Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Current
Awards
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Karen O'Donnabhain

Karen O'Donnabhain

Singapore

Summary

Collaborative individual seeking a school counselling position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent communication and problem-solving skills in a diverse environment. Reliable and dedicated to fostering successful connections between counsellors and students. Dedicated mentor eager to utilize counseling and coaching skills. Strong presentation and public speaking skills with focus wellbeing workshops and training sessions. Knowledgeable about general wellbeing and committed to fostering a positive learning environment.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Regional Head, FI Sales

The Standard Bank of South Africa
02.2014 - 08.2015
  • Developed and met sales targets for product sales to global financial institution clients
  • Worked closely with product and other businesses within the Bank to provide quality of service to key FI clients
  • Overall responsibility for completion of complex RFP documents for key global bank clients
  • Responsible for coordination and planning of client RFP related visits.
  • Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
  • Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
  • Attended weekly meetings to discuss and optimize strategies.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly, resolving issues efficiently with tailored solutions.
  • Implemented data-driven decision making, using analytics to identify trends and inform strategy development.
  • Aligned regional objectives with overarching organizational goals to ensure comprehensive success across all areas of operation.
  • Improved regional performance by implementing strategic sales initiatives and effective team management.
  • Increased revenue by identifying new business opportunities and closing high-value deals.
  • Developed a collaborative culture, fostering teamwork and open communication throughout the region.
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve regional goals and improve overall business performance.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Senior Sales, Asset Servicing

Citi South Africa
05.2013 - 01.2014
  • Member of senior sales team providing Asset Servicing (including Custody, Clearing, Securities Lending services) in the region
  • Developed and set sales strategy for key global clients
  • Responsible for key client relationship management
  • Tasked with coordinating and completing major RFI responses.
  • Communicated product quality and market comparisons by creating sales presentations.
  • Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
  • Expedited resolution of client issues by collaborating closely with various departments involved in addressing specific concerns.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with headquarters, regional and other teams nationally to maintain consistent message and experience.
  • Met with clients, delivering presentations, and educating on product and service features and offerings.
  • Developed strong relationships with key clients, leading to increased account retention and long-term loyalty.
  • Maintained open lines of communication within the team, fostering a productive and supportive work environment.
  • Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.

Career Coach (part Time)

Rockport Institute, Affiliate
01.2012 - 06.2016
  • Provided Rockport Institute testing for clients to discover their innate talents and personality profiles for optimal selection of university courses or career changes
  • Worked one on one with clients in a coaching capacity to review and interpret their test results
  • Guided clients through courses and careers that would be aligned with their unique profiles and strengths.
  • Achieved positive outcomes by utilizing a variety of coaching methodologies tailored to each client''s learning style and personality type.
  • Provided support during career transitions by offering guidance on navigating change, setting achievable goals, and overcoming obstacles.
  • One-on-one coaching of clients based on current objectives, challenges,aptitudes, education, and employment history.
  • Enhanced client career progression by providing personalized coaching sessions tailored to individual goals and strengths.

Head, Cash & Trade Regional Sales

The Bank of New York Mellon
04.2010 - 12.2012
  • Senior regional sales representative for Cash & Trade solutions to Financial Institutions in the sub-Saharan region
  • Set overall regional strategy and annual sales targets for region
  • Represented company on Panels at key industry events
  • Undertook regular regional travel to promote Bank’s products to new FI clients and maintain relationships with key clients including Central Banks
  • Worked closely with Product partners to ensure smooth client delivery and service.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.

Country & Regional Executive –South African Rep Office

The Bank of New York Mellon
09.2008 - 03.2010
  • Senior representative of the company in South Africa and other key sub-Saharan African countries
  • Key interface responsible for creating and maintaining relationships with senior representatives of Central Bank and Financial Institutional Clients as well as Corporate clients
  • Developed and set the overall regional strategy and obtained buy-in from global head office for implementation
  • Scoped out key business development activities across all Lines of Business represented in the region
  • Responsible for sales and cross-sell targets as well as maintenance of key client relationships across the region
  • Responsible for Risk, Compliance, Administration and Regulator Interface for the Rep Office
  • Oversaw local employee engagement efforts and staff development.
  • Achieved territory expansion through targeted prospecting and successful contract negotiations.
  • Delivered consistent revenue growth by nurturing existing client accounts while actively pursuing untapped prospects within the region.
  • Enhanced brand reputation through community outreach initiatives and active participation in industry events.
  • Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
  • Achieved established KPI for company, regional team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
  • Coached and promoted high-achieving sales and account management employees to fill leadership positions with qualified staff and boost company growth.
  • Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
  • Championed employee engagement initiatives that fostered a positive work environment and increased staff retention rates.
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing regular coaching, training, and performance evaluations.
  • Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.

