Karen Faulkner is a tenacious leader at Siemens Healthineers

Karen Faulkner is Head of Operations & Logistics at Siemens Healthineers Magnet Technology, near Oxford, UK.

Decisive, high energy, results-driven, and self-motivated, Karen is a member of the Magnet Technology Senior Leadership Team.

“I contribute to the overall business leadership through formulation and execution of the business strategy. Within Supply Chain Management, I have ultimate responsibility to ensure on time and complete delivery of our products. And all whilst operating within a zero-harm culture,” explains Karen.

Overcoming obstacles

Working within the Magnetic Resonance business line, the team is currently experiencing growth in its volumes, which while very exciting, is not without its challenges.

“It goes without saying that we are not immune from the global supply chain challenges faced by all industry. We are dedicated to continuously building greater resilience and reliability into our operational models of working,” says Karen.

Karen explains that while she recognises the complexities associated with management and the skills required to deal with day-to-day issues and problems, her focus needs to be on leading the team into the future, which involves a certain amount of ambiguity.

“Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable is a necessity, realising that not all decisions can be made based on data and fact. How do I deal with this? Building trust, creating transparency and encouraging teamwork – together I believe we can solve anything,” comments Karen.

Helping pioneer breakthroughs in healthcare

“Globally, to be part of the Siemens Healthineers family means that we’re all making a valuable contribution to help pioneer breakthroughs in healthcare – who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?” says Karen.

At a local level, within Magnet Technology, they are a multi-award-winning business and take enormous pride in developing truly innovative technology to produce superconducting magnet solutions of exceptional quality.

Karen continues, “Individually and as a team, we recognise the vital contribution we make in creating medical equipment that transforms healthcare and the lives of people across the globe. It doesn’t get much better than that!”

Paying attention to inclusion

Karen hopes that “we all have an appreciation and understanding of both the business and social cases for driving diversity and inclusion. Even in relatively diverse industries, there is always a need to pay attention to inclusion.”

Studies have shown that businesses with a diverse leadership team – be that gender, ethnicity, culture – are likely to experience above average profitability, Karen explains.

At a local level, she sees many benefits. “Creating the right atmosphere leads to employee retention, celebrating the broad range of skills, experience and backgrounds of our employees, more effective problem-solving and having access to a wider talent pool.”

Reaching your full potential

When asked what her advice would be for women looking to join Siemens Healthineers, Karen says, “Come and join! You will be part of an international team, where every level of experience is valued.”

“We are a welcoming organisation, where flexible working models are available to accommodate various life situations. Most importantly, we offer a place where everybody can work to their full potential. There’s more to do, but we’re on our way, one step at a time, all the time,” she continues.

Relaxing and recharging

Karen is hugely energised through swimming, which is where she finds the time to relax her mind at the end of the working day.

“During the weekends, a slow meander with the dog alongside the rivers and canals is a highlight - usually followed by a much-needed pub lunch!” she says.

Creating an environment where people thrive

Karen is extremely proud to be leading the Supply Chain Management function at Magnet Technology, being part of a great team that is focused on delivering the very best superconducting magnets for its global customers.

“I’ve had the privilege to work alongside some amazing people, and hope that I’ve played my part to create the right environment where people can thrive and be the best version of themselves,” concludes Karen.