About Karen Marshall & Optima Futura
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I founded Optima Futura in 2002 as a communications skills and marketing consultancy - including consultation event facilitation, public engagement facilitation, business facilitation, leadership coaching, leadership development, team building, personal development.
Prior to that, from 1992 - 2002, I owned and ran Karen Marshall Associates - a leadership and personal development training and coaching company. In all that time, I've provided leadership, coaching and facilitation services for the private and public sector. I've offered business coaching and facilitation in topics such as visionary leadership, chairing meetings, winning teams, clarifying your marketing strategy, designing your online and offline marketing programmes, client account planning, influencing for success, relationship selling and presenting. Corportate and public sector clients I've worked with include BT, American Express, British Airways, Department of Business Innovation & Skills, Thomas Cook, Sony, Credit Suisse, IBM, Department of Health and more. 
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My personal passions include painting, the natural world, dance, writing poetry, sailing and horse riding. I regularly exhibit my paintings in solo exhibitions and I have facilitated art demonstrations and painting nights for my local art club.
I currently live in Northern Ireland, having moved from England a few years ago. I have worked and travelled in Europe, USA, South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. 
I'm certified as ...
I hold a B.Sc. in Computer Science with Maths from the University of Bristol as well as a Certificate in Art, Design and Creative Studies from the Arts University College in Bournemouth. During my 15 years working for IBM I was trained in business consulting, marketing and industry training for several business sectors. I also programme managed IBM's Creative Thinking course for 2 years and trained IBM's leaders in Leadership and Personal Development |