Linda Karlsson (GAICD)

Communicating social impact | Co-founder The Hive Collective & Owner Folket Consultancy

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

About

Hello! I'm involved in a lot of things but it all centers around social impact and making sure I'm doing my part in making this world a little better. I started my career in Diversity & Inclusion Management after completing my Bachelor's degree in Equality and Diversity Management. Actually, that's a lie, my first job was working in a hot dog stand as a teenager. This took me down the path of working in Employer Branding and Communication (well, not the hot dog job, more the D&I work) which later led me to pursue a Master's degree in Communication for Development (C4D). After all, how can we strive for a more equitable and inclusive world in our workplace and community if we don't effectively communicate our efforts and bring people along on the journey? I've spent almost a decade working in corporate, not-for-profit and the start up space. Today I'm working in the not-for-profit health sector (diabetes) and run my own business called "Folket Consultancy". Folket is a collective of experienced consultants ("folks"), brought together to help solve your challenges - in collaboration. The team has experience in facilitation, learning and evaluation, co-design and problem solving, community and stakeholder engagement as well as strategic communication, brand building and marketing. I'm the co-founder and Chair of The Hive Collective, a Tasmanian not-for-profit that empowers women through connection, support and collaboration. We've been finalists in the Tasmania Young Achiever Award - Create Change category and I've also been a semi-finalist in the Leadership category. I am also a former board member of Womensport and Recreation Tasmania (WSRT), and Vice Chair of the Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT), the peak body for the youth sector in the state. I thrive in fast paced and challenging environments with people who share my passion for social change. If you're one of those, let's connect and explore how we can work together!

Experience

  • Owner & Founder at Folket
    Nov 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 9 mos

    Hej! "Folket" is Swedish and means "The People", think 'folks' in English. We’re a boutique consultancy based in lutruwita/Tasmania. Founded by Linda Karlsson, Folket Consultancy is a collective of experienced consultants. We work on collaborative projects with our clients that create impact in our communities. Between us, we offer expertise in evaluation, research, facilitation of workshops and community consultation, co-design and program development, community and stakeholder engagement, as well as brand building and strategic communication. We tailor our team and services to your needs. If you have a challenge to resolve, please reach out to explore how we can work together. Example of clients include: Brand Tasmania Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC) Aurora Energy Core Independent Financial Advice Women's Legal Service Tasmania Tasmanian Forests and Forest Products Network (TFFPN) The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT) Mental Health Family and Friends (MHFF) Monaro Family Support Service (MFSS). www.folket.com.au

  • Director (internship) at TasPorts
    Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Through TasPorts’ annual program, an Intern Director on TasPorts' board gains experience in providing strategic direction and effective oversight of management, with the Chair as a mentor providing one-on-one guidance throughout the duration of the internship.

  • Co-Founder & former Chair at The Hive Collective
    Nov 2018 - Present · 7 yrs 9 mos

    Annie and I had a joint vision and together we started The Hive Collective to create a platform for women to meet and connect in November 2018. Today, the Hive Collective is a Tasmanian not-for-profit that empowers women through support, connections and collaboration. We provide a platform for women to build connections, be inspired to learn, grow and make a positive impact, not just for themselves, but in their workplace, their community and for each other. Our community-led organisation is run by women for women, and we're proud to be changing the face of career building in Tasmania. Recognitions include: Tasmanian Young Achiever Award 2021 finalist: Create Change Community Award Tasmanian Young Achiever Award 2021 semi-finalist: Leadership Award Tasmanian Community Achievement Award semi-finalist: 2020 Community Group of the Year Tasmanian Young Achiever Award semi-finalist in #2 categories: Create Change Community Award 2020 Leadership Award 2020

  • Diabetes Australia (Part-time · 5 yrs 3 mos)
    • External Relations Manager, partnerships and stakeholders (KeepSight)
      Sep 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

      Part of the Strategy Division I'm responsible for coordinating and implementing communications and engagement activities with key partners, funders and consumers that grows Diabetes Australia’s eye health complications program, KeepSight.

    • Brand and Communications Lead
      May 2021 - Sep 2022 · 1 yr 5 mos

      - Led the development of Diabetes Tasmania's marketing and communication strategy as part of the leadership team. - Oversaw brand management, communications, marketing, fundraising, media and social media, community and member engagement, awareness campaigns, and partnerships - Managed team responsible for above areas Executed successful campaigns to promote brand and raise awareness of diabetes - Maintained strong relationships with media, partners, and stakeholders for effective collaboration.

  • Non Executive Director - Vice Chair at Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT)
    Oct 2020 - Dec 2023 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    YNOT is the peak body for the non-government youth sector in Tasmania. It is funded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, through the Office of Children and Youth Affairs, to improve the Tasmanian community's response to youth issues.