Karlene Craven- NPI Supervisor Hope Downs 1 mine

Karlene’s career path hasn’t followed a straight line, and that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful. Before joining Sodexo, she spent a decade supporting others as a Business Development Manager in a franchise network, helping people grow and run successful businesses.  Later, she co-ran an electrical business, but rather than staying behind the scenes, Karlene decided she wanted to truly understand the trade.

So, she did something many people only talk about: she started an electrical apprenticeship at 40. 

Returning to study alongside teenagers was a learning experience in every sense, but Karlene embraced it with humour and humility.  “It was a bit weird at the start,” she says, “but it became really rewarding for all of us.”  She helped her classmates with maths, and in return, they helped her build speed and confidence with practical skills.  That exchange, learning both ways, became a theme that continues to shape her leadership today.

Balancing study, family life, and running a business meant every day felt like a “Tetris puzzle,” but Karlene pushed through and graduated in 2022.

In September 2024, Karlene joined Sodexo as an electrician, stepping into FIFO life and a new environment.  She admits it was daunting at first - not knowing what to expect, adapting to 12-hour shifts, and finding her feet in a male-dominated industry.

But she focused on what she could control: showing up, doing the right thing, and building relationships.

“I don’t change how I operate,” Karlene explains.  “I do things the right way, do my paperwork properly, prioritise safety, build relationships, and talk to everyone.”

Even something as simple as saying hello mattered.  “In FIFO, if you say hello, people look at you like you’re speaking another language,” she laughs.  “But I just kept saying hello, and eventually people started talking.”

That openness helped Karlene quickly become someone others trusted, not just for her work ethic, but for the positive energy she brought to the day.

Inclusion isn’t a buzzword for Karlene - it’s how she runs her day.

Her team includes people from Brazilian, Italian, German, Irish and Australian backgrounds, each bringing different communication styles, experiences and ways of working.  Karlene leans into those differences with curiosity.

“It’s only by talking with each of the guys that I understand how they were brought up and what their culture is like,” she says.  “If I can understand that, then I can be respectful of how different they all are.”

She also creates space for connection - not just through work, but through small moments that help people feel like they belong.  Morning quizzes, jokes, music, and shared laughs aren’t distractions in Karlene’s eyes, they’re part of building a team that works well together and feels safe to speak up.

Ask Karlene what has shaped her as a leader, and her answer is simple: respect.

“You’ve got to give your team respect before you get it back,” she says.  Her leadership style is grounded and practical - remove barriers, keep the team moving, and follow through on commitments.   “If you say you’re going to do it, then you do it,” Karlene explains.  “That’s how trust builds.”

Beyond performance and productivity, Karlene is intentional about being present for her people - not just as a supervisor, but as a human being.  In a FIFO environment, she understands how quickly mental fatigue can build, especially when personal pressures sit quietly in the background.

Creating psychological safety is one of her biggest priorities.  She is especially passionate about fostering trust in Pre-Starts, where team members feel confident to raise concerns, admit mistakes, and speak openly.

“You need an environment where people feel safe to be honest,” Karlene says. “If someone brings something up, we appreciate it - because now we can learn and improve.”  Her inclusive and balanced approach is clearly felt by those who work alongside her.

She’s a big believer in asking questions and learning from others across the site.  “I’m a thirsty sponge when it comes to knowledge,” Karlene says. “Teach me, teach me, teach me.”

And she’s proof that growth doesn’t come from having all the answers, it comes from showing initiative, staying open, and backing yourself to learn.