AWL Alumni Spotlight
Karen MacKay, Head of IT, Defense Aerospace
Rolls-Royce Corporation
“The powerful combination of experiential learning, the network of alumni, and the academic learning have given me a personal toolkit that I can dip into any time to help as I continue to hone my leadership skills and personal balance.”
Meet Karen MacKay
Following a long and diverse career with Rolls-Royce, Karen recently took on the role as Head of IT for the Defense Aerospace business. Being a respected leader with significant business acumen, yet limited technical IT skills, this is a challenging role that exercises the true art of leadership and relationship management.
Karen graduated from the University of Portsmouth (UK) with a BA (Hons) in Finance and a Masters in Business Administration from Loughborough University (UK). She joined Rolls-Royce at their Derby, UK campus in the summer of 1987 and held a series of progressive finance positions within the company. In 2000, she was offered the opportunity to take an assignment in Indianapolis as the Finance Director for the Indianapolis Operations business. When this 18-month assignment ended, Karen took a permanent position in the Rolls-Royce North America business.
In 2003, Karen decided to move away from the traditional Finance roles and took a leadership role in developing the strategy for the Indianapolis Operation. This experience was a pivotal in her career and provided the opportunity for Karen to develop her leadership skills and to deliver significant business change.
In addition to her formal responsibilities, Karen has a passion for Organizational Culture and Employee Engagement.
Karen was raised in Cornwall, England and now resides in Zionsville, Indiana with her family. Her daughter, Louise is a competitive Figure Skater. Karen is President of the Ice Skating Club of Indianapolis and Treasurer of the Indiana Figure Skating Council.
Describe the six months you spent in the Bloombase experience for Advanced Women Leaders (AWL)?
My opportunity to join this experience could not have come at a better time. I had previously had to delay my cohort start date due to business priorities. At the time I was frustrated to have to wait but I now consider it fate that allowed me to join cohort 6, immediately after I started my new role. I remember the first day in the room getting to introduce myself and tell my story. I was in a new role which was one of the biggest challenges of my career and I was taking time to reflect, listen to myself, be real, and authentic with a phenomenal group of women. What an opportunity to take time out during a stressful change to rejuvenate, reflect and truly reach within myself to find the true leader within. Those dedicated days each month became a personal place where I could reflect, learn from others and share my experiences. All along the way, I was settling into my new role where I was finding that true leadership, where technical expertise is limited, is truly liberating.
Describe the benefits of the AWL Experience?
I remember walking away from the last session of our cohort with such a huge feeling of appreciation for the experience and the opportunity to learn so much about myself. The powerful combination of experiential learning, the network of alumni, and the academic learning have given me a personal toolkit that I can dip into any time to help as I continue to hone my leadership skills and personal balance. The experience enhanced my passion for life-long learning in order to be the best version of myself and to enable others through my leadership skills.
Describe your experience working with the Bloombase team.
What resonated most for me in the experience was the way they were able to create an environment where every single person almost immediately became comfortable enough to truly be vulnerable and real. This truly unique talent created a deep connection across the group from day one. My relationship and bond with the team has been invaluable in my personal journey. Their contrasting styles and obvious passion for what they do just works! I reveled in the fun yet emotional environment that they created. I don’t know how they do it but I do know that they need to keep on touching the lives of great women to help them find even more greatness within.
Describe the benefits of being a part of the post AWL community?
The network of amazing women that I have met along this journey is second to none. Every time I get to spend time with AWL alumni, I leave with valuable insights that open up new ideas and choices, largely through listening to others tell their stories of events in their lives and professional careers. I treasure every opportunity to be a continuing part of this family.