Okay, let’s calculate this. Valerie has a broad set of skills, including strategic planning, leadership, and project management. These are in-demand skills, especially in the start-up and management consulting spaces. However, her location in Santa Barbara, California, might limit her earning potential compared to larger cities like New York or San Francisco. Based on national averages, a manager with her skills and experience could earn around $100-$150 per hour. Considering her skills and experience, I would estimate her hourly rate to be around $125, which is slightly below the average but still competitive in the Santa Barbara market.