How to Win Without a Fight: Conflict Resolution with Gabe Karp

Welcome back to Transforming the Game — where we unpack bold conversations with game-changers who challenge the way we work, lead, and live.

This episode? It’s a masterclass in managing difficult people, de-escalating tension, and reclaiming power in high-conflict situations — without turning toxic.

Meet Gabe Karp — former trial attorney turned venture capitalist, and author of the brilliant book Don’t Get Mad at Penguins. With a career built in the courtroom, the boardroom, and startup war rooms, Gabe knows how to turn tension into traction.

He’s not afraid of a fight — but he’s learned how to win by staying calm, intentional, and disarming. In this fast, fiery, and funny conversation, we dive into practical tools to handle workplace bullies, defuse explosive situations, and navigate “Miltons” — the people who thrive on chaos.

Plus, don’t miss the Penguin Lightning Round where Gabe helps us all sort out what to fight for… and what to let go.

If you’ve ever left a meeting feeling like you should’ve said more (or less)... this one’s for you.

👤 About Gabe Karp

Gabe Karp is a seasoned trial lawyer, startup exec, and venture capitalist with a surprising superpower — turning conflict into clarity. As the author of Don’t Get Mad at Penguins, Gabe brings humor and insight into how we deal with toxic disagreements and difficult people. He’s also a TEDx speaker and a sought-after voice in emotional intelligence and leadership development.

🔥 Why You Need to Listen

✅ Learn how to respond to aggression without escalating
✅ Get tactical scripts for navigating difficult workplace convos
✅ Understand the “shopping list voice” technique to calm conflict
✅ Learn how owning a mistake can build trust
✅ Discover why not getting mad might be your biggest power move

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Meet Gabe Karp: Lawyer turned VC turned conflict coach
02:15 – Why most people avoid conflict—and what to do instead
04:30 – Handling workplace aggressors and “Miltons”
06:50 – Power moves: The quiet way to win public confrontations
08:30 – The shopping list voice: Disarm, de-escalate, defuse
10:15 – The Pampers profanity fail: How Gabe turned disaster into trust
13:00 – The Penguin Lightning Round: Conflict or let it go?
14:30 – Why conflict is a skill — and how to get better at it
15:30 – Watch Gabe’s TED Talk: How to Thrive with Difficult People

📬 Connect with Gabe Karp

📚 Book: Don’t Get Mad at Penguins – https://www.gabekarp.com
🎥 TED Talk: How to Thrive with Difficult People – Watch on YouTube
🌐 Website & Resources: https://www.gabekarp.com

🌍 Connect with Kristina Katsanevas / Transforming the Game

🔗 All links: ⁠https://beacons.ai/transformingthegame⁠
🌐 Web: ⁠https://www.kristinakatsanevas.com⁠
📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kristinakatsanevas⁠
📘 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kristina.katsanevas⁠
📺 YouTube: Transforming the Game Podcast

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The Power Move: Gabe Karp Winning without the Fight