Karen McLaughlan
Partner
Facilitator | Coach
I am described as someone with 'remarkable empathy and capacity to build strong, cohesive teams'. I have substantial experience in the tertiary education and for-purpose sector working as a senior leader to foster capacity building with organizations, teams, and individuals to realize the vision that motivates.
Background
I originally trained as a social worker, building a deep understanding of the for-purpose and not-for-profit sectors in community services, both as a front-line worker and people and programs leader at middle and executive leadership positions in a range of organisations. This was followed by leading teams in the education sector in which the training of others to work with the vulnerable members of the community in the disciplines of social work, case management, disability, mental health and alcohol and other drugs. Roles included both operational and teaching and learning positions. I now work as a contractor for the education sector focussed on building stakeholder relationships, assessment and curriculum writing, coaching and mentoring middle managers in the community services and educators from the Vocational Education and Training sector. An old Maori proverb, "It is the people, it is the people" has been a foundation stone for my work and my way of being and doing.
My Why
It is important to me that individuals, families and communities are strengthened and better off as a consequence of connecting with community services and education providers. My capacity, our capacity as a society to be kind, aware, well-informed and able to build connections underpins my philosophy as to why I am involved in the development of others. To be sensitive to the impacts and privileges we have, the role of policies and institutions and the ways these disadvantage or advantage members of our society is what drives my way of being and doing.
How I Work
I am person-centred, strengths-focused and evidenced-based in the work I undertake with individuals. When working with teams, departments and projects the organisation's mission, purpose and project brief, the foundation and the vision for the interventions and work undertaken. I have a deep understanding of challenges associated with business and educational imperatives and the importance that objectives are clear, progress is made and reflectivity is embedded in all processes undertaken.
What I Do
I assist individuals and emerging leaders in developing their capacity to engage fully in their roles within organisations. I assist educators to develop their teaching and learning capacity to take agency and to be the role model that learners and participants look for in the Vocational Education and Training sector.
What I Love
I love art house movies, fine music, especially classical and jazz music and the re-emergence of the gin distilling industry within Australia.