Our Consultant Spotlight series lets us tell the stories of the people who make up the Lions & Tigers community. This week we learn more about Karen Kim an L&T Consultant with a knack for numbers who loves to spend time with her family, cook and travel.

ABOUT KAREN
Originally from the Midwest, I moved out to Seattle 14 years ago and haven’t looked back! My husband and I met during undergrad at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and we now have 2 wonderful daughters, Mila (5) and Ellie (3). We are a multicultural family; I am Chinese, and my husband is Korean. Understanding, embracing, and experiencing our mixed cultures plays a huge part in our family.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
I am currently a Budget Consultant for Lions & Tigers. I’ve always had a love for numbers and working with budgets just kind of fell in my lap at a young age, followed me through college and into my career. Who doesn’t love hitting a target, spot on? After working as a Senior Budget Manager for over 10 years, I decided to take a break to find something more accommodating and rewarding. A little over a year ago, my good friend, Shelby, introduced me to Brea and the rest is history.

IDEAL SATURDAY
My ideal Saturday would consist of a morning hike with the kiddos, grabbing take out at a new restaurant, and ending the day outside at a beach watching the sunset while playing volleyball.

WHY LIONS & TIGERS
I knew after having children that I wanted a job that prioritizes a good work/life balance, flexibility, and remote work. It was always something I had hoped for, but never thought it’d be an option until I heard about L&T!

AREAS OF INTEREST & PASSIONS
Family, food, and travel. With this mess of a year, my family and I are all dreaming of the day we can travel abroad, Japan being one of our first stops! The travel itch now motivates me to experiment more with recipes in the kitchen. Please send any great recipes my way!

BEST NEW RECIPE OR RECIPE FAIL
I’m all about simplicity when it comes to cooking – easy, accessible ingredients for quick and delicious meals. I’m definitely not a natural in the kitchen though. I was recently trying a new pho recipe, and the kids had fallen asleep for the night (success!). While charring the onion, I accidentally triggered the fire alarm in our kitchen, which of course woke both kids up. It took hours to get them back in bed, and of course, nothing else got done that night. That alone time at night is too precious, I’ll never attempt a new recipe late at night again!

BENEFIT OF FLEXIBLE, HIGH IMPACT WORK
Being able to chart my own path. I finally have time to step back and reflect on what is important to me rather than moving a million miles a minute and reacting to the latest flavor of the month.

FAVORITE TRIP
About 8 years ago, my family and I took a trip to Taiwan. It was my first visit, and it definitely will not be my last! We explored Taipei, our favorite city activity being the night markets and eating everything in sight. We also spent almost a week out on the beautiful countryside which was such a unique experience. We biked through rice fields, bathed in a variety of hot springs (one filled with red wine), and had an amazing home cooked meal from an Aboriginal family. It was definitely a once in a lifetime trip!

ADVICE TO OTHERS NAVIGATING CAREER TRANSITIONS
Career transitions = new cultures. It’s important to stay open minded and know that things will be different. Also, try and prioritize your well-being, this is something I am constantly working on.

SELF-CARE TIP 
My husband and I recently started doing a date lunch every week – we feed the kids at home with whatever makes them happy, and then order take out for ourselves, no limits. It seems like a small thing, but it’s something to look forward to every week!

Interested in joining Lions & Tigers?  Check out our open roles here.