Relationship Executive

The Bank of New York Mellon
02.2004 - 08.2008
  • Managed key Corporate and Financial Institutions relationships of the company in the Issuer Services (debt & equity issuance) space
  • Diversified and grew the customer base in Corporate Trust from six clients to more than twenty
  • Maintained dominant market share in Depositary Receipts in addition to obtaining new clients
  • Conducted regular relationship interface at CEO/CFO & IRO level
  • Provided Client training on relevant Systems, such as Investor Targeting and Shareholder ID.
  • Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
  • Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
  • Maintained regular contact with clients and identified opportunities to deliver added value to client relationships.
  • Participated in industry events and trade shows to promote products and services.
  • Developed, maintained and utilized diverse client base.
  • Participated in networking events and industry conferences to expand professional connections and stay current on market trends.
  • Maintained knowledge on banking products and distribution to provide optimal service support.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by diligently maintaining accurate documentation for all client transactions and communications.
  • Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
  • Built and maintained relationships with new and existing clients while providing high level of expertise.
  • Developed and executed targeted relationship and account development strategy.
  • Coordinated with various departments to resolve complex client issues quickly and effectively, demonstrating excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Enhanced client relationships by consistently providing exceptional service and promptly addressing concerns.
  • Supported sales initiatives by creating compelling presentations showcasing company''s products and services for prospective clients.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.

Various Senior Roles in Banking/Consulting

Gemini Consulting, Citibank, HSBC Equator Bank
07.1995 - 01.2004

Various roles since obtained MBA degree in 1995, including:

  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines..
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Education

Master of Counselling -

Flinders University
04.2024

Master of Arts - Counselling

Flinders University
Adelaide/Singapore
04.2024

Graduate Certificate & Graduate Diploma of Counselling - Counselling

Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne/Singapore
03.2023

Master in Business Administration -

University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
05.1995

BSc. (Hons) Economics -

University of London, UK
05.1989

International Baccalaureate, Diploma -

Lester B Pearson United World College, British Columbia, Canada
05.1986

Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Levels -

Waterford Kamhlaba United World College, Mbabane, Swaziland
12.1983

Skills

  • Career Counseling
  • Relationship Building
  • Attention to Detail
  • Data organization
  • Professional ethics
  • Documentation and Recordkeeping
  • Clear Communication
  • Adaptable
  • Personable
  • Professional
  • Empathic
  • Effective communication skills

Current

09/2015, Present, Currently enrolled for a Master of Counselling degree offered through ECTA with Flinders University. Practicum experience includes working with elderly and marginalized community members. Before my decision to re-train in Counselling in 2022, I was a stay-at-home parent due my spouse’s job relocation firstly within South Africa in September 2015, and subsequently with his relocation to Singapore in July 2019.

Awards

  • 1984, Awarded CIDA Scholarship to Lester B Pearson College in Canada
  • 1993, Thomas Jefferson Fellow, awarded USAID Scholarship to University of Maryland
  • 2022, Academic Awardee by ECTA for academic achievement in Graduate Certificate provided by Swinburne University of Technology

Additional Information

As a homemaker between 2016 to 2019, I served in our local community by setting up and running a lunch scheme for underprivileged boys in our local soccer club and by co-tutoring a weekly Philosophy group.

Timeline

Regional Head, FI Sales

The Standard Bank of South Africa
02.2014 - 08.2015

Senior Sales, Asset Servicing

Citi South Africa
05.2013 - 01.2014

Career Coach (part Time)

Rockport Institute, Affiliate
01.2012 - 06.2016

Head, Cash & Trade Regional Sales

The Bank of New York Mellon
04.2010 - 12.2012

Country & Regional Executive –South African Rep Office

The Bank of New York Mellon
09.2008 - 03.2010

Relationship Executive

The Bank of New York Mellon
02.2004 - 08.2008

Various Senior Roles in Banking/Consulting

Gemini Consulting, Citibank, HSBC Equator Bank
07.1995 - 01.2004

Master of Counselling -

Flinders University

Master of Arts - Counselling

Flinders University

Graduate Certificate & Graduate Diploma of Counselling - Counselling

Swinburne University of Technology

Master in Business Administration -

University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA

BSc. (Hons) Economics -

University of London, UK

International Baccalaureate, Diploma -

Lester B Pearson United World College, British Columbia, Canada

Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Levels -

Waterford Kamhlaba United World College, Mbabane, Swaziland
Karen O'Donnabhain