Meet Karen – People Not Products

Our next person on the People Not Products series is the wonderful Karen Morrice. Check out their interview below on an exciting life that has seen her return from South Africa and back to the Aspen Solutions team.

Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and what led you to Aspen Solutions?
I joined Aspen Solutions initially in 2022 which is when I returned to live in Scotland after living in South Africa for most of my life.  At the beginning of my career, I worked in Sales, and in my latter years in SA, I headed up our family run business supplying printer and all other IT related spare parts/repairs. Aspen resonated with me, as they had the same inclusive feel which isn’t common within a larger corporate, the core values and vision for their business were relatable, and thankfully they felt there was a place for me, and here we are.

What does a typical day in your role look like, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am part of the Business Support Administrative team, which is a fairly new role for me. I get an absolute kick being part of a process behind the scenes that helps the business as a whole run more effectively from both a customer and internal perspective.  

What’s been your most memorable moment or achievement at Aspen Solutions so far?
After taking a step away from work life last year, I was approached by Aspen Solutions in November to ask if I would like to rejoin them. It’s a very different role, but I feel quite proud that being in a business support role, it has meant I’ve seen a tangible impact on operations and growth as I’ve been a part of streamlining administrative processes,  some of which have converted to additional revenue collaboratively with the Sales Team, & some have meant that communication internally has allowed us all to work more efficiently,  which in turn hopefully translates to further customer satisfaction.

What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in your role?
Being able to roll with fast paced change in an environment which demands it is a non-negotiable. Being adaptable is vital, no two days are the same, as well as having strong organisational and time management skills. Being able to think two steps ahead or somewhat out of the box at times is an added bonus. Good verbal communication – that’s never been an issue for me, I definitely love a good chat, most definitely a strength, others may beg to differ.

How would you describe the culture at Aspen Solutions, and what makes it a great place to work?
People are at the very heart of Aspen Solutions, and I’m incredibly lucky to work alongside a great team who make coming into the office a genuine pleasure.

What advice would you give to someone looking to build a career in your field?
Be flexible and open to change. Have an enquiring mind coupled with a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm, and you’ll never go wrong.

When you’re not at work, how do you like to unwind and relax?
I love live music, a good spa day, weekend breaks & time spent with family, friends and loved ones. I also love eating my way round Glasgow. Scotland gets a hard rap for being unimaginative when it comes to food – it’s absolutely not the case. You’ll find me at my happiest with food and a glass in hand.