Simplify Leading

Lighten your burden

Practical and applicable resources for emerging leaders

Get tools, resources, encouragement, and self-care ideas delivered to your inbox. Sign up today to receive our Interview Cheat Sheet and find your best candidate in your next interview!

LEAD.

GROW.

LIVE.

Leading Lightly understands that no remarkable achievement is accomplished in isolation. Whether you’re steering a small team or managing a large organization, effective leadership is essential. Our mission is simple: to make leadership easy for anyone striving to achieve something extraordinary with the support of others.

Click to View Leadership Course

Hey there!

I'M KURT.

I am on a mission to lighten the burden of emerging leaders like you. Years of Experience & Results at your fingertips! Here is my story ➝

At the age of 25, I faced a pivotal moment. Promoted to Director of the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre, I inherited a financial crisis—nearly $300,000 in losses—and the looming threat of closure. As a young leader, I felt lost and isolated. The theoretical leadership education I had received didn’t prepare me for the real-world challenges, and those who knew how to lead were often too preoccupied to offer guidance.

But I survived. And I thrived.

Leading Lightly emerged from that promise—a commitment to support others navigating the treacherous waters of leadership. Today, with extensive experience leading teams of up to 1,250 staff and 3,000 volunteers, I serve as a CEO and continue to champion leaders through courses, podcasts, videos, and limited consulting.

My Mission: Empowering You

My mission is simple: to help you thrive in your leadership role with the lightest burden possible. You’re not alone in this journey. Whether you’re steering a small team or managing a large organization, I’m here to guide you toward effective leadership practices, innovative strategies, and sustainable growth.

Credentials That Matter

Graduate Certificate in Leadership
Applied Degree in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership
Diploma in Leadership
Nearly 2 decades of experience as a senior leader, coach, and busines consultant!

Honors and Recognition

Recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for significant contributions to the Province of Alberta.
Named to Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40, celebrating outstanding young leaders making a difference.

Join me at Leading Lightly as we illuminate the path to impactful leadership. Let’s thrive together!

As it stands, the advice offered from Kurt allowed me to embrace my challenge and meet it head on... If I hadn’t met with Kurt at the time I did, I cannot honestly say that we would still be open today. I would highly recommend Kurt Kinnear as a business consultant to anyone- be they experienced, old hats needing a fresh outlook or budding entrepreneurs looking for professional, tried and true advice.

Jacqueline H. -CEO

"In a uniquely authentic manner, Kurt demonstrates how adopting leadership principles can influence the personal and organizational results we are all looking for. He adds value by cutting through the fog to uncover the clear “calls to action” that will make a positive difference; often challenging us to consider some less obvious but great alternatives. Using plain language, he can guide the creation of your vision and, unlike many others; he will roll up his sleeves to help you put it into practice. His unpretentious style makes adopting those leadership principles approachable and you will want to run your next ideas by him."

Chris B. -CSO