Her Story
About Karen
Karen Ward is a business transformation consultant with approximately 15 years of experience guiding companies through transitions to improved processes, systems, and operating models. Her expertise encompasses organizational change management, agile scaling methods, and technology modernization, including the integration of AI. She is Pro Sci certified in change management and holds SPC credentials along with advanced certifications in agile scaling methods and organizational change management. A high school graduate who did not attend college, Karen built her career through certification programs and the support of mentors who provided opportunities despite her non-traditional path. She previously worked at Cap Tech Consulting for a decade, served as a technology manager at CarMax, spent time at DLG Strategic, and earned company awards during her tenure at First Union and Wachovia. Karen is actively involved with RVA What's Happening?, a local community organization focused on networking and mentorship. She attributes her success to early leaders who fostered a no-fear attitude by eliminating any sense of a glass ceiling. In her work, she prioritizes honesty to create psychological safety and values being seen as kind, honest, and capable. Karen advises following happiness over success and encourages young women to build alliances with other women and allies in the field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I had really great leaders and mentors throughout my early career who cared about me as a person and invested in me by giving opportunities even without a traditional degree. They never gave the impression of a stopping point or glass ceiling, which allowed me to have a no-fear attitude, feel safe and supported, step out of my comfort zone, and stretch myself, leading to where I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't follow success. Follow happiness. Even in your career, chasing the ladder doesn't pay off as much as you think it will emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually. Chase what makes you happy and the success will come.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find other women allies and your tribe, people you identify with and feel safe with who have navigated the spaces successfully. Start relationships, ask for coffee, be interested in their work, make connections to pass down wisdom on navigating a world not structured for us. Focus on positive leadership to help the next generation.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is really disrupting our field right now. We are inefficient in using it as we learn, creating natural inefficiencies, and it is stripping away the human element in recruiting, staffing, and human capital management. This creates challenges in sourcing, attracting, and retaining the right talent for transformation roles.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty above all, as it creates psychological safety and allows people to put away fears and be the best version of themselves. I want people to take away that I am a kind, honest, and capable person.
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