Principal Advisor

Helping growing organizations build practical people strategies, confident leaders, and scalable HR systems.

With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. Like any leader, she sets the tone for everything we do. Kristi Bliss is an accomplished HR advisor and strategic business partner with 25 years of cross-functional experience, including more than 15 years leading enterprise-wide human resources, compensation, and benefits strategy. Her background spans manufacturing, skilled trades, and complex multi-site operations, giving her a practical understanding of the workforce challenges growing organizations face. 

Kristi’s educational foundation began with an Associate Degree from Gateway Technical College as an Administrative Assistant, giving her a grounded appreciation for the many roles and stages that shape a successful workforce. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an MBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Along with an active SPHR certification from HRCI, Kristi brings a rare combination of people expertise, operational insight, and financial discipline to her advisory work. As a lifelong learner, Kristi is currently pursuing the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) accreditation through WorldatWork, and is an active member of the WorldatWork professional association.

Throughout her career, Kristi has partnered with executives to modernize HR operations, build succession plans, redesign compensation and performance programs, implement HR technology, and create stronger talent pipelines. Her work has included filling more than 20 key professional and executive roles within six months, supporting 97% employee retention, mapping succession plans across multiple locations, and leading the implementation of several HRIS and applicant tracking systems. 

Kristi is known for being a steady, relatable partner who combines strategic guidance with hands-on support. Having personally journeyed through all levels of leadership, she brings authenticity, perspective, and humility to the way she advises leaders and organizations today. She believes in empowering people by teaching them the skills they need to think critically, lead with confidence, and contribute meaningfully to the future of work. 

Through Calibration Workforce, Kristi aims to play a pivotal role in the next workforce pivot—helping organizations retain talent, build lasting loyalty, and create workplaces where both people and businesses can thrive.

STRATEGIC  •  PRACTICAL  •  PEOPLE-CENTERED