About Karen
Hello — I’m Karen Sanders.
I’m an HR executive with over 30 years experience, mostly at board level with a long-standing interest in organisational development, people transformation and wellbeing at work. Through this blog, I share reflections from practice, learning from experience, and thoughtful commentary on the realities of working with people and organisations today.
My writing sits at the intersection of professional practice and reflection. It’s shaped by curiosity, lived experience, and a belief that better workplaces are both possible and necessary — particularly in times of change, pressure and uncertainty.
Over the years, I’ve worked alongside leaders and teams navigating change, complexity and uncertainty — and I’ve learned that the technical side of change is rarely the hardest part. The human side is where the real work lives.
My approach is reflective and people-centred, shaped by real-world practice and a belief that sustainable performance comes from healthy systems, clear purpose, and leadership that is both compassionate and honest.
I’m particularly interested in how organisational culture is formed (often unintentionally), how people experience change, and what it takes to create workplaces where people can do good work without burning out.
Why I Write
I started this blog as a place to capture learning, reflect on practice, and explore the questions that keep returning in HR and organisational life — the ones that don’t have simple answers.
You’ll find writing here that blends professional insight with reflection. I’m interested in what works in the real world: the tensions, the trade-offs, the unintended consequences, and the moments of progress that rarely make it into neat models.
What You’ll Find Here
My posts generally sit within five themes:
- HR Practice & Professionalism
- Organisational Development & Change
- People Transformation
- Wellbeing at Work
- Reflection & Learning
Alongside my professional work, I also volunteer as a Community Health Champion, sharing accessible health information within local communities to support informed conversations about wellbeing. While this role does not involve providing medical advice, it reflects a wider commitment to helping people feel better equipped to look after their own health and wellbeing.
And because organisational life is deeply human (and occasionally a bit absurd), I also believe a sense of perspective helps. I take the work seriously — but I try not to take myself too seriously.
Thanks for being here, and I hope you find something that resonates.
Karen Sanders HR 