Karen Valencic
Founder at Spiral Impact
Medical Devices
Education: Tri-State University
Indianapolis, IN, USA
Biography
People are the most challenging and essential part of any business. Karen Valencic, best-selling author, learned this early as an engineer. This inspired her to radically shift careers, dedicating herself to helping leaders and teams find a better, more honorable way to bring out the best in each other to create leading-edge results.
As the visionary founder of Spiral Impact, Karen developed a unique approach to collaboration and conflict mastery that blends martial arts principles with physics. Her unforgettable sessions draw from three decades of experience developing high-performing teams, combining practical innovation with her engineering background, and the deep wisdom gained from a 30-year journey in Aikido, a martial art.
Karen's best-selling book, "The Black Belt Edition of Spiral Impact: The Power to Get It Done with Grace," has garnered acclaim for its fresh perspective on leadership. Her methods are independently validated to significantly enhance team performance, making her a sought-after expert for diverse audiences nationwide.
Passion
One of the greatest rewards of my work is watching resistance melt away — and seeing the “ahhh…yes!” happen — when people experience the magic of Spiral Impact!
Spiral Impact® is a methodology for transforming resistance into positive movement grounded in the the martial art Aikido, the Japanese Art of Reconciliation.
When I first saw Aikido in action, it changed my world forever. Aikido is a radically different martial art, relying on position, not force. Realizing the impact these concepts had on everyday life, I swapped my engineering career to teach people how they can shift discord into honorable-innovative solutions in their work and life.
Three decades, thousands of professionals, and one bestselling book later, Spiral Impact® is a game-changer in conflict mastery. Blending Aikido wisdom with physics, it's your toolkit for collaborative solutions and positive change.
Best Story
It was an ordinary Tuesday. I was between appointments and stopped at Sam’s Club to pick up a few things.
When I came out to get in my car, my electric blue Mini Cooper wasn’t where I parked it. It’s usually easy to spot in a parking lot.
As I walked further into the lot I spotted my Mini next to a minivan and a man with a cell phone
to his ear.
I quickly realized I had not set my parking brake, and the car had rolled down a slight incline and hit his rear fender. I walked up, and before I could say anything he stated, “I am a minister. Ihave a parishioner in the hospital. I don’t have time to deal with this.”
Startled by his tone, I replied, “I am so sorry. This is obviously my fault. I will take care of it. You’re in a hurry; let’s exchange information, and you can get on your way.”
“Oh, no, we need photographs to document this is your fault,” he came back. Neither of us had a photo feature on our cell phone. Looking around, he said, “Maybe we should call the police.” I said,“If you’d like to call the police, that’s fine. Although I’ll give you my insurance company’s information. I’m not sure the police will come to a parking lot.”
As he called the police, I leaned into my car and put the parking break on to prevent any further damage.
He hung up his phone and said, “The police won’t come,” with an air of frustration.
I felt stuck. Nothing I offered seemed to move him to solution. I was even taking full responsibility, and it didn’t help. Then, I remembered to apply what I teach: Change your statements to acknowledgments, questions, or both.
I calmly inquired, “Tell me about your parishioner in the hospital.” As if I had flipped a switch, his demeanor totally changed. He shared the details of his parishioner’s situation. I listened intently.
This moved us to a different space. He called his insurance agent to ask for advice. I overheard him say, “She
seems really nice.”
He hung up the phone and suggested he get some quotes on his car and that perhaps we could settle this without insurance companies. I said, “I’d really like that!”
He later admitted to me that when he saw my car, he had made an assumption that it must be some young, irresponsible kid driving the car. The next day I received a phone call; it was the minister, and he said, “It
was so nice to meet you yesterday!”
Do you ever find yourself in a struggle with someone, and all the apologies and explanations get you nowhere?
Statements of apology and responsibility got me nowhere.
A sincere inquiry acknowledging his stress made all the difference.
Origin Story
From Black Mark to Black Belt: A Journey of Transformation
As one of the first female engineers in my company, I was determined to excel. Little did I know that my greatest challenge—and ultimate transformation—would come from conflict.
Early in my career, I encountered a brilliant but overbearing team leader. His constant criticism left me questioning my abilities and retreating into silence. Seeking guidance, I turned to my boss, who seemed at a loss for how to help.
One day, I finally stood up to the team leader. The private applause from my colleagues was validating, but the black mark on my record was a stark reminder that speaking up isn't always enough—culture and leadership matter.
