THE word ‘businesswoman’ doesn’t seem sufficient to sum up Karen Melonie-Gould.

After beginning her career teaching higher education, she’s since travelled the world working as operations director for the world’s largest travel wholesaler for hotel chains, including the Hilton, run her own training and development business, owned a professional introduction company and worked with the Japanese Embassy supporting top FTSE companies through training and recruitment.

As if that wasn’t enough, Karen, who now lives in Hoole, has recently written her third book, Mentoring – Cherry on Top, a self-help book that aims to enable you to achieve personal and professional objectives.

For the past four years Karen has been delivering the WorkBiz Club. which has so far secured employment for more than 250 professionals through its programmes including the JCP Fast Track to Success Programme in Chester in 2011.

Karen said: “We have also supported well over 150 businesses to start up and develop on this programme and have recently started to work as a Accelerator Growth Coach with www.winning-pitch.co.uk and their www.highgrowthfoundation.co.uk to offer additional support for businesses and www.rockstargroup.co.uk as a business development mentor and we also support their entrepreneur programme for 18-30s start-up loans with www.rockstaryouth.co.uk.”

Events are held throughout universities in the North West and North East, with one being held at Manchester Metropolitan University on March 9.

Those who have worked with Karen describe her as ‘a real inspiration’ who goes to great efforts to understand her clients businesses and demonstrates a passion for enabling them to succeed.

And next on the agenda for Karen?

“I aim to now achieve a ‘life balance’ and just thank God for my blessings in life,” she said.

“I have had many opportunities in my career which I now value.

“Hard work, being focused, determination and being flexible are key to being successful and having a sense of humour always helps on a rainy day and we all have rainy days! But mostly the sun shines.”

If you’re looking for a new career, to start a business or develop a business, email karen@workbizacademy.co.uk.