Over the last 30 years, I’ve been circling the same themes as I sought more efficiency in my work, more satisfaction in the outcomes, and less friction between my professional and personal selves. Eventually, everything I was thinking started connecting with the 12 Laws of Karma. Not mystical, but practical: “I can do business and feel good about it.” That’s the foundation of Karmic Footprint Consulting.

Here’s how the laws show up in business—and in life, since the line between the two isn’t nearly as thick as it used to be:

1. The Law of Cause and Effect. Have you ever seen strategy completely disconnected from the people executing it? Too often, they’re not even in the same library, let alone on the same page. I’ve been in those meetings, everyone nodding in agreement, then swarming like bees, buzzing “WTF?” afterwards. Lose the why, lose the ownership. But when it clicks, it’s electric. Cause meets effect, employees feel it, work improves, customers feel special—and results follow. Ownership creates impact.

2. The Law of Creation. Have you ever been asked for ideas, only to have them dismissed because they weren’t what someone else wanted or expected—or no one knew how to implement them? Same. Employees don’t want every idea executed, but they want every idea heard. Work is more fun when people create and move forward together, not when they’re stuck complaining in circles. Ideas ignite action.

3. The Law of Humility. Have you ever dealt with “leaders” who don’t walk the walk? Nothing drains trust or motivation faster. Honesty and authenticity are table stakes when it comes to building a positive culture—without them, it’s all “blah blah blah.” Keep ears and mind open to possibility. Humility earns trust.

4. The Law of Growth. Have you ever been hired for your expertise then told to follow someone else’