MENTORING: Otherwise known as wisdom worth sharing

Karen has an extraordinary ability to see the bigger picture whilst also paying close attention to the detail that makes strategies work in practice. She brings clarity, confidence and creativity to every challenge. Working with Karen has transformed the way we think about growth, culture and leadership and the results speak for themselves. My business with Karen’s support, has had the best six months in 11 years of trading, that’s no accident.

“Having met Karen when I was a young apprentice of 17 just starting out in the insurance industry, I always admired her drive & knowledge. A few years later when I was looking for a female mentor to move companies as a broker, she was the perfect choice. Karen worked with me during regular half hour sessions to teach me how to negotiate, assert, defend, debate & establish my position in a male dominated world. My career wouldn’t be where it is today without her expert help.”

Having finished her undergrad studies in chemistry, Talia was undecided on her next steps for both career & education and feeling stressed that she could end up siloed in a laboratory which was not appealing. She was in need of some guidance, inspiration, free thinking & support from a mentor that had worked in a huge range of organisations. We worked together on exploring options in new industries & roles and I connected her to some key contacts in energy, pharma, research and management consultancy to talk possibilities and potential. During our 6 sessions together, Talia’s confidence grew and it was fantastic to see her apply & be accepted for a place on her Masters at Imperial College, London before stepping into her future working life.

“Karen opened my eyes to the wide range of directions I could take my career in, whilst making me feel reassured & secure in my future. Thank you Karen.”

Having been a volunteer F1 Marshall for the past 30 years, it has been wonderful to finally connect with a senior woman of influence within the motorsport industry via the FIA mentor programme. Meeting Karen has been fantastic in having her to offer me sage advice & counsel, and in helping me connect with potential contacts for our ongoing campaign. She is a supportive, confident, strong and empathetic mentor and I very much appreciate her time and counsel.

“Meeting Karen Ellis through the FIA Women in Motorsport (WIM) Mentoring Programme offered me the opportunity to meet and exchange with a wonderful woman who holds a strong business executive background. Karen listened carefully to important topics of conversations specific to the motorsport marshalling community. It’s been a positive experience and her support along with her strong advices have been extremely beneficial on a personal level.”

Karen has given me renewed focus, drive and purpose in looking for a new career. Her vast knowledge of the insurance sector has made me investigate & apply for a whole host of roles that I had never considered before. She has widened my perspective on what is possible, introduced me to some incredible contacts & is a brilliant person to have in my corner. “

“I was lucky enough to be matched with Karen as part of an internal mentoring scheme when we both worked for Gallagher. She inspired me to be braver, bolder, more assertive & logical in decision making within my corporate life. She also gave me the confidence to now mentor women in insurance myself, which is highly rewarding. Many years on she continues to be a supportive influence in my network and I highly value her opinions and industry insights.”

“Being mentored by one of the most respected women in the insurance industry has been a hugely rewarding experience. Karen is brilliant in both her giving of career expertise as well as being a hugely supportive & empathetic sounding board. Thanks to Gallagher for introducing us at a perfect time for me to benefit from her wise counsel.”