With a background in Systems Thinking and Engineering, Karen James (KJ) has a unique talent for unpacking complex issues with companies to determine strategic opportunities. Her work with clients has enabled them to define and bring to life their purpose, vision and strategy, with a strong focus on execution. KJ’s strengths lie in the ability to facilitate dialogue with various stakeholders and broker partnerships between organisations to achieve shared value.

KJ’s diverse career spans engineering, IT, banking and finance, and consulting, working with small business, corporates and everything in between. Through her work in banking and finance, mentoring female entrepreneurs through the Business Chicks’ PowerPlayers program, and in her current role as CEO of Business for Development, KJ has developed a strong understanding of business drivers, particularly with respect to balancing sustainability and commerciality.

KJ will be presenting one of the case studies in the Business for Development concurrent session in the role of Group Production Manager of a fashion retailer.