Senior procurement executive, Lombardy, Italy
He first came for English. He had tried an online tutor, which felt impersonal, and then a language school, and wanted something more substantial. As the work went deeper, English lessons became executive coaching: structure, presence and calm under pressure.
An experienced procurement and operations executive, competing in English for a global role through several interview rounds with finance, operations and HR leaders. His expertise and judgement were never in doubt. The aim was to make sure they came across fully, in his second language, under pressure and on camera.
realistic interview simulations built around the panel's real priorities: a global matrix redesign, winning over resistant regional leaders, linking sourcing decisions to cost, risk and cash flow. Every answer in a clear problem, action, result structure, kept to three or four minutes.
a few high-impact upgrades rather than a rebuild: a deliberate pause in place of linking every idea with "and", and vocabulary that sounds like a global function head.
posture and eye contact for video interviews, worked from his own baseline recording.
Ba Duan Jin, the Eight Brocades, practised outdoors by Lake Garda after each simulation. He had always found sitting meditation hard; as a moving meditation, this worked. He now uses it at home before high-stakes calls.
He has passed five interview rounds so far, for a role senior enough that the company is taking its time over the final decision. After the first combined session he wrote to say how much more relaxed he felt, and what a welcome surprise the qi gong had been.
Working with Karen has been much more than improving my English. She combines language teaching, executive coaching and practical techniques to help you perform at your best under pressure. Throughout my interview preparation, she helped me communicate my experience with greater clarity, confidence and impact. Her coaching sessions allowed me to structure my answers effectively, while her personalised feedback improved both my language and executive presence. What makes Karen unique is her holistic approach. Alongside interview preparation and English coaching, she introduced me to qi gong and breathing techniques that helped me channel my energy, stay centred and approach each interview with a calm and focused mindset. Karen has the rare ability to motivate, support and challenge you at the same time. I would highly recommend her to anyone preparing for a high-stakes professional opportunity.