Hi I’m Kara

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My passion is coaching and mentoring people to realise their potential, discover their unique strengths and achieve their aspirations.

 

Working in a space where I know I’m making a real positive difference to individuals, and knowing that through them the ripples reach across their teams, families, businesses and communities is exhilarating.

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As an accredited coach with over 20+ years experience in corporate and tertiary organisations I have worked across multiple disciplines. With a diploma in Psychology and experience using many coaching methodologies. Practice areas I am experienced in include Human Resources, Organisational Development and Learning Design, IT, Project Management and Sales, Logistics and Account Management.  I have supported mentoring programmes with Women in Leadership, Emerging Leaders, Graduates and Managers.

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I understand the hard work and determination necessary to progress, build credibility and make a difference. I bring a wealth of experience of working with a broad and diverse group of people at all stages of their careers and lives.

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I was born in Auckland to European and Pasifika parents at a time when assimilating into a western way of life was expected. Distanced from our Pasifika family meant a disconnection with our heritage, history and culture.

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Feeling displaced was simply accepted as a child and becoming a teen mum meant other priorities occupied me for some time. Working hard to be a parent and partner, build a secure future, a career and an education was not a traditional career pathway by any means.

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As a more mature adult a deep sense of loss for that Pasifika connection led me to undertake a personal journey to rediscover my heritage.  While hesitant and tentative to start with, this has been a heartwarming journey of reconnections. Learning the old stories, attempting to learn my language, and visiting places of significance in Samoa that as a tourist I had been completely unaware of.

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Today I am blessed to be embraced by my aiga, celebrating my identity and reclaiming by mana Pasifika and my sense of belonging. Rebuilding bridges not only for myself but leaving a legacy for the future generations.

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Working in the community with Pasifika, emerging leaders and young mothers is an aspiration where I believe my lived experience can make a positive difference to others.

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