Karen Walrond

Karen Walrond is a lawyer, leadership coach and activist. Her work has helped thousands of people around the world find purpose and meaning in their careers and lives. She has spoken around the United States and abroad to individuals and organizations on the topics of thriving through leadership development, the magic of creativity, the value of cultural and racial diversity and inclusion and the power of creativity. Her award-winning blog, Chookooloonks, is a lifestyle, inspiration and photography destination that enjoys over 10,000 pageviews per month, and is all about living with intention. Her highly rated podcast, The Make Light Show, has been described as a show that inspires listeners to become more of who they are and who they want to be. Her book, The Beauty of Different: Observations of a Confident Misfit, is an Amazon bestseller. She is also the contributing author to two additional books: Disquiet Time and Expressive Photography. A former practicing attorney, Karen is currently a positive psychology leadership coach, trained with Wholebeing Institute, and uses the science of well-being to bring about greater satisfaction, purpose and fulfillment in her clients’ lives. In addition, Karen is a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, having been trained in Brené Brown's work on vulnerability, courage, shame-resilience and worthiness. Her company, Chookooloonks Media LLC, is a member organization of the Houston Coalition Against Hate, and through her work, Karen is committed to fighting discrimination and bigotry, in all its forms, around the world. As a photographer, Karen traveled throughout Africa with the ONE Campaign, an advocacy organization committed to the prevention of extreme poverty and preventable disease, to share the visual success stories that arise when people of purpose and meaning put their minds together to create magic. Her advocacy work is a source of great joy. Karen lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, Marcus, their daughter, Alexis, and Soca the Wonder Dog. Learn more at: www.karenwalrond.com www.chookooloonks.com www.themakelightshow.com