Karen Williams’s journey to becoming a successful CFO began with a crucial lesson learned early in her career at the UK headquarters of candy giant Mars. As a young professional, she tells us, she had failed to grasp the importance of relationship-building and expressing her passion for the business. At times, this void had kept her sidelined and stymied her professional growth, a conclusion that she would reach only much later, when she personally witnessed the power of networking and personal connections.
Read MoreThe turning point came during her tenure at American Express. Immersed in a culture that valued relationships and collaboration, Williams began to understand how networking could unlock the potential of others. The open-door policy at American Express allowed her to connect with colleagues across departments, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. It was here where she found a mentor who not only guided her through the intricacies of corporate finance and leadership after recognizing her passion and dedication but also provided valuable insights that opened the doors to new opportunities that would accelerate her career progression.
Years later, when Williams ascended into the first of what would become a number of CFO roles, she carried forward the lessons learned from her experiences. She emphasizes the importance of a human capital mind-set that rewards those who demonstrate a genuine passion for the business. Furthermore—because she believes that passion drives results—she strives to create an environment where her team feels motivated and valued. By promoting internal talent and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Williams ensures that her team is not just competent but also deeply engaged and committed.
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CFOTL: Tell us about American Express Global Business Travel … what does this company do, and what are its offerings today?
Williams: American Express Global Business Travel is a leading provider of software and services for travel, meetings, and events. We essentially provide tech and services, as well as act as a marketplace for suppliers of air, rail, hotels, car hire, and so forth. We also have our own clients, who span the spectrum from global, multinational firms on down to small and medium-size enterprises.
Read MoreOur company offers a wide range of products. At the high end, we can provide basically “white glove” service. For clients who want to be more hands-on, we have offerings like our Egencia product and tech platforms that really allow you to self-serve. All of our tech and services have an extremely digital focus and together serve to offer a wide variety of choices. We are a global organization in 140 countries, renowned both for the quality of our services and the capabilities of our platforms.
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“The CFO role has evolved into an increasingly multifaceted position. Beyond finance, you must be a fully integrated strategic partner to other business functions, tech-savvy, up-to-date on the latest risk management and compliance parameters, and a positive people leader. A great support network and the self-confidence to do things your way are key.”
–Karen Williams, CFO, American Express Global Business Travel
American Express Global Business Travel | www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com