I realized I was in an environment that lacked respectful exploration of differences, constructive feedback, and the value of professional development.
Fortunately, my next team experience was collaborative, drawing out the best in each member. We produced groundbreaking innovations, contributing to the technology we use today. This stark contrast fueled my passion for transforming workplace cultures.
A seismic shift happened in my life when I discovered Aikido, which revealed a powerful approach to handling differences that honors both self and others. Inspired, I developed "Spiral Impact," a method for guiding people on how to master conflict, foster positive engagement, and drive innovation.
I'm on a mission to help others turn conflict into opportunity. Join me in transforming workplaces and relationships, one interaction at a time.
Example talks
Lead with Power and Grace
When power and grace intertwine, a door opens for extraordinary positive transformation. Choosing to lead in a way that is both strong and influential, as well as compassionate, empathetic, and harmonious – lifts individuals, organizations, and even societies.
Leading with power and grace is not just for a select chosen few, but a skill anyone with the commitment and desire can develop. Having a life with less friction, more engagement, and fluidity provides a type of freedom most people desire.
In this presentation, Karen Valencic, demonstrates with the martial art aikido the keys to open power and grace in your leadership. Aikido, the Japanese Art of Peace, is literally translated the way of life through the blending and harmonizing of energy.
I've presented this internally to many organizations...as a professional development program
Title: XX Superpower: Turning Resistance into Collaboration; Alternative Title: Being In Power Together: Cultivating Inclusive Collaboration
The richness of differing perspectives, priorities, and personalities is essential for driving innovation, creating engagement, and achieving financial success. However, what begins as dynamic creative tension can often devolve into resistance and conflict over time.
Human resource professionals are a crucial link for promoting and modeling inclusive collaboration. Their challenge: they are often in the middle of the resistance.
Join Karen Valencic in this highly engaging keynote as she explores how to harness the power of differences to foster inclusive collaboration. Drawing on physics and martial arts principles, Karen will reveal five transformative keys to enhance your superpower: transforming resistance into collaboration and momentum.
Participants will learn how to:
• Regain energy and focus by transforming resistance into momentum
• Leverage diverse perspectives for increased employee engagement
• Foster team collaboration that is inclusive
• Transform destructive conflict into innovative solutions
This description is specifically for HR leaders. Though it is applicable for many different leadership groups.
Conflict Mastery from a Black Belt Perspective
Conflict is the spark that lights the fire of innovation. However, the flames and embers of conflict can also destroy the trust and vitality essential to bring out the best in people for successful relationships. In this interactive program, Karen Valencic will blend physics and martial arts concepts to demonstrate five simple keys to shift friction and conflict into innovative results. Participants will leave with ideas they can use immediately. Take-aways include how to:
• Transform destructive conflict into innovative solutions
• Create collaborative inclusive relationships
• Stay calm and increase perspective in intense situations
This is my flagship program - I've presented this to executive boards, many Associations, National conferences, with smaller teams.
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
I always get paid for speaking
Topics
Best Story
It was an ordinary Tuesday. I was between appointments and stopped at Sam’s Club to pick up a few things.
When I came out to get in my car, my electric blue Mini Cooper wasn’t where I parked it. It’s usually easy to spot in a parking lot.
As I walked further into the lot I spotted my Mini next to a minivan and a man with a cell phone
to his ear.
I quickly realized I had not set my parking brake, and the car had rolled down a slight incline and hit his rear fender. I walked up, and before I could say anything he stated, “I am a minister. Ihave a parishioner in the hospital. I don’t have time to deal with this.”
Startled by his tone, I replied, “I am so sorry. This is obviously my fault. I will take care of it. You’re in a hurry; let’s exchange information, and you can get on your way.”
“Oh, no, we need photographs to document this is your fault,” he came back. Neither of us had a photo feature on our cell phone. Looking around, he said, “Maybe we should call the police.” I said,“If you’d like to call the police, that’s fine. Although I’ll give you my insurance company’s information. I’m not sure the police will come to a parking lot.”
As he called the police, I leaned into my car and put the parking break on to prevent any further damage.
He hung up his phone and said, “The police won’t come,” with an air of frustration.
I felt stuck. Nothing I offered seemed to move him to solution. I was even taking full responsibility, and it didn’t help. Then, I remembered to apply what I teach: Change your statements to acknowledgments, questions, or both.
I calmly inquired, “Tell me about your parishioner in the hospital.” As if I had flipped a switch, his demeanor totally changed. He shared the details of his parishioner’s situation. I listened intently.
This moved us to a different space. He called his insurance agent to ask for advice. I overheard him say, “She
seems really nice.”
He hung up the phone and suggested he get some quotes on his car and that perhaps we could settle this without insurance companies. I said, “I’d really like that!”
He later admitted to me that when he saw my car, he had made an assumption that it must be some young, irresponsible kid driving the car. The next day I received a phone call; it was the minister, and he said, “It
was so nice to meet you yesterday!”
Do you ever find yourself in a struggle with someone, and all the apologies and explanations get you nowhere?
Statements of apology and responsibility got me nowhere.
A sincere inquiry acknowledging his stress made all the difference.
Origin Story
From Black Mark to Black Belt: A Journey of Transformation
As one of the first female engineers in my company, I was determined to excel. Little did I know that my greatest challenge—and ultimate transformation—would come from conflict.
Early in my career, I encountered a brilliant but overbearing team leader. His constant criticism left me questioning my abilities and retreating into silence. Seeking guidance, I turned to my boss, who seemed at a loss for how to help.
One day, I finally stood up to the team leader. The private applause from my colleagues was validating, but the black mark on my record was a stark reminder that speaking up isn't always enough—culture and leadership matter.
I realized I was in an environment that lacked respectful exploration of differences, constructive feedback, and the value of professional development.
Fortunately, my next team experience was collaborative, drawing out the best in each member. We produced groundbreaking innovations, contributing to the technology we use today. This stark contrast fueled my passion for transforming workplace cultures.
A seismic shift happened in my life when I discovered Aikido, which revealed a powerful approach to handling differences that honors both self and others. Inspired, I developed "Spiral Impact," a method for guiding people on how to master conflict, foster positive engagement, and drive innovation.
I'm on a mission to help others turn conflict into opportunity. Join me in transforming workplaces and relationships, one interaction at a time.
Example talks
Lead with Power and Grace
When power and grace intertwine, a door opens for extraordinary positive transformation. Choosing to lead in a way that is both strong and influential, as well as compassionate, empathetic, and harmonious – lifts individuals, organizations, and even societies.
Leading with power and grace is not just for a select chosen few, but a skill anyone with the commitment and desire can develop. Having a life with less friction, more engagement, and fluidity provides a type of freedom most people desire.
In this presentation, Karen Valencic, demonstrates with the martial art aikido the keys to open power and grace in your leadership. Aikido, the Japanese Art of Peace, is literally translated the way of life through the blending and harmonizing of energy.
I've presented this internally to many organizations...as a professional development program
Title: XX Superpower: Turning Resistance into Collaboration; Alternative Title: Being In Power Together: Cultivating Inclusive Collaboration
The richness of differing perspectives, priorities, and personalities is essential for driving innovation, creating engagement, and achieving financial success. However, what begins as dynamic creative tension can often devolve into resistance and conflict over time.
Human resource professionals are a crucial link for promoting and modeling inclusive collaboration. Their challenge: they are often in the middle of the resistance.
Join Karen Valencic in this highly engaging keynote as she explores how to harness the power of differences to foster inclusive collaboration. Drawing on physics and martial arts principles, Karen will reveal five transformative keys to enhance your superpower: transforming resistance into collaboration and momentum.
Participants will learn how to:
• Regain energy and focus by transforming resistance into momentum
• Leverage diverse perspectives for increased employee engagement
• Foster team collaboration that is inclusive
• Transform destructive conflict into innovative solutions
This description is specifically for HR leaders. Though it is applicable for many different leadership groups.
Conflict Mastery from a Black Belt Perspective
Conflict is the spark that lights the fire of innovation. However, the flames and embers of conflict can also destroy the trust and vitality essential to bring out the best in people for successful relationships. In this interactive program, Karen Valencic will blend physics and martial arts concepts to demonstrate five simple keys to shift friction and conflict into innovative results. Participants will leave with ideas they can use immediately. Take-aways include how to:
• Transform destructive conflict into innovative solutions
• Create collaborative inclusive relationships
• Stay calm and increase perspective in intense situations
This is my flagship program - I've presented this to executive boards, many Associations, National conferences, with smaller teams.