Katherine Ottewell

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT KATHERINE OTTEWELL

I am a dynamic, strategic and commercial operator with natural flair for leading and engaging. With experience across commercial and operations roles within retail, central support and multi site functions across 15 years. I hold an MBA with distinction. At work I aspire to always be \"Hungry and Humble.\" I took inspiration from the CEO of a major retailer and believe this captures both the results driven and coaching leadership style I strive for every day.I have a track record for running some of Marks and Spencer\'s largest, most profitable flagships as well as leading their process and operational academy responsible for developing, testing and rolling out improvements across the business.I thrive in fast paced environments allowing me freedom to make great decisions and contribute to business outcomes. My experience of working in a large, corporate, target driven environment has helped me develop a leadership style that balances delivering great results in an authentic way.I believe that great outcomes come from fostering strong relationships and invest time in people both inside the organisation and outside. This has opened many doors for me whether that be presenting at board level, leading projects at operating committee level, being elected deputy chair of Birmingham city centre BID or leading a number of charitable projects (the most memorable culminating under Concord lit up in hot pink!) I believe these great relationships have helped me to both be the best I can be and also coach others to be the best they can.I believe in the importance of a growth mindset and am happiest when stretched. This has led me to secure places on a number of coveted internal and external development groups and fast track programmes. This includes the Be Inspired Senior Leadership Academy and the internal Senior Leadership Fast Track programme. This personal ambition also motivated me to achieve an MBA with distinction from Warwick Business School (ranked number 1 in the world.) This developed a breadth and depth of knowledge across organisational behaviour, leadership, operational design and business understanding. I am at my happiest in work when playing a part in helping individuals perform at their best and when part of a high performing team. I am a strong advocate for women in work and aspire to role model a strong leadership style to inspire other women. When I am not at work I am at home mothering two small people and aspire to show them how, through a strong work ethic and personal ambition, they can achieve their life goals.