KAREN KORPONAI

POWERHOUSE GLOBAL MAGAZINE (PGMAG) INTERVIEW WITH: KAREN KORPONAI (KK)

Karen is the CEO and Founder of Konscious Konsulting LLC. She is also the Founder and Managing Partner of Akon Global LLC. Karen has worked with many top brands by helping them to deliver quality and sustainable projects around the world.

PGMAG: Karen, so good to have you on today's interview.

KK: It’s a privilege to be featured in such a prestigious magazine with global reach. It’s a true honor. Thank you Powerhouse Global Magazine.

PGMAG: I know there is more to you than what was mentioned in the introduction. Please share a little bit about yourself and tell us some of the values you bring to the world.

KK: I grew up in a multicultural home with family from Slovakia, Hungary, Spain and Germany. I spent my youth in Bolivia and my mother made sure I spent time exploring and visiting the villages around the country. On the other hand, my father’s career with the United States Agency for International Development living around the world assisting with development and humanitarian issues showed me that if we help each other, we are all better off. My parents were quick to remind me that we are all equal and should be treated equally. They taught me helping hand. This upbringing fueled my passion to have a positive impact on people and the planet. and business travel experiences is what inspired me to launch my own consulting company promoting the business paradigm that focuses on people, planet, purpose and prosperity. Konscious Konsulting LLC is in the business of guiding companies and foundations in their quest to turn visions of positive change into reality. From villages to boardrooms, I continue to align my personal and company values with that of my clients. I stay true to the mission and only take on projects that excite me and that will allow me to leave a better world for generations to come that I should always make time for a kind act or a Most recently, I have been focusing on technologies for good. I have joined forces with music star, Akon, as Managing Partner in Akon Global LLC with a focus on special projects and smart cities. The goal is to accelerate the Akon Smart City initiative in Senegal through strategic partnerships. I also joined the STP Capital technology park initiative in North Macedonia as Director of Sustainability and Social Impact. These technology driven opportunities will allow me to explore scalable solutions such as those impacting clean energy and ocean plastics.

PGMAG: We know you have done some great work in Africa through your partnership with 'Akon'. Please share a brief on this. A combination of my upbringing and my personal

KK: In many areas of the world, access to electricity is not a given. In fact, in Africa there are over 600 million people who do not have access to electricity. The Grammy-Nominated, MultiPlatinum selling SenegaleseAmerican artist, Akon, wanted to change this and give back to Africa. I was excited and honored to have joined the Akon Lighting Africa team, as one of their first consultants. We successfully impacted over 1 million rural households in over 10 countries by making cost effective solar energy equipment available to them. This access to solar energy supported the creation of jobs in small businesses and agriculture as well as extending access to education via evening classes.

I was excited and honored to have joined the Akon Lighting Africa team, as one of their first consultants. We successfully impacted over 1 million rural households in over 10 countries by making cost effective solar energy equipment available to them.

“Everything is possible with electricity and people’s lives and communities will be forever changed!” said, Akon. It was powerful to witness first hand the impact of one solar street light in a village. The entire village would dance, sing and celebrate the arrival of the solar light. The community dynamics changed as they sat under it at night to socialize, study and work. As a consultant to Akon, I focused on attracting strategic partnerships to accelerate the Akon Lighting Africa initiative. For example, I fostered the relationship with Sunna Design which led to building the first African-made solar streetlight assembly plant in West Africa. A second partnership I managed, led to the cocreation and execution of Light to Learn, a campaign around education and energy in Liberia in collaboration with Bridge International Academies and Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first elected female head of state in Africa. Having worked close to Akon for over 7 years, I learned that building trust and long-term relationships and strategic partnerships is critical for sustainable growth and positive impact. Now, as Managing Partner of Akon Global LLC with a focus on special projects and accelerating smart cities initiatives in Africa, I can continue to tap into and grow the business network and partnerships.

Konscious Konsulting introduced WIN to the #Togetherband campaign, the Global Citizen Forum, and a few others which led to a connection with actress and humanitarian Amber Heard.

PGMAG: I was drawn to the word 'Conscious' on your bio. It says that you are in the business of guiding 'conscious' companies. Please share with us how companies could benefit from your services.

KK: As the founder of Konscious Konsulting, I am in the business of guiding companies and foundations in their quest to turn visions of positive change into reality. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with extraordinary individuals aligned and eager to change the lives of others that are less fortunate. I thrive on connecting clients to strategic partners that will accelerate company growth and allow for positive change in the world. Konscious Konsulting promotes the business paradigm that focuses on people, planet, purpose and prosperity. My company offers expertise in business development, sustainability strategies, marketing and communications and a network of strategic partners. Companies and clients benefits from our unique global network of strategic partners. This network has been created over years of building relationships and becoming a trusted advisor to celebrity influencers and investors.

An example is when I consulted the World Identity Network (WIN). The objective was to match WIN with a celebrity to elevate awareness on the right of every individual to have an identity. Over 1.1 billion people in the world are unable to prove their identity and therefore lack access to vital services such as healthcare, education, finances and social protection. We began the journey by creating a list of celebrities that aligned with this cause and selected a venue, the United Nations General Assembly, to curate an event to elevate WIN and their mission. Konscious Konsulting introduced WIN to the #Togetherband campaign, the Global Citizen Forum, and a few others which led to a connection with actress and humanitarian Amber Heard. As a result, WIN held a press conference during the United Nations General Assembly in New York bringing together these partners to announce Amber Heard as an official #Togetherband campaign Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

“Karen has an incredible ability to engage anyone in conversation and inspire them with the vision she is promoting. Karen genuinely cares about people and is highly effective in building support.” Cameron Saul, CEO and founder of BottleTop and the #Togetherband Campaign.

PGMAG: Our record shows that you have travelled to over 70 countries - that's a huge achievement. How has your traveling experiences impacted your style of leadership?

KK: I am fortunate to have travelled to over 70 countries, 40 of which were for work projects. These travel experiences have molded my leadership style and has taught me to adapt quickly to my surroundings and use creativity to achieve my goals anywhere from remote villages to board rooms.

Working with people from all over the globe has taught me humility and has given me the ability to relate to people from all walks of life. I am usually there to help them, but meeting and working with them inevitably changed me and allowed me to grow to be a better person and leader.

It has been said many times; “We are all part of one world”. When I leave someplace, I want to take lessons from the people I have met and leave only footprints. I like to believe each footprint is an act of kindness. And each act has a ripple effect as people embrace positive experiences and feel empowered to touch, move and inspire others.

PGMAG: As a global influencer, what is your message for world leaders?

KK: As a global influencer, my message for world leaders today is for a kinder, more aligned world, which was further heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. I feel this pandemic is a wake-up call for people to focus on what is important and to align that with their daily actions. And, for world leaders from businesses to politicians to reflect on what is important and the impact their actions can have on the world. Collectively, we have the responsibility to leave a better world for the next generations to come.

My message to business leaders is to drive positive shifts towards wellbeing and sustainability in their companies. I hope that companies encourage increased “work from anywhere” flexibility, volunteering and supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace as an integral part of their sustainability policies. The young generation is expecting this of companies and pushing them to be braver and more progressive.

And, overall, I ask all leaders to align with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These goals are like a guidebook and my hope is that they will be embraced by all. Changing an organization, a company, a country or even the world begins with the first step of changing yourself, as a leader, and believing that you can make a difference.

PGMAG: As a very successful entrepreneur, what are some of the steps needed to aid business recovery during this challenged times?

KK: We have all experienced it: the coronavirus is affecting everyday life around the world. To survive, businesses must adjust to the “new normal”. Businesses and entrepreneurs must pivot and adjust strategies. They must listen to the needs of their customers.

I am inspired how this crisis has shown the resilience and creativity of humanity. Online shopping and food delivery services are exploding, vendors are rethinking their distribution and entire supply chains are becoming more efficient. There is also a silver lining: at the beginning of the pandemic, we saw how nature can recover when human impact is reduced. From the canals in Venice to the air quality in Los Angeles, mother nature took the opportunity to get back to equilibrium. I feel it is the beginning of a greater awakening and it is bringing more focus to sustainable business practices. In every crisis, there are opportunities. Companies are taking advantage of this new awareness and are turning to “greening” the experience for their online customers. They are sharing their sustainability journeys and offering eco-tips to the consumers while they shop online. They can also capture consumers at checkout and raise money for sustainable causes. For example, rePurpose Global offers the Everyday Plastic Neutral Program that gives customers an option to offset the plastic content in their orders for less than $1.

In every crisis, there are opportunities. Companies are taking advantage of this new awareness and are turning to “greening” the experience for their online customers. They are sharing their sustainability journeys and offering eco-tips to the consumers while they shop online.

PGMAG: What should leaders be doing to address the challenge of 'diversity and inclusion' in the workplace?

KK: Leaders, instead of asking why programs designed to increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace fail, should be asking what is actually working. I believe systems need to continuously evolve to positively impact diversity and inclusion. Below are a few pointers for leaders to address this challenge in the workplace. I believe there is no single solution to diversity and inclusion. For example, when it comes to maximizing effectiveness and profits, many businesses deploy a set of strategies of data collection and comparisons over time. Why not do the same for issues of diversity and inclusion? A focus on data collection and examining change periodically and comparing it to other organizations can result in increased transparency and accountability in these issues. Also, organizations are complex and have different internal cultures and dynamics. It does not make sense to take a onesize-fits-all policy and apply it across multiple organizations. Sometimes organizations have experts design programs that are then deployed to the mangers. I believe this type of strategy often lacks reality. Do these programs fit into the way managers already work or do they now add something into their already busy days? Organizations should involve managers from the start in the design process. This can increase buy-in and smooth the implementation process for a more sustainable and long lasting solution. I encourage everyone to get involved, research and join a group that can support them when they are faced with situations in the work place. For example, I joined the Female Quotient who’s mission is to advance equality in the workplace through the power of collaboration. They bring visibility to women, activate solutions for change, and create metrics for accountability. They support both the organizations and the women in it on their journey to equality.

PGMAG: What are the top three books that changed your life?

KK: There are several books that have shaped my thinking and that I would recommend to everyone. First, the Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E Frankl. This book highlights how humans are survivors. But only humans who have a purpose survive the longest. This book encourages you to find your purpose and it will make you stop complaining about the things that don’t matter. It’s an intense read but well worth it.

One of the books that helped shape my business and personal relationships is How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. Whether you like people or not you have to learn how to become more influential to live a better life and to build meaningful businesses. As a super connector and someone who thrives in the event and conference arena, this book taught me the importance of taking time to genuinely connect with people and take an interest in their lives. Making people feel important, remembering their names and delivering praise and complements are all simple tools which helped me to build more meaningful relationships. The third book I recommend is one that set me on a journey of adventure and discovery is the The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This book is one of the best-selling books in history, with over 65 million copies in 56 different languages. The story of Santiago, the shepherd boy on a journey to realize his “Personal Legend” has inspired people all over the world to live their dreams. I recommend this book to everyone who has dreams of living an adventure. Why? Because life is an adventure. There are two lessons I learned from this book that I carry with me. One, is being present. There’s no point dwelling in the past and letting it define you, or getting lost and anxious about the future. The present moment is when you’re in the field of possibility. It’s where the adventure and magic happens. How you engage with the present moment will ultimately direct your life. The second lesson I learned is that your success has a ripple effect. That’s what alchemists do. They show that when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too. Becoming a better version of yourself creates a ripple effect that benefits everything around you including your family, friends, community and lifestyle.

Life is a journey and we learn, we adjust and we evolve for the better. Adopting a mindset of constant and neverending improvement can allow you to reflect and make adjustment along the way while still meeting you target or goals.

PGMAG: If you knew what you know now, what would you do differently?

KK: Life is a journey and we learn, we adjust and we evolve for the better. Adopting a mindset of constant and never-ending improvement can allow you to reflect and make adjustment along the way while still meeting you target or goals.

Having had the opportunity to collaborate with celebrity brands such as George Foreman, the Marley family and Akon, I learned the power of celebrity influence. When directed with the right intention and energy, a celebrity can elevate the awareness of any cause. It’s powerful.

However, I also learned how challenging it was for celebrities to stay focused and align with the right partners. Everyone wanted to work with them. The sheer number of projects being pitched and opportunities for partnerships was overwhelming. This, coupled with the reality that in some cases people just wanted to use the celebrity’s fame for their own benefit without regard for the celebrity's vision, let alone their best interest.

By adopting the mindset of constant and never-ending improvement, I was able to adjust strategies and approaches to best support celebrities such as Akon. I learned it was important to become a trusted advisor and confident in providing honest feedback to avoid any missteps. That wisdom comes with experience and the trust has to be earned. It helps to really get to know your client so it becomes second nature to advise on strategy that aligns with their values. PGMAG: What would you say to your younger self?

KK: I would tell my younger self to spend more time tapping into her passions and aligning with a purpose in life verses a career. I spent a decade in the small kitchen appliance industry working on brands such as Oster, Mr. Coffee, Sunbeam and George Foreman. Although these years gave me an understanding of how corporate America works and allowed me to hone my business skills in new product development and marketing, I was not passionate about the products. I learned that it is so much easier to sell something you are passionate about in life. When you are aligned with your passions, you automatically jump out of bed with liveliness and enthusiasm. After participating in a Date With Destiny and Business Mastery event with Tony Robbins, it became clear to me that I no longer wanted a job, but to pursue a purpose. I learned that aligning my personal values with my purpose or career values in life would energize me and bring passion to my daily activities. This is when I made a decision to align with projects and companies that would have a positive impact on people or the planet. This is when I created Konscious Konsulting. Konscious Konsulting helps me to achieve a purpose of positive impact by guiding people, companies or foundations to reach their goals of changing the world efficiently through business strategies and strategic partnerships. Everything we do aligns with our values and vision while leaving positive footsteps with our clients and their end users. My business colleagues joke that I challenge them to “konsult their own konscious” before making decisions.

PGMAG: Thank you so very much for your time. It has been a pleasure to learning from you today.

KK: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure to share with you and I hope my journey inspires others to be purpose driven and find creative ways to leave a positive impact in the world.

PGMAG: Please share your links with our readers.

KK: Website: karenkorponai.com IG: @kkorponai FB: karen.korponai Linkedin: https://www.linkedin. com/in/karen-korponai6b93525/