87: Martial Artist, Consultant & Author, Karen Valencic: Conflict? Roll with it

Karen Valencic, a Third Dan black belt in Aikido, is a conflict resolution and leadership coach and author. She has crafted the Spiral Impact Method, which combines Aikido concepts with conflict resolution techniques. She shares with us how breath, intention and centring play a role in conflict resolution. We talk about the intersection of innovation, change, and conflict, and why it's critical to engage team members in the change process.

It's a wonderful conversation with some key takeaways:

• Aikido is a martial art that cares as much about your opponents wellbeing as your own and this can be applied in the business world.
• There is a difference between force and power.
• Intention and being centred are key in conflict resolution.
• Being curious is crucial in managing conflict.
• Posing company values as questions can be game changing for organisational culture.