In this edition of our Inspiring Leaders Series, we sit down with Karen Margerison, Head of Demand Generation, to explore a career shaped in courage, curiosity and resilience. From a challenging childhood to leading global demand generation teams, Karen’s story is a powerful reminder that growth often comes from discomfort—and that success looks different for everyone. 

Where It All Began 

My journey has been shaped by challenge, change, and moments where I had to trust my gut — even when the path ahead felt uncertain. What I’ve learned along the way is that growth often comes from discomfort, and leadership is built as much from personal experience as professional success. 

I’m the eldest of three girls and was born in North London. When I was five, my family made a huge move back to rural Northern Ireland. Overnight, life changed dramatically. 

We went from a busy city environment to living on a rural farm with very few amenities which was a big adjustment, especially for my mum. 

School was challenging too. I had an English accent in a Catholic school, which meant I stood out straight away. I was shy, and I was bullied. It was tough — but looking back now, those experiences lit a fire in me. 

At the time, I didn’t feel strong — but I became driven. 

Learning the Hard Way — and Growing Because of It 

I always worked hard at school, even if academics didn’t come easily. University was something I wanted, but it wasn’t an option for me then, so I entered work at 18, starting in a front‑of‑house role at a small company. Within a couple of years, I was a PA to the Managing Director. On paper, I was progressing — but something didn’t feel right. 

During that time, the political situation in Northern Ireland affected me personally, and after a series of difficult experiences, I realised I couldn’t stay. At 21, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life and moved back to England on my own. 

I trusted my instinct. I knew I needed more — and I was prepared to take the risk. Looking back, that was one of the first times I chose to step away from what felt expected or familiar. 

A Career Shaped by Curiosity, Not Convention 

From that moment on, my career became a story of rebuilding, learning, and evolving. I started again at the bottom, worked my way up, and took opportunities wherever they appeared. 

Along the way, I faced significant health challenges, including endometriosis and polycystic ovaries, (but my husband Dean and I were fortunate and able to go on to have two lovely children – Conor, 29 and Lauren, 25), took career breaks to focus on my family, and later returned to work part‑time before building my way back into senior roles. 

Some of the most impactful work I did wasn’t in corporate roles at all. I worked with a charity supporting vulnerable young people, doing home visits and supporting teenagers who were struggling with education and life circumstances. That experience changed how I see people. You can’t judge how someone is coping just by looking at them. You have to listen — properly. Those lessons stayed with me throughout my leadership career. 

Confronting My Fear of Data 

One pivotal moment came later in my career when I decided to do a postgraduate qualification in direct and digital marketing. I’ll be honest — I was terrified of the data element. 

I had never seen myself as “good with numbers”. But as I worked through the course, something clicked. I stopped seeing data as something intimidating and started seeing it as insight — a tool for understanding behaviour and making smarter decisions. 

That mindset shift transformed my approach to marketing and leadership. 

Data isn’t scary — it’s empowering when you understand what it’s really telling you. 

From there, I moved into senior and global demand generation roles, leading teams across regions and time zones, and learning every day that confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything — it comes from being open to learning. 

Leadership Lessons I Live By 

If I reflect on what truly shaped me as a leader, a few lessons stand out: 

• Setting Boundaries – For a long time, I was a “yes” person. That led to burnout. Learning to set boundaries — professionally, emotionally, mentally — changed everything. It helped me focus on where I add the most value and lead more effectively 

• Trusting My Gut and Choosing My Path – Every major turning point in my life started with instinct and taking ownership of those choices. Not every decision was perfect — but every one of them taught me something. I have taken turns that didn’t always feel right at the time, but they helped me learn and grow.  At the same time, if you know where you are heading, it’s okay to stay on that path.  And when life throws curveballs, it’s okay to pause and re-evaluate.  What matters is having the confidence to make the choice that’s rights for you in that moment. 

• Being Myself – Trying to be someone you’re not at work is exhausting. Authenticity builds trust, resilience, and respect. It’s something I talk about with my children as they have grown up – particularly around setting boundaries and understanding what you can and cannot control. 

What’s Your Go‑To Karaoke Song?
9 to 5 — even though I’ve never practised it. 

If You Were an Animal, What Would You be?
A dolphin — calm, intuitive, and happiest near the water. 

What’s Your Favourite Take Our Order?
Chinese: Peking duck, crispy chilli beef, crispy seaweed, prawn toast, and chicken in black bean sauce. 

Heels, Trainers or Slippers?
Trainers. 

Beach Holiday or City Break?
Beach holiday. Always. 

A Hidden Talent:
I’m a qualified RYA sailing skipper — and being on the water is the most relaxed I ever feel.