Karen Farbridge | Présidente et connectrice urbaine

Karen Farbridge

President & Urban Connector

Karen Farbridge & Associates Ltd

Created On: December 15, 2016
Sector:
Business, Management, and Administration
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Business & Economics,  Social Sciences

Learn About My Career

Karen Farbridge is the President & Urban Connector of Karen Farbridge & Associates Ltd.

I was born/grew up in: I was born in England, emigrated to Canada when I was 3 and grew up in the country north of Toronto near the village of Kettleby, Ontario, Canada.

I now live in: I now live in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

I completed my training/education at: University of Guelph and McMaster University

I spend much of my day bringing people together and connecting them to ideas and opportunities. I work with teams on research projects. Sometimes I spend time conducting interviews and writing reports. I work with people who want to make a difference by sharing my own experiences and knowledge. I am frequently asked to speak to people about my experience in leading change and building healthier and more sustainable communities. I also write about my experiences and thoughts on my blog. I use the critical thinking skills I developed through my science background to help people solve "wicked" problems like climate change. A lot of my work is about engaging people in their communities so that they can make a difference.

 

I began my career in academics at the University of Guelph in fish endocrinology. I took a leave of absence from academia when I had my son. At that time I worked for a non-profit organization. I enjoyed working in the community so much that I took a significant turn to run for City Council and then Mayor. I spent 17 years in local politics. Now I have built my own business based on my past experience. I ran in 8 election losing 3 of them over this time which taught to keep pursuing my passion.

I love working with people on projects that will make the world a better place for everyone. I enjoy the possibility that arises when you connect people with each other and the opportunities that they can create together. I have had the incredible opportunity to work in very different roles in my community - from academics, leading a non-profit organization, being mayor, to running my own business.

My work has always focused on helping people be part of the decisions that affect their lives and to empower them to make a difference in their own community. I have done this work through different roles including as the mayor of Guelph for 11 years.

I like to hike in nature, garden, travel, cook and make mosaics.

I would encourage others to take opportunities when they are offered, even if they seem odd or might challenge you, because you never know where they will lead.

What I do at work

I spend much of my day bringing people together and connecting them to ideas and opportunities. I work with teams on research projects. Sometimes I spend time conducting interviews and writing reports. I work with people who want to make a difference by sharing my own experiences and knowledge. I am frequently asked to speak to people about my experience in leading change and building healthier and more sustainable communities. I also write about my experiences and thoughts on my blog. I use the critical thinking skills I developed through my science background to help people solve "wicked" problems like climate change. A lot of my work is about engaging people in their communities so that they can make a difference.

 

My career path is

I began my career in academics at the University of Guelph in fish endocrinology. I took a leave of absence from academia when I had my son. At that time I worked for a non-profit organization. I enjoyed working in the community so much that I took a significant turn to run for City Council and then Mayor. I spent 17 years in local politics. Now I have built my own business based on my past experience. I ran in 8 election losing 3 of them over this time which taught to keep pursuing my passion.

I am motivated by

I love working with people on projects that will make the world a better place for everyone. I enjoy the possibility that arises when you connect people with each other and the opportunities that they can create together. I have had the incredible opportunity to work in very different roles in my community - from academics, leading a non-profit organization, being mayor, to running my own business.

How I affect peoples’ lives

My work has always focused on helping people be part of the decisions that affect their lives and to empower them to make a difference in their own community. I have done this work through different roles including as the mayor of Guelph for 11 years.

Outside of work I

I like to hike in nature, garden, travel, cook and make mosaics.

My advice to others

I would encourage others to take opportunities when they are offered, even if they seem odd or might challenge you, because you never know where they will lead.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Art
  • Math
  • Science
  • Other: Philosophy

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Enjoyed doing things on my own
  • Always wanted to be outside
  • Enjoyed working with my hands
  • Liked being given free range to explore my ideas
  • Engaged in volunteer activities
  • Liked reading
  • Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades

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