Microsoft
Karen Kelly
Eileen
Cape Town, Western Cape
Summary
Dynamic Business Consultant with a proven track record, enhancing team productivity and client satisfaction through tailored solutions. Skilled in business analysis and relationship building, I developed strategic plans that increased revenue potential and fostered long-term partnerships, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency and performance.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Business Consultant & Trainer
Karen Kelly Consulting
03.2007 - Current
- Enhanced team productivity by providing guidance on effective time management and prioritization techniques.
- Evaluated existing business models, identifying areas of improvement to increase revenue generation potential.
- Developed complete business plans and operational strategies for new and existing business.
- Increased client satisfaction by implementing tailored solutions for their unique business needs.
- Conducted Emotional Intelligence Training.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders for growth opportunities and successful partnerships.
- Led restructuring of organization internal processes, resulting in improved performance.
- Developed business strategies by conducting comprehensive market research and competitor analysis.
- Established strong client relationships through excellent communication and negotiation skills to secure long-term contracts.
- Guided clients through change management processes, minimizing disruptions to business operations.
- Built strong relationships with clients by consistently delivering actionable insights.
- Facilitated collaboration between departments to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
- Designed and implemented training programs for client staff, boosting their skills and performance.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
- Provided one-on-one mentoring to help individuals reach their full potential within the organization.
- Coached employees on best practices, providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
- Mentored new hires, resulting in stronger staff development and increased productivity.
- Delivered dynamic presentations to facilitate learning and retention among diverse audiences.
- Enhanced trainee engagement through interactive workshops and hands-on activities.
- Facilitated team-building exercises to foster collaboration between department members.
- Developed customized training materials for various industries, ensuring relevance to the target audience.
- Facilitated workshops on advanced communication skills, significantly improving team collaboration.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
- Facilitated virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.
Group Marketing Manager
Xtreme Projects Environmental Specialists
10.2015 - 04.2016
- Enhanced brand recognition by implementing innovative marketing strategies and campaigns.
- Boosted sales performance with effective team management and collaboration on targeted marketing initiatives.
- Leveraged analytics tools to measure campaign effectiveness; adjusted tactics as needed based on data analysis results.
- Coordinated trade shows and events to showcase company offerings while networking with potential clients and partners.
- Increased consumer engagement by creating compelling social media content and interactive campaigns.
- Analyzed market trends, competitor activity, and customer insights to inform data-driven decision making for marketing efforts.
- Aligned sales/marketing goals through clear communication between departments for cohesive strategy execution toward target objectives.
- Led creative development of promotional materials including print collateral, digital assets, and event-related materials, bolstering brand awareness.
- Mentored junior staff members in various aspects of marketing operations for a well-rounded skill set development within the team.
- Conducted market research to identify new opportunities and target markets.
- Created and managed social media campaigns to increase brand engagement.
- Managed budget allocation and resource utilization to maximize marketing ROI.
- Captured new customers by optimizing business strategies and launching products to diversify offerings.
- Improved website visibility through development and implementation of SEO strategies.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Wrote and distributed press releases to increase brand visibility.
General Manager
Xtreme Projects Environmental Specialists
10.2004 - 06.2010
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs while maintaining product quality.
- Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
- Spearheaded development of new market strategy, significantly enhancing brand recognition and customer base with innovative advertising campaigns.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining workflow processes and adopting cutting-edge technology.
- Developed and executed comprehensive employee training program, elevating staff skills and improving service delivery.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
Executive Recruitment Consultant
Headhunters Recruitment
09.1994 - 06.2005
- Consistently exceeded performance metrics by quickly filling open positions with highly qualified candidates who were excellent cultural fits within client organizations.
- Introduced innovative recruitment tools and technologies, streamlining the candidate screening process and reducing time-to-fill for executive roles.
- Established strong rapport with C-suite executives, demonstrating deep understanding of their skills and career aspirations for optimal matching with suitable opportunities.
- Implemented creative sourcing strategies to unearth hidden talent in competitive markets.
- Mentored junior consultants on best practices for successful client management and candidate placement techniques.
- Streamlined internal processes to enhance efficiency, reducing time-to-hire without compromising quality.
- Designed training programs for consultants to improve their skills in identifying top-tier candidates across various industries.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms for both candidates and clients, fostering long-term partnerships and repeat business.
- Developed and implemented onboarding and orientation programs for new employees.
- Coordinated implementation of people-related services, policies and programs through departmental staff.
- Generated and analyzed reports to monitor employee engagement and attrition trends.
- Collected and analyzed information to monitor compliance outcomes and identify and address trends of non-compliant behavior.
Education
No Degree - High Impact Presentations
Dale Carnegie Africa
Cape Town, South Africa 04.2001 -
No Degree - Neuro Linguistic Programming
Evolved Coaching
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
No Degree - Emotional Intelligence
6 Seconds Organisation
04.2001 -
No Degree - Financial Management For Non Financial Managers
Entech
Port Elizabeth, South Africa 04.2001 -
No Degree - Coaching
Primeserv
Port Elizabeth, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Business analysis
http://www.karenkellyconsulting.com
Karen Kelly Consulting operates as an executive-level advisory and leadership services business supporting organisations through growth, change, and performance improvement. The role functioned at a senior leadership level, partnering directly with CEOs, executives, and senior management teams to address sales performance, leadership capability, and business effectiveness.
In this capacity, I was responsible for driving business development, managing key client relationships, leading commercial engagements, and delivering measurable outcomes aligned to organisational goals. I regularly worked within client environments, advising leadership teams, facilitating strategy and sales interventions, and supporting managers to improve performance and accountability.
This role required the same commercial discipline, leadership judgement, and results focus expected of an internal executive—combining revenue responsibility, stakeholder management, team leadership, and strategic execution.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Software
Timeline
Group Marketing Manager
Xtreme Projects Environmental Specialists
10.2015 - 04.2016
Business Consultant & Trainer
Karen Kelly Consulting
03.2007 - Current
General Manager
Xtreme Projects Environmental Specialists
10.2004 - 06.2010
No Degree - High Impact Presentations
Dale Carnegie Africa
04.2001 -
No Degree - Neuro Linguistic Programming
Evolved Coaching
04.2001 -
No Degree - Emotional Intelligence
6 Seconds Organisation
04.2001 -
No Degree - Financial Management For Non Financial Managers
Entech
04.2001 -
No Degree - Coaching
Primeserv
04.2001 -
Executive Recruitment Consultant
Headhunters Recruitment
09.1994 - 06.2005