What can you do in troubling times?

What can you do in troubling times?

I want to wrap my arms around all peace-loving people in the world. The events in the Middle East, Ukraine (and many other places) are terrifying. Our congress is frustrating too. What to do when you can't control or directly help? Sure, contribute, volunteer, pray,...

911 Remembrance

What does it take to create unity without tragedy? As I sit this morning, and ponder this question, it adds some tinder to my commitment to more broadly sharing Spiral Impact! Tragedy demands focus on an outcome - recovery. I'd love your comments below!   Develop...

The Antidote for Workplace Apathy

The Antidote for Workplace Apathy

I thought I was a very empathetic and compassionate person before 2020. Though the intensity of the times revealed holes and limits in my empathy, which called me to deepen my practice in Conflict Mastery.  Now, as a cloud of loneliness and burnout lays rest on our...

Between Two Fears

Between Two Fears

On a Friday night, still unwinding from the busyness of a work week, we arrived at a beautiful, wooded area outside an old house on the city's outskirts. The crisp wooded air fought through the distinct smell of smoke. The quiet of the woods disappeared as more people...

Seize the fleeting beauty

Seize the fleeting beauty

My inner poet emerges again... The transient nature of spring wakes us to notice. Snow bells, crocus, and daffodils all have their limited ‘show’. A reminder that all living things are temporary in nature. Some ‘shows’ last longer, feel more relevant. Then when they...

Is sharpening enough? How do you know?

Is sharpening enough? How do you know?

Stories are such a great way of making a point. Here is an embarrassing, painful, and bloody story about myself! While this story is about my chef's knife, I intend to relate it to leadership and communication skills. Sharpening skills is a play-on-words, you'll see....

Silent Nuanced Energy Stoppers

Silent Nuanced Energy Stoppers

My engineer self is inspiring me this month! Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it only changes form.* Preparing for Lead with Power & Heart Masterclass for Executives, I review my experience with leadership blind spots that stop the energy of their team...

My mom’s secret to winning

My mom’s secret to winning

“I won Friday’s bridge game!” my mom exclaimed with competitive excitement. Then, she let me in on her secret. “I re-read my book the night before.” My mom, a bridge expert, has taught hundreds of people this complex card game. She authored a booklet several years ago...

Ahhh…Yes! When it doesn’t make sense

Ahhh…Yes! When it doesn’t make sense

If you prefer to listen click my photo or read below! I let myself get tricked – and it’s not yet Halloween!  The following Mailbox Metaphor is something that I witness happening in organizations frequently.  Different...

Ahhh Yes!  When loud creates unwanted silence

Ahhh Yes! When loud creates unwanted silence

When loud creates silence - click on red photo right below for video or read below. Recently I was having a conversation with my mom. She clearly didn't hear what I was saying, so I repeated myself but...

Blueprint for Separation

Blueprint for Separation

My inner poet was feeling a need to express...I hope you enjoy and find the message helpful! Just talk to them— I suggest. No! They will never change— Staking your claim. Separation wins. It’s easy. But is it reality, a projection, or an excuse? Impossible to know...

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Karen Valencic

Martial artist. Engineer. Best-selling author. Sought-after consultant.