Karen Walrond
is an author, coach, speaker & attorney.
And her mission is to help you name your gifts, attain your goals and make light.
Karen is an author, a leadership and activism coach, and a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, having been trained in Brené Brown's work on vulnerability, courage, shame-resilience and worthiness. She is also trained in positive psychology coaching from the Wholebeing Institute, using the science of well-being and research-based assessments and interventions to bring about greater satisfaction, purpose and fulfillment in life.
In addition, Karen is a bestselling author, on the subjects of tapping into your superpowers and how to work for change in the world without losing your joy. She has contributed both photographs and essays to books on faith and self-expression. You can read all about them here.
Karen is a sought-after keynote and TEDx speaker, having spoken to small groups as well as audiences comprised of thousands. She has spoken around the United States and abroad to individuals and organizations on the topic of thriving through leadership development, the magic of creativity, the value of cultural and racial diversity and inclusion, and the power of social media. Karen has also appeared on both local and national television and other news media, including PBS, Huffington Post, CNN.com and The Oprah Winfrey Show. She has won several awards, including the YWCA Houston Outstanding Woman Award.
Finally, Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Texas A&M University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center, remaining an active member of the State Bar of Texas. All of these skills, combined with her passion for empowering others toward self-determination and leadership, helped her become one of 2016's 40 over 40 Women to Watch, as well as one of YWCA-Houston's 2016 Outstanding Women of the Year.
radiant rebellion:
reclaim aging, practice joy, and
raise a little hell
The new book by Karen Walrond, available now!
What if aging is something to aspire to, not dread? What if together we could forge a radiant rebellion against the idea of aging as a season of decline? Join Karen Walrond, author of The Lightmaker's Manifesto, in this intriguing investigation into how we can reclaim aging, cultivate joy, and resist ageism. During her own year of transition — a milestone birthday, a wedding anniversary, the emptying of the nest — Walrond, in the buoyant and luminous style her readers have come to love, does a deep dive into dimensions of getting older, including health, beauty, spirituality, connection, adventure, and meaning and purpose. Through conversations with social workers and neurologists, activists and clergy, Walrond satisfies her curiosity — and ours — about why the dominant culture treats aging as a time of dwindling capacity. She also embarks on a series of experiments that help her rebel against convention: letting her hair go naturally gray, going on a silent retreat, revamping her health practices, and plotting her next adventure.
With wisdom from luminaries who light our way, Walrond helps us radiantly rebel against the fads and assumptions that hold us back, redefine the adventure of getting older, and create a shining future of expanded potential.
We might even raise a little hell.