Karen Bexley
CEO and partner at Bexley Beaumont
Karen Bexley, co-founder of Bexley Beaumont, shares her passions and interests with The Brief
How do you like to start the day?
With a strong coffee and listening to the Today programme on Radio 4.
What’s your favourite object in your office/home office?
The door!
Who is your closest colleague?
My co-founder, Anna. We have lived and breathed Bexley Beaumont together over the last four years, supporting each other through the challenges and celebrating the successes along the Bexley Beaumont journey together too.
Do you have a favourite family heirloom?
My mum’s engagement ring.
What’s your favourite song of all time?
‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen. It’s guaranteed to get me dancing!
What’s your favourite play?
Les Miserables. I remember going to see it for the first time with my parent,s and then took my daughter to London to see it last year. I have passed on my love of theatre to my daughters and we all enjoy going to see shows and plays together.
Who’s your favourite movie star?
Robin Williams.
What’s your favourite book?
I loved Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and 1984 by George Orwell. I haven’t read either of them for at least 20 years but am keen to do so again to see how the fictional worlds which they described might compare to modern times.
What book are you reading right now?
Built To Last by Jim Collins.
What book do you wish you had written?
The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, as it is a true business classic. It was first published over 30 years ago, and so many of the more recent leadership books are based on its principles.
What’s the greatest invention of all time?
The telephone. The power to be able to hear a friend’s or loved one’s voice and connect at any time wherever they are in the world is often underrated in this day of messages and emails.
Is there a sport you wish you could play?
I like team sports and think you can learn a lot about leadership from them. To be good at any team support would be a bonus.
Who inspires you in business?
Anyone who has built a company whilst staying true to themselves and true to the vision of the business through the growth journey. Growing a business has its highs, lows, challenges and opportunities. Resilience, patience and determination are all key attributes – and a sense of humour is certainly needed at times too.
In the office do you dress up, dress down or somewhere in between?
I dress for whatever the day has in store. Often, that means a dress or trousers and a blouse as that is what I feel most comfortable in when in the office. At home, it’s a very different story.
Where do you go to relax?
I run, listen to podcasts and enjoy long walks with the family in the countryside.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
Canada. I travelled the world with a friend and left her to go to Law School while she went on to Canada. She described it as her favourite place and I have wanted to go ever since.
Besides your phone, what do you always have with you?
My Apple Airpods, as I'm always listening to podcasts while on the move.
What’s the best part of your job?
Leadership is a privileged position. Being able to welcome new faces to Bexley Beaumont and playing a small part in seeing that talent grow – whether that's our partners or wonderful support team – are my favourite parts of the day job.
How do you unwind after work?
Watching the children in the evening at their various hobbies or going for an evening walk with the dog.
Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?
A glass (or two) of Gavi in the garden.
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