about karen
Karen is a housing, care & support expert, with over 34 years experience in the sector.
A highly skilled and experienced executive director and chief executive. An excellent track record of housing management, leadership, innovation, business start-up, change management, support & care, teaching, mentoring and influential negotiating.
My motto is “you have to be in it to win it” which I apply to almost everything in my life, from employment opportunities, to a work life balance to self-development and self-satisfaction…
I am a deeply conscientious person and pride myself on attention to detail and in meeting my objectives. I deal with challenges in a practical way, always looking for the solutions, even if that means taking a different path, in work-plans, in life.
I know, as a deep thinker with an open mind and a welcoming attitude, that I can tackle almost anything and somehow manage to bring people on a positive journey rather than a bumpy ride.
Expertise, Knowledge and Attributes
Drive and ambition for excellence ensuring that all the skills and aptitudes necessary for delivering at the highest level are achieved. Excellent leadership skills especially in change management and development with a solid ability to financially appraise at all levels. Compliance and statutory regulations are met without delay and the relationships with regulators, stakeholders, peers, partners and associates met with high regard.
Attention to detail is exemplary, with noted excellence in reporting and presenting, including training and development of others to reach their own potential.
My Skills
- Extensive senior management experience in both housing and the care & support sector
- Familiar with an array of housing and regulatory systems
- Experience of leading staff, teams and organisations through significant change including set-up, restructuring, change of use, new systems, financial analysis, pilot projects and new developments
- Fantastic analytic skills, particularly in numeracy and sensitivities
- Strong evidence of an excellent track record in managing people, keeping focus, innovation, and performance improvement
- Honed skills in developing great rapport with staff
- Many years of experience in dealing with tenants, residents, owner occupiers, trustees, stakeholders, customers, partners and collaborators
- Experience in the commercial field of opportunities for housing
- Good networking skills and the ability to seek out relevant contacts
- Well connected skills in dealing with inspectors, regulators and committees
- Excellent IT skills
- Unquestionable skills in excellent leadership including negotiating, influencing and motivational skills
- Ability to empower individuals using techniques and experience
- Strong experience of transitional/change management
- Affinity with people and the needs of people from acute to aspirational
- Excellent communication skills, notably in difficult situations
- Strong experience in the field of RSL subsidiary implementation, both not for profit and profit engendering