Karen believes that engaging with Executive Communities connects partners with the leaders who are driving business forward.
Karen Martin joined CFO South Africa as sales manager in 2021, in the thick of the Covid pandemic – and got to know her team members virtually before meeting them all in person. But when she did meet them face-to-face, it wasn’t a moment too soon, because Karen believes that her job as a sales manager is an extension of her love for working with people.
“I’ve always had a passion for working with people, understanding their needs, and helping them grow,” she says. “Sales, for me, is about more than just closing deals – it’s about creating solutions that make a real impact. I love getting to know my partners' businesses, identifying how they can gain more exposure, and finding ways to help them achieve their goals.”
Her work at CFO South Africa
Karen feels that she has the opportunity to do this daily at CFO South Africa, whether her activities involve selling for the community, or the Finance Indaba, or working with partners and executives at the organisation’s networking and knowledge-sharing engagements.
“What truly drives me is the ability to build long-term relationships, connect the right people and be a part of something that creates real value,” she says.
She is an evangelist for the CFO South Africa community. “This community is truly one of a kind – it’s filled with real conversations, real connections, and real impact. The finance leaders in this space aren’t just here for networking; they’re here to learn, grow, and support each other in navigating the challenges of their roles.”
She particularly values seeing the connections deepen over time between the executives who attend CFO South Africa’s events.
On board with Executive Communities
She’s enthusiastic about the launch of Executive Communities as the parent company for all the community organisations in South Africa and East Africa, because she believes that, “Today’s business world isn’t siloed – finance, IT, HR and strategy all overlap. Leaders need a space where these conversations can happen together – not in isolation.”
She believes that this synergy is important for the partners of the different communities as well. “For our partners, this means greater access to decision-makers across multiple fields and the chance to position their brands at the centre of executive-level discussions. It’s not just about visibility – it’s about influence, relevance, and being part of the conversation that drives business forward.
Time out!
As a working mom of two, Karen says she doesn’t get much of the luxury of downtime, but she truly enjoys spending time with her children, “watching them learn, grow and experience the world in their own unique ways. It’s a joy to be part of their journey.”
When she does get a moment to herself, she loves socialising with friends, and she has a passion for writing.
“Beyond that, I’m always looking for ways to grow through continuous learning and self-improvement, whether through studying or gaining insights from my colleagues,” Karen says. “And when the moment allows, I love curling up with a great book, series, or movie – a little escape into a good story is always a treat!”
To gain access to unparalelled executive networking opportunties, contact Karen on [email protected].