Karen Daly has built on years of retail leadership and operational experience to earn her degree and develop a values-based approach that now guides her decision-making and leadership.

Before beginning her Bachelor of Applied Management, Karen worked in major retail operations where she progressed through a range of leadership and operational roles. She wanted a qualification that acknowledged the capability she had developed over many years.

“Capable NZ offered a pathway that valued real-life learning, encouraged deep reflection, and allowed me to connect my experience with academic understanding in a meaningful and personalised way,” she says.

She’s proud to have now completed her degree with distinction, which reflects the dedication and reflection she invested throughout the programme. 
 
“My Capable NZ experience strengthened my skills in team leadership, customer service, operational planning, coaching, and decision-making within fast-paced environments.”
 
Karen says her study experience was practical, reflective, and deeply meaningful. 

“One of the standout aspects was the opportunity to reflect not only on my professional journey but also on my childhood and early influences. This helped me connect who I am today with the values and behaviours shaped throughout my life.”
 
Karen revisited behavioural frameworks she had learned earlier in her career and, through reflection, discovered that she had naturally adapted these frameworks to stay true to herself and develop her own unique way of working and leading. 
 
“Capable NZ also allowed me to explore new areas such as ethical behaviour, the Treaty of Waitangi, and sustainability. This broadened my perspective and helped me build a values-based framework that now guides my decision-making.”
 
Her facilitator, Jeremy Taylor, played a key role by challenging her thinking, supporting her goals, and encouraging her to articulate her strengths with clarity and confidence. 
 
The work-based learning model strengthened her confidence by validating the capability she had developed through years of practice. 

“Rather than teaching me how to improve, it broadened my belief in what I already bring through my judgment, leadership, and ability to influence positive outcomes.”

Her degree helped her connect her experience with academic principles in a way that reaffirmed her strengths and showed her that she has the skills and mindset needed to contribute meaningfully in any workplace.
 
“I now have a clearer direction and renewed confidence in my ability to support people, build capability, and lead authentically. This process strengthened my awareness of my own strengths in planning ahead, thinking future-focused, and helping others grow.” 

Karen says the programme was supportive, flexible, and designed to help learners reflect deeply while gaining a recognised qualification that truly represents their journey. 
 
“Capable NZ offers a transformative and empowering learning experience that honours the expertise people build through real work.”
 
Her message to those beginning on their Capable NZ journey is to never doubt themselves. 

“You already hold so much knowledge and ability. Put in the mahi, stay open and reflective, and believe in your journey. The sense of achievement at the end is unforgettable, and the growth along the way is worth every moment.”