Symes Group first met Karen in 2015 when they facilitated a series of workshops on presenting for the Westpac Group Future Female Leaders. We sensed she was a trail blazer, a she leader and she certainly has proved to be. An ex-marathon coach, Karen has stamina and grit that has seen an incredible career span decades and continents and through incredible changes in technology. Here's what Karen has to say about technology, leadership and running your own race.
How did you start your career?
After leaving school at 16, I did a data processing apprenticeship with Vauxhall Motors in Bedfordshire UK. My first assignment was in the pensions department, so I've always been in the finance area. It was replacing a lot of manual effort with programs and old style automation, It was hard, as many people were worried about losing their jobs. I stayed there until I my daughter was born and I decided I was going to give up work and be a full time mum. I don’t know why I thought that. I did it for 10 months and it did my head in! I tried to look for a part time role because I didn’t want to totally leave my daughter but I wanted to have a career too. I ended up having to travel a really long way because you couldn’t get a part time role at that time.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I think I'm most proud of my pragmatistm, my work ethic, and my outcomes. One of my career highlights was being part of Marks and Spencer money. I was the program test manager on the card. That was a big thing. All my family could actually realise what I doing for a living, whereas when I said it before, they had no idea.
What do you think are the keys to leadership?
It's all about making people feel empowered that they are on the journey. That they’re part of it.
Karen Dunn:
TECH TRAIL BLAZER