Karen Lee

Chief Executive Officer

Karen is one of Europe’s leading talent management specialists and a co-founder of Blackswan. During her time with TMP Worldwide in the 90s, Karen became a pivotal player in the global ‘war for talent’ throughout the technology boom. She continues today to personally coach high profile executives with clients that include Rio Tinto, Nissan, Tata and Nestlé.

Before founding Blackswan Karen worked with industry leaders, including the BT executive team through the BT/MCI merger, and undertook some politically sensitive and challenging leadership development and talent acquisition assignments.

Karen has worked ‘in-house’ in corporate roles for companies such as HP and Nortel Networks, the global telecoms manufacturing giant, where she was headhunted to drive global Executive Talent Management & Acquisition programmes for high potential employees.

She works relentlessly throughout the UK, Europe & US to further enhance Blackswan’s reputation as a leading edge provider of both practical and strategic people and transformation offerings. Karen also heads up the design and delivery of Blackswan’s ‘Women in Leadership’ Programmes and also Blackswan Mediation, a Business dedicated to the provision of mediation training to and services for clients seeking resolution out of court as an alternative to formal and costly litigation. 

Throughout the 90s Karen travelled and worked independently across India, Nepal, Mongolia, Australia, Asia Pac, Philippines, China and Russia. Karen is an avid Newcastle United fan and keen skier. In January of 2009 Karen had her first baby boy and is now becoming adept at balancing motherhood with her professional career.

With a degree in Sociology from the University of Surrey, Karen is currently studying the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) part time at the University of Northumbria.

In her down time, you’re unlikely to find Karen: With much time to spare. Without her son, Ethan, by her side.

You are likely to find her: With her husband Maurice and son Ethan, walking on Longsands beach. Out on her mountain bike. Planning the next group ski trip to the Alps.  Enjoying a glass of wine at a brasserie in Tynemouth. Reading a Martin Amis or Paulo Coelho novel. Cooking for friends and family in her kitchen overlooking the North Sea.