Working with a company at the forefront of energy transformation is exciting and challenging. Schneider Electric supports its employees in multiple locations to progress in the power management industry and fulfill their potential. Where Women Work meets Karen Lyons, who works with Schneider Electric in Ireland.
Delivering customer services solutions across Schneider
Karen Lyons is Director of Services for Ireland, which, in a nutshell, means she leads a team who are highly skilled in both delivering and selling customer services solutions across the broad Schneider Electric portfolio.
“Services is hugely important to Schneider Electric’s bigger picture and direction, from a strategic perspective it is one of the main pillars highlighted for future growth. Given that all customer engagement after the original product or solution sale is with the services team, we are a hugely important part of our client engagement and enabler of follow on business,” explains Karen.
Every day has an unpredictable nature
One of the most challenging aspects of Karen’s role is the unpredictable nature of any day. Karen’s team supports critical systems in energy sensitive environments, so the ability to react at speed and with competence to emergency situations is key.
“I really enjoy the variety and never knowing what the day can bring, responding effectively to solve a customer critical issue provides great job satisfaction,” comments Karen.
“It is a time of great change and opportunity in the energy industry, with digital transformation driving new customer and technical requirements. I am proud to work for a company that’s embracing and leading in this changing world.”
Working within a dynamic environment
As a proud Schneider Electric employee, Karen enjoys the “team spirit” found within all areas of the company and the fun nature of her colleagues.
“There is a great team spirit. In such a dynamic environment, things would not function well if people were too individually driven. People in the team support each other to deliver the best customer outcome,” she explains. “They work hard, but they can play hard too – a Schneider Electric night out is always a good one!”
When asked about her own attributes within this supportive team, Karen describes herself as very focused on customer satisfaction and says she enjoys achieving targets, especially in a team environment.
“There are multiple skills and experience needed to lead and transform in this varied environment but if I was to highlight a top three I would say – customer focus, people leadership and change management,” she adds
“Ultimately my engineering background always comes through in that I feel most satisfied when something gets ‘fixed’.”
Sharing salient advice with other women
For females looking to apply for jobs with Schneider Electric, Karen advises, “The ability to collaborate across teams to deliver solutions and results is key, as well as a customer oriented mindset.”
“The best career advice I have been given is always try to make your mark as someone who can be relied on to get things done,” she continues. “Put your hand up to volunteer to take on tasks but if you do this always deliver on your commitments and you build trust both internally and with customers.”
Making the most of family time
Outside of work, Karen spends most of her free time with her family. Her children play multiple sports, so she is often found on the side-lines cheering them on. Karen concludes “In my personal life I am far more relaxed and like to have a contrast to my busy work environment. To relax, I enjoy nothing more than swimming and listening to music.”
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