Karyn Baylis AM Joins Advisory Board Of CXO2

We are thrilled to welcome Karyn Baylis AM to the CXO2 Advisory Board. 

Karyn is an accomplished leader with an impressive background that boasts leadership roles at Optus, Insurance Australia Group, Qantas, and a remarkable twelve-year tenure as CEO of Jawun, where she advanced Indigenous entrepreneurship and community partnerships.

Karyn’s expertise extends to her current board positions in both financial and not-for-profit sectors. In 2015, Karyn was awarded The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Award in Diversity. 

In the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Karyn was awarded Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the Indigenous community through the development of entrepreneurial initiatives and business programs.

Karyn currently serves as:

• Non-Executive Director at Save the Children Australia, 

• Chair of the Stronger Places, Stronger People National Leadership Group appointed by the Albanese Government, and 

• Non-Executive Director at Elanor Investors Group (an ASX-listed retail and commercial funds management company).

When we invited Karyn to join our board, she described our business, as "an exciting, vibrant, and very different advisory firm... a customer-led organisation where I can add real value." She also highlighted our “culture and ability to take strategy into execution and operational implementation."

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Baylis joins the board following an extensive career in senior executive roles across major Australian and global organisations, including Singtel Optus, Insurance Australia Group, Qantas Airways and Jawun. She has also served in director roles across financial services, construction and not-for-profit sectors, including with CARE Australia and Save the Children.

Focus On Customer-Centric Execution

Baylis said her decision to join CXO2 was based on the consultancy’s focus on practical, customer-led strategies.

“I’m delighted I’ve joined in an advisory capacity, as they are an exciting, vibrant and a very different advisory firm,” Baylis said.

“When their Managing Director, Stuart Blake, suggested I join, I thought it would be a great fit. It is a customer-led organisation where I can add real value.”

Baylis said she had high regard for The Bridge International (group of companies which CXO2 is part of) the company’s founders and approach.

“I respect and admire what Stuart and his co-founder, David McDonald, have achieved. These guys, and their team, are very smart and totally up to date with all of the changes and transformations that are happening around customer and technology.”

Culture And Delivery Central To Appeal

Baylis highlighted culture and execution as key factors in her decision.

“I am very much attracted to the culture that has been built by Stuart, David and their team. The absolute and resolute focus on customer-led solutions is so important to me, and it is clear this is built into the psyche of The Bridge,” she said.

“In short, I like the people, I like the value proposition, I like the passion and I love the culture.”

She also pointed to the consultancy’s emphasis on delivering strategy through to implementation.

“The Bridge also takes strategy into execution and operational implementation, which is music to my ears. I believe very much in being able to identify and build a strategy, understand how this will impact customers and people, what this will look like operationally, and whether it is practical and achievable when it hits the frontline.”

Extending Support For Client Outcomes

Blake said Baylis would bring valuable perspective and leadership experience to the firm’s advisory board.

“Karyn is a great addition to our Advisory Board and will definitely help further our continuing success and growth,” he said.

“Karyn’s own success as a purpose and values-led leader is unquestionable, and she is obsessed with customer outcomes. These are all attributes that clients look for in The Bridge. As such, Karyn is an ideal, complementary and seamless fit with our team.”

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Originally posted to smbtech.