Women in Leadership at #TeamGuidant – Karina’s Story

By Karina Townley, Managing Director​

​#TeamGuidant’s Managing Director, Karina Townley, shares her career journey including challenges, motivators, and a few words of advice.

I have been fortunate to develop my own career over the last 20 years.
After finishing university, I worked in training and recruitment within the advertising and professional services sector. I joined Guidant in 2004 as a Recruitment Business Partner, moving into an Account Manager role within the first 12 months.

Over the years, my career has always centred around supporting customers with workforce solutions and I have seen how businesses have adapted and responded to various changes in the ways of working. Without a doubt, my job keeps me curious, and I have always embraced change and the opportunities it brings.

I am surrounded by inspirational women.
There are many inspirational women that I have been fortunate to work with and continue to work with every day. We have a great gender balance within Guidant which enables me to see that brilliance can come from every single person that I work with.

The ability to balance work and life is possibly the most important part of being able to do my job.
As a single parent to two wonderful girls aged 12 and 7, being there for them is always my priority; and I am fortunate to work for a brilliant company which nurtures an inclusive and supportive culture especially for working parents. 

I believe the key to maintaining a balance is recognising that life ‘happens’, you cannot always predict or plan for it, but how you adapt and respond to situations enables you to learn and grow. In times of continued change, I have learnt to be resilient and alongside that, lead with empathy, humour, and honesty.

My job gives me purpose.
I am typically a self-motivated person both in and out of work, however, working in a people-focused industry motivates me further. I enjoy helping others and supporting people – that keeps me going even during times that are particularly challenging.

My children also hugely motivate and inspire me every day. I want to be able to create opportunities for them and create memories for us as a family. 

I have experienced many moments in my career that I am proud of.
An unexpected milestone and moment has to be my waters breaking in the office! Joking aside, imposter syndrome has featured at various stages in my career. In hindsight every time that it had emerged, I am proud that I overcame it and was able to move forward. Currently I would say, my biggest achievement is developing a team environment which is supportive, authentic, and inclusive.

To my younger self, I would say, always be true to yourself. You are enough.

Working culture should be built around being inclusive to everyone. 
Enabling people to bring their whole selves to work and providing support to do so is critical to developing a happy, productive, and focused workforce.

If you looking to foster an even more positive working environment, I would encourage that you take small steps towards changes which will ultimately make an enormous difference. This will help to create a positive working culture in the long run, making a significant difference for your people as well as your business.

​

Want to join a supportive and global family? Be part of #TeamGuidant today >

​