Dawn Abernethy, one of the Directors at AKA Case Management, wrote this as part of our series of articles about team members. We think it’s important for our clients, associates and business contacts to learn more about everyone within the company.
In 2008, I embarked on my professional journey as a management accountant, primarily working within small, owner-managed businesses. The path has sometimes been challenging, but each twist and turn has shaped my career in unexpected ways.
The Transition to Self-Employment
My career took an unexpected turn during my maternity leave when the construction company I worked for went into liquidation. Faced with balancing work and childcare, I decided to venture into self-employment. I began working for clients, including Angela Kerr, the founder of AKA Case Management. My role was mainly managing accounts and focusing heavily on cash flow and business management. Remarkably, all my work came through word of mouth, a testament to the power of personal connections and trust in the business world.
Joining AKA
In 2015, I joined AKA Case Management, initially focusing on the finance side of the business. I was drawn to what the company did and how it supports its clients. Over time, my role evolved, and I became part of the leadership team and found myself providing crucial information to help inform key business decisions.
Embracing New Opportunities: The Management Buyout
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Angela, the owner of AKA, approached Andrew Rose and me with an intriguing proposition: a management buyout. Initially, I was unsure if it was something I could handle. However, after thoughtful discussions with Andrew, we both saw the incredible opportunity before us. This decision marked a significant turning point in my career.
Evolving Role and Responsibilities
My role at AKA Case Management has evolved significantly over the years. While I still enjoy the comfort of numbers, I am now more involved in operational decisions. Andrew, Dominic Hobdell, and I work closely together to make critical decisions that shape the future of the company. Despite my increased involvement in operations, I prefer collaboration over line management and thrive on working alongside our talented team.
Navigating Business Operations
Today, AKA Case Management boasts a team of salaried staff, support workers and associate case managers. Our approach to growth is organic, prioritising stability and building relationships with like-minded individuals and businesses. We don’t actively advertise for new case managers but focus on forming connections through our work and at conferences and events.
Professional and Community Engagement
Beyond my role at AKA Case Management, I am involved in the BABICM Training and Education group. Contributing to various projects within this group allows me to stay connected with broader industry developments. I’ve met some inspirational people both in and through the group who have helped my development into the world of event organising . Additionally, I am passionate about education and have served as a school governor for different schools in our local area for the past ten years. This role is particularly meaningful to me as I strive to improve educational standards in our community, especially for disadvantaged children.
Personal Passions
Outside of work, I am a proud cat lover and have had horses in the past. I love to cook and bake for family and friends and I also enjoy eating out – I am a total foodie and have a vast collection of cookery books. Fortunately after all that eating I also love walking and dancing is another passion of mine, with ballroom, latin, and rock ‘n’ roll being my favourite styles.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, my focus remains on keeping AKA Case Management stable and growing organically. I monitor our progress closely, ensuring we align with our values and goals. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to the future with optimism and excitement.
Through hard work, collaboration, and a commitment to our core values, we continue to build a business that not only succeeds but also positively impacts the community around us.