Ann Kristin Karlsen
Dubai
Summary
Strong, encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills.
Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
A leader with grit and a strong work ethic, and solid loyalty!
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
The Norwegian Seamen's Center
08.2019 - Current
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Developed and maintained relationships with clients and suppliers
- Analyzed market trends to create advantages and growth.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in service.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Diaconal Employee / Hostess
The Norwegian Seamen's Church In New York
02.2018 - 07.2019
- Responsibilities included managing rent out of the church’s apartments and meeting rooms.
- Ensured customer satisfaction and facilitated arrangements for tenants. The apartment tenants were Norwegian tourists in NYC, and the meeting rooms were used by UNICEF, UN, and other local businesses.
- Responsible for coordinating volunteers and organized Christmas markets and National day celebration.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, balancing responsibilities such as answering phone calls, greeting guests, and updating reservation logs simultaneously.
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout their stay.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by providing personalized service and attention to special requests or preferences.
- Boosted customer loyalty through consistent delivery of exceptional service, friendly interactions, and prompt attention to guest inquiries or concerns.
- Strengthened team morale by fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, mutual respect, and open communication among all staff members.
- Collaborated with management to implement new strategies for improving restaurant efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Participated in regular team meetings to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strategize for continued success in providing improved customer experiences.
- Completed daily side work and opening and closing duties without fail.
CEO and Owner
Lek & Trivsel AS
01.2007 - 01.2017
- Achieved company growth by implementing strategic plans and streamlining operations.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Enhanced brand reputation with effective marketing campaigns and public relations efforts.
- Created a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Established new revenue streams by identifying market opportunities and launching innovative products or services.
- Optimized supply chain operations for reduced costs and increased efficiency.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Sales Manager
Lek & Trivsel AS
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Resolved customer issues quickly to close deals and boost client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Met with clients, delivering presentations, and educating on product and service features and offerings.
- Coached employees in successful selling methods and encouraged cross-selling to drive revenue.
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
- Managed key accounts with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Developed comprehensive product knowledge, enabling tailored solutions for clients'' specific needs.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities, leading to expansion into profitable territories.
- Attended industry shows, conventions, and other meetings with primary mission of expanding market opportunities.
- Implemented CRM systems for better tracking of leads, improving follow-up processes and communication within the team.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
Sales Manager
Rainbow Apartments / Now Thon Hotels
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Implemented and created promotions to stimulate repeat business and attract new business travel accounts.
- Established strong relationships with key industry partners and clients, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing exceptional customer service and promptly addressing inquiries or concerns.
- Increased hotel bookings by developing and implementing strategic sales plans targeting various market segments.
- Collaborated with marketing team to create promotional materials showcasing the hotel''s unique selling points, attracting new clientele.
- Developed customized proposals tailored to each potential client''s needs, improving conversion rates from inquiries to bookings.
- Organized successful site visits for potential clients, highlighting the hotel''s features and demonstrating its value as a destination venue.
- Utilized revenue management techniques to negotiate room rates and function space commitments to enhance hotel's financial performance.
- Identified opportunities for growth by conducting market research and analyzing competitor strategies.
- Contributed to annual budget planning by setting realistic sales targets based on historical data and market trends.
- Maintained a comprehensive understanding of industry trends and best practices, continuously refining sales strategies for maximum effectiveness.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
- Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
Receptionist and Conference Assistant
Scandic Hotel Høvik
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Handled cash transactions and maintained sales and payments records accurately.
- Streamlined front desk operations for increased efficiency by effectively managing phone calls, emails, and walk-in clients.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities while managing numerous tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion while maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and providing accurate information.
- Provided clerical support to company employees by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
- Cultivated positive relationships with clients through professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Collaborated with management to improve internal processes and procedures for better workflow optimization.
- Answered questions and addressed, resolved, or escalated issues to management personnel to satisfy customers.
- Handled assignments independently with good judgement and critical thinking skills.
- Facilitated communication between teams handling catering, audio visual and room setup.
- Oversaw conference rooms, directed visitors, managed reservation system, answered questions and coordinated with vendors.
- Contributed to creating a welcoming atmosphere by greeting guests upon arrival and directing them as needed.
- Improved overall guest satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries, concerns, and providing relevant information.
Psychiatric Health Care Assistant
Thorsberg Mental Training Facility
04.1997 - 03.1999
- Assisted with patient hygiene, physical comfort, eating, and drinking, and mobility while observing and reporting specific changes.
- Increased patient safety by promptly addressing concerns and reporting incidents or potential hazards to supervisory staff.
- Assisting the residents in their training towards the goal that they would be able to
move back into their own homes after being admitted to psychiatric ward for shorter or
longer periods.
Education
Leadership Development Course - Leadership Development Training
Kristin Aase
Hybrid06.2023
Leadership Development Course -
Human AS
Hybrid06.2020
Leadership Program - Management And Leadership
Høyskolen I Buskerud/Næringsforeningen For Drammensregionen
Drammen, Norway12.2015
Market Economist - Marketing And Economy
OMH Business School
Oslo, Norway01.2003
Travel And Tourism - Tourism And Travel Management
Norsk Reiselivsskole
Oslo, Norway01.1998
Psychology Undergraduate -
Universitetet I Oslo
Oslo, Norway01.1997
Examen philosophicum - Philosophy
Universitetet I Oslo
Oslo, Norway01.1996
Pre-med & Psychology Courses - Medicine And Psychology
Concordia College
Moorhead, Minnesota, USA01.1995
High School Diploma -
Kristelig Gymnasium
Oslo, Norway01.1994
Skills
Key Qualifications
- Strategic leadership and Change management
- Sales, marketing and budgeting processes
- Staff and organizational development
- Business and operational development
- Human relations with conflict prevention and resolution
- Customer Retention
- Project Management
- Business Administration
- Sales expertise
- Bilingual
- Budget Allocation
Languages
Norwegian
Proficient
C2
English
Proficient
C2
German
Elementary
A2
Engagements
- 2017 - 2018, Board member, Sirens Cheerdance Club, Drammen, Norway. Responsible for outfits and for the facilities.
- 1996 - 1999, Chairman of board, Norkirken Drammen, Norway
- 2006 - 2014, Leader of several committees in Konnerud kirke
- 2015 - 2017, Memeber of the managing committee for the professional leadership network in "Næringsforeningen i Drammensregionen"
Personal Information
- Children: Peter (19 yrs) and Nora (17 yrs)
- Date of Birth: 19th August 1975
- Married to Jon-Terje Halle Karlsen for 22 years
- Lived in Dubai for the past 5 years, and still do
Timeline
General Manager
The Norwegian Seamen's Center
08.2019 - Current
Diaconal Employee / Hostess
The Norwegian Seamen's Church In New York
02.2018 - 07.2019
CEO and Owner
Lek & Trivsel AS
01.2007 - 01.2017
Sales Manager
Lek & Trivsel AS
01.2004 - 01.2007
Sales Manager
Rainbow Apartments / Now Thon Hotels
01.2000 - 01.2004
Receptionist and Conference Assistant
Scandic Hotel Høvik
01.1998 - 01.2000
Psychiatric Health Care Assistant
Thorsberg Mental Training Facility
04.1997 - 03.1999
Leadership Development Course - Leadership Development Training
Kristin Aase
Leadership Development Course -
Human AS
Leadership Program - Management And Leadership
Høyskolen I Buskerud/Næringsforeningen For Drammensregionen
Market Economist - Marketing And Economy
OMH Business School
Travel And Tourism - Tourism And Travel Management
Norsk Reiselivsskole
Psychology Undergraduate -
Universitetet I Oslo
Examen philosophicum - Philosophy
Universitetet I Oslo
Pre-med & Psychology Courses - Medicine And Psychology
Concordia College
High School Diploma -
Kristelig Gymnasium
Similar Profiles
Felix Angelo MarianoFelix Angelo Mariano
IT Technical Support Lead at Norwegian Training CenterIT Technical Support Lead at Norwegian Training Center
JOSE III RELATORREJOSE III RELATORRE
Medical Technologist at AMOSUP Seamen's Hospital - IloiloMedical Technologist at AMOSUP Seamen's Hospital - Iloilo
Lineth LopezLineth Lopez
Preventive Case Planner at Seamen's Society for Children and FamiliesPreventive Case Planner at Seamen's Society for Children and Families