On the Bench: Bouncing Back Stronger, Wiser and More Focused by Karen Murphy Finding yourself 'on the bench' for anyone would present substantial challenges. As a CEO the time between roles can be excruciatingly long. Whilst emotionally challenging, it can also offer wonderful opportunities for self-development and personal rebalancing. Having the time to take a good look at your life and to establish some new patterns, objectives and personal commitments is a gift to be valued. Being able to further develop networks and relationships brought new and unexpected opportunities. Time off between roles can be a blessing in disguise, especially if the right approach and attitude is maintained. Keeping a positive, rational, flexible, solution-focused frame of mind is critical. Follow one woman's journey that brought new insights, improved relationships and ultimately new energy to personal and corporate life. Price: $4.95

About the Author
Karen Murphy

Karen grew up in regional Queensland, the oldest daughter of a regional bank manager whose job meant that the family had to transfer regularly from town to town. Karen credits her childhood experience of regular relocations as the basis for her personal resilience and evolution as a change agent. In 2001, Karen re-launched and re-branded Queensland 's Royal Children's Foundation through the highly successful Working Wonders campaign, which doubled revenue from $5 million to $10 million by 2005. Karen had to lead massive cultural and organisational change to drive growth in order to achieve this remarkable result.

Currently the CEO at the Australian Organ and Tissue, Donation and Transplantation Authority, Karen is overseeing the Government's $151.1 million reform package, bringing together clinicians and the community to create a world-leading, coordinated and consistent national system. This nationally significant program of initiatives are based on the proven practices of the world's top performing countries and are designed to work together to make a real difference to the quality of life enjoyed by thousands of Australians.

Tags: personal development