Senator - Karen Sorensen

Senator, a title that carries a unique cachet for trust, wisdom, guidance, and for this podcast host, a bit of intimidation to be frank.  Thankfully, my guest today, Senator Karen Sorensen, is also approachable, generous, and has a wit and sense of humour about her that makes everyone feel welcome in her presence. Fresh into her new appointment as one of Canada’s newest Senators, Karen’s story is one full of pivots that she has parlayed to create each new and exciting next step. With her life in Canada crossing East to West and back again, we discuss her multi-faceted career, including her path into politics, first local and then at the federal level.  Karen shares valuable lessons for, and the importance of, cultivating strong relationships and community, both personally and professionally.  And, why she states, “being the Mayor of Banff was the privilege of my life.”

   Some takeaways from this episode include:

• the importance of lifelong friendships  and relationships that support you through your efforts
• why she is still getting used to being called a politician after being in the space for approximately 20 years
• her journey from employee to entrepreneur to local politics and now the Canadian Senate
• the challenges and rewards of being the Mayor of Banff; the obstacles they have faced, not only during the pandemic but operating a small town and tourist destination in a National Park
• what prompted her to apply for the Senate, the process, and an overview of her role
• how success is what we define it as and why more isn’t necessarily better
• the importance of, and her gratitude for, nature and our beautiful country
• how she sees herself showing up and serving Canada in the Senate

You can connect with Senator Sorensen on Twitter @Karen_Banff , and learn more about her on the Senate of Canada website.