1,014: Passion and Purpose: Building a Vibrant Finance Culture | Karen Williams, CFO, American Express Global Business Travel

Karen Williams’s journey to becoming a successful CFO began with a crucial lesson learned early in her career at the UK headquarters of candy giant Mars. As a young professional, she tells us, she had failed to grasp the importance of relationship-building and expressing her passion for the business. At times, this void had kept her sidelined and stymied her professional growth, a conclusion at which she would arrive only much later, when she personally witnessed the power of networking and personal connections.

The turning point came during her tenure at American Express. Immersed in a culture that valued relationships and collaboration, Williams began to understand how networking could unlock the potential of others. The open-door policy at American Express allowed her to connect with colleagues across departments, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. It was here where she found a mentor who not only guided her through the intricacies of corporate finance and leadership after recognizing her passion and dedication but also provided valuable insights that opened the doors to new opportunities that would accelerate her career progression.

Years later, when Williams ascended into the first of what would become a number of CFO roles, she carried forward the lessons learned from her experiences. She emphasizes the importance of a human capital mind-set that rewards those who demonstrate a genuine passion for the business. Furthermore—because she believes that passion drives results—she strives to create an environment where her team feels motivated and valued. By promoting internal talent and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Williams ensures that her team is not just competent but also deeply engaged and committed.