practical perspective. I understand that running a business rarely follows a textbook. I enjoy helping people break down complicated challenges, identify what's actually causing problems, and develop realistic, actionable solutions.
Kristine can help with:
AI Fundamentals
Business Strategy Development
Competitive Analysis
Financial Analysis
Market Research
Operations Management
Process Improvement
Project Management
Why do I coach?
One of the things I've enjoyed most throughout my career is helping people work through challenges and discover solutions they might not have considered. As a business owner, I learned that some of the hardest decisions aren't necessarily the most complicated ones. They're the decisions you have to make without knowing exactly how things will turn out. I've always enjoyed brainstorming, asking questions, connecting ideas, and helping people see the bigger picture. Sometimes a fresh perspective can make all the difference. Coaching gives me an opportunity to share what I've learned through entrepreneurship, business operations, and plenty of real-world trial and error. I find it incredibly rewarding when someone walks away from a conversation feeling more confident about what to do next.
Work Experience
Chief of Staff
cypressai.co
June 2025 - November 2025
Served as Chief of Staff at an early-stage AI startup, supporting business operations, financial analysis, product quality assurance, HR, and cross-functional projects. Evaluated an AI-powered RFP response platform by reviewing business requirements, assessing AI-generated responses for accuracy, completeness, and usability, identifying product gaps, and communicating findings to the development team. Managed operational initiatives including financial reporting, expense analysis, payroll migration, process documentation, onboarding, and SOC 2 compliance coordination. Worked directly with founders to identify operational challenges, improve workflows, and support business decisions in a fast-changing startup environment.
Founder & Owner
The Escape Artist
December 2017 - January 2025
Founded and operated an immersive entertainment business for seven years, overseeing business strategy, daily operations, financial management, hiring, training, marketing, and customer experience. Led projects from concept through implementation, including facility development, vendor coordination, budgeting, operational processes, and launch. Analyzed business performance, managed expenses, developed procedures, and solved complex operational and customer experience challenges. Recruited, trained, and managed employees while establishing service standards and improving team performance. Adapted the business during COVID-19 by developing virtual experiences, redesigning workflows, and implementing new operating procedures. Built extensive experience in entrepreneurship, strategic problem-solving, project management, process improvement, and people operations.
Education & Training Manager
U.S. Air Force Reserve
January 2017 - January 2019
US Air Force Reserve: Managed military education and training programs, supporting workforce readiness, professional development, and compliance with organizational requirements. Coordinated training activities, tracked personnel qualifications, interpreted policies and procedures, and maintained training documentation. Worked with leadership and personnel across different functions to identify training needs, resolve issues, and support operational requirements. Developed experience in program management, workforce development, instructional coordination, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder communication.
Senior Intelligence Analyst / Subject Matter Expert
United States Air Force
January 2013 - January 2017
Active Duty Air Force: Conducted intelligence research and analysis in support of military operations and leadership decision-making. Collected, evaluated, and synthesized information from multiple sources to identify patterns, assess reliability, and develop actionable assessments. Applied structured analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and attention to detail to complex problems involving incomplete or ambiguous information. Communicated findings through written reports, briefings, and recommendations tailored to different audiences. Served as a subject matter expert, collaborating with military personnel and stakeholders to support operational objectives. Developed expertise in research, information evaluation, analytical judgment, problem-solving, and communicating complex findings clearly and accurately.
Education
University of Southern California
MBA, Business Administration
2025 - 2026
MBA, USC Marshall School of Business (2026) Graduate business education with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, business strategy, operations, and data-driven decision-making. Developed skills in strategic analysis, problem-solving, organizational leadership, and evaluating how emerging technologies can improve business processes and performance.
State University of New York at Buffalo
BS, Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentration in Human Resources Management. Studied business management, organizational behavior, human resources, finance, and business operations. Developed a foundation in business analysis, strategic decision-making, organizational effectiveness, and workforce development.
State University of New York at Buffalo
BA, Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Developed a foundation in human behavior, cognitive processes, research methods, and critical thinking. Studied how people learn, make decisions, communicate, and respond to different situations, providing a valuable perspective for business analysis, organizational development, training, and evaluating human-centered technologies.
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