Perfectstorm Consulting was founded in 2009 by Pauline Owen (formerly Reeb), an award-winning, versatile, e-learning and business professional, with over 25 years management experience gained in leading organisations, including American Express, IBM Global Services and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

At American Express, she held a wide variety of management roles within the Card, Travel and Financial Services divisions.  Initially joining the Finance function, she moved into an operational role, where she was responsible for the distribution of Amex cards across Europe. Subsequently, she established a customer service team for the newly created European Finance Resource Centre, introducing the service culture and gaining extensive experience in both insourcing and outsourcing.

Acknowledging her keen interest in the use of technology in business, Pauline was approached to join IT Operations as a Relationship Manager, with responsibility for IT service delivery to key areas of the business, including American Express Bank worldwide.  Pauline was recognised for her process and people management skills and was later seconded to manage the IT Helpdesk during a feasibility study to outsource IT Operations worldwide. This led to her transfer to IBM Global Services in 2002, where she became a Customer Service Centre Manager.

The combination of proven business acumen, wide ranging skill set and her practical approach to problem solving led Pauline to become a management consultant in 2004. In this role she developed the business case for e-Learning at Virgin Atlantic Airways (VAA) and was consequently invited to join the company, where she single-handedly implemented her recommended e-learning strategy. As the e-Learning Manager, with ongoing responsibility for the airline’s e-learning strategy, she clearly demonstrated the learner and business benefits of e-learning and developed a personal passion for creating and implementing engaging, effective learning.  Under her continued leadership, VAA’s e-learning portfolio grew from strength to strength, achieving proven return on investment and supporting the airline’s blended approach to training. 

Pauline has achieved recognition, both for her employers and herself, on a number of occasions:

American Express: The Chairman’s Award for Quality 1997 for European Card Services Process Map
e-Learning Age Awards 2006:

 Winner “Most Tangible Project ROI” for VAA Cabin Safety Training
 Special Mention “Excellence in the production of learning content” – VAA Induction

W.O.L.C.E Awards 2006:  Runner Up “Best Bespoke Solution” for VAA Cabin Safety Training
Virgin Atlantic Hero’s Awards 2008:  Finalist “Outstanding Business Performance”
Digital Media Awards 2008 :  Winner “Best in e-Learning” for VAA Manual Handling e-learning