Cari Hanrahan, M.A. Leadership
Founder & Principal
Startup consultant, founder, and straight up doer with 15 years’ experience working across startup environments, nonprofit leadership, higher education, and healthcare. Known for helping mission-driven teams solve gaps in efficiency.
Colorado Springs, CO (available nationally)
Why Signal & Trust
Founders need someone they can trust to jump right in and solve complex operational problems while they concentrate on the highest impact work.
Signal & Trust exists to support pre-series A founders. I partner with founders to navigate transitions, scale impact, and strengthen foundations by implementing operational systems that improve efficiency and output. I don't pretend to be an expert in your domain. Instead, I bring expertise in process, leadership, and systems to fill gaps and implement long term solutions.
I am a generalist trusted by Founders from NY to CA and everywhere in between. I’d love to support you too.
Hannah Brannan
Founder, Gather Flora
“Cari is a strategic thinker and devoted problem-solver who will turn challenges that feel insurmountable—or lofty goals that lack clarity—into clear, executable plans of action. I've never before seen someone lead to so much achievement while also cultivating such gratitude and love from an entire team.”
Becca Warner
Director of Product Experience
“Cari quickly becomes irreplaceable. Talent shines under her leadership with her keen ability to empower and support a team. She is quick on her feet, adaptable, and always iterating as the landscape changes. She’s an incredible consultant who will drive any company or organization forward with empathy, power, and strategy.”
Olivia Berlin-Mulcahy
Director Narrative Development, LogicPrep
“Cari is extremely motivated, deeply mission-driven, and thrives on complex problem-solving. She brings relentless energy, positivity, and curiosity to her interactions with staff and clients alike. She deeply values and supports each member of any team she leads, fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and open communication.”
Eduardo Báez
Co-Founder, Career Pipe; Sr Acct Exec, Gartner
“With Cari, no task was ever too great or insurmountable. She helped us build our executive team, our board, and academic relationships that changed lives permanently and positively.”
Alexandir Tunell
Senior Account Executive, Benevity
“Cari was and continues to be an absolute joy to partner with. She has fresh and exciting ideas combined with the career excellence to bring them to life. She approaches every day ready to give 100% and leaves every day better than she found it.”