Karen joined Black & Veatch in 1992 and was named Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President in 2000. Black & Veatch is an employee-owned; Kansas-City based global engineering and construction firm with more than ninety offices worldwide. In her role as CFO and EVP, Ms. Daniel oversees various finance functions including treasury, tax, accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, internal audit and business systems. In addition, she establishes company-wide policies in the areas of revenue recognition, cash management, tax strategies and internal audit.

Prior to joining Black & Veatch, Ms. Daniel was Senior Audit Manager for the certified public accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick. During her eleven years, she served the governmental, manufacturing, banking and not-for-profit industries.

Karen is committed to the community and has been involved in many endeavors including the Women’s Employment Network (Past President on their Board of Directors from 1990-1997), Northwest Missouri State University Foundation trustee, member of the Kauffman Foundation’s Capital for Entrepreneurs - Women's Investment Committee and the Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners.

Additionally, Karen has won many awards including the N.T. Veatch Mark of Excellence Award, the highest award a Black & Veatch professional can earn. In 2000, she also received the KPMG Humanitarian Award and in 2002 she was recognized on the national level when she was selected to receive the National Women of Color Technology Award for Professional Achievement.

What is a typical day at your office like?
I know that I will always have a slate of meetings and decisions each day. Also, unexpected issues come up each day so you have to plan for that in your day.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?
The most challenging thing is finding sufficient time for all of the constituencies and stakeholders of the Company. Another challenge is meeting my own expectations for the job. At the end of each day, I always wish I could have done more even though I put in a full day every day.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I really enjoy the people aspect of my job---building teams and supporting management in our offices around the world. I’m very proud of our team and what we’ve been able to accomplish. It’s also very rewarding to see our company’s value increase based on everyone’s efforts, which was part of Mr. Veatch’s vision.

What is the one item in your office that you feel you could not do without?
Without a doubt, it would be the pictures of my family and friends, of people who motivate me, and our team members at special events. My father, grandfather and uncle were fire battalion chiefs and I have a firefighters’ calendar with their photos in it. Also, I have a photo of myself and my favorite singer, Patti LaBelle that was taken on my 42nd birthday. If you took the pictures out of my office, it wouldnÕt be my space.

When you were a child, what did you dream of doing with your life?
My mother will tell you at an early age I was good with numbers. In fact, one of the first toys I asked for was a cash register. And, my grandmother would tell you I wouldn’t be outdone. She had a big influence in my life and since she was a teacher, I thought I would be one too. I have learned that it is possible to teach outside of the traditional classroom, though. I really enjoy that. As a child, I never thought I would be a CFO; a college advisor planted that seed, but I knew I would be a leader.
Our environment at home was one where we were told we could do anything. And, we were pushed and challenged. I wish my father was still here to see the progress we have made. We were all given support and a strong foundation and I credit my parents and grandparents.

Who is your mentor and what is the most valuable thing you learned from that person?
I have several. One of the things I learned along the way is you should surround yourself with people you respect. Courage is my favorite word. I love Maya Angelou and something she has said means a lot to me: “Have the courage to live your convictions every day.” I learned how to be a problem-solver from my father. From my mother, I got strength.

What is your advice to other women for bringing balance to life?
Be honest about what you want and then make the commitment to make it happen. Women with careers are always challenged with splitting time with husband, family and the career. Commit to being true to yourself. If you want to run a huge corporation, do that. If you want to get married and raise children without a career, then that is your choice as well. Family is more important than tasks at work; however, there are times when you have to make compromises. Hopefully, you have a good partner to help you with all of your responsibilities. I don’t have children, but my family is very important. I spend a lot of time with them. That brings balance to my life. There are times when IÕm out of balance, but I just try to be aware of it and correct it as soon as I can.

If you had to list the top three reasons for your success, what would be on the list?
The reasons would be family support, being given opportunities and having courage. IÕve always been disciplined, but sometimes it also takes sheer will or courage to stay with things through tough challenges.

What do you consider to be your best professional achievement?
It’s being named CFO of Black & Veatch.

What was the lowest point in your professional life?
The low point eventually became the high point. When I decided to leave public accounting after eleven years, it felt like unfinished business at the time. I was ready to do something different, but I struggled with the notion of leaving my comfort zone and my friends. But, I just knew I was ready for something else.

What do you do to relax?
I do two things. I love music. Music is mood-altering. I only have a ten-minute drive to the office so I know I can fit in two songs. Depending on the activities of the day, I choose those two songs very carefully. The other thing I do to relax is spectator-sports. Several of our family members have season tickets and go to the Chiefs games every Sunday. We also get together to watch basketball games.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I’m both. I work late, but then I get up early to do all of my chores and exercise.

What is the last book you read?
The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

What is your favorite movie?
My favorite is The Color Purple because of the strong women characters who overcame so much. The cast---Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, etc. ---is phenomenal. And, Quincy Jones’ music was great.

Are you more likely to dine out, order in, or cook?
I’d prefer to eat out more, but because of my schedule I usually just make something quick. Last year, I was chosen to cook the family’s Christmas dinner which I feel honored to do. I’m not a good cook compared to others but I like to cook for my family and friends.

What is your favorite vacation destination?
My favorite is Florence, Italy. When I was in Italy I relaxed very easily. There’s a peace in Italy that we don’t have here. Our culture is very hustle and bustle and things move much more slowly there. Also, I identified very much with the close-knit families. And, the art, wine and food are great. When I was in Italy, it was the only time I wished someone had been there with me to see me enjoy it.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I wish we could be more accepting of one anotherÕs differences.

What is your personal philosophy?
My mission statement is: “Make a difference in the lives of others by living my life with integrity, compassion and generosity.” The other one is: “Other than having children, the only real legacy you can leave is how you treat others.”

What do you believe is the most critical issue facing our region?
believe that education is the most critical. There are some exciting, new developments on the horizon but we have a long way to go. I believe education is integral in building bridges between different kinds of people. The more educated you are, the more likely you are to understand and get along with others. And, we donÕt give teachers the credit they deserve. After parenting, it’s the second most important job there is.

What is your advice for young women just starting their careers?
Take the time to plan your future and set goals. And then work the plan. Do your actions and behaviors match your goals? Make a plan for what you want your life to be and then make a commitment to make it happen. It’s never too early to start planning.

Article Source: http://www.flourishmagazine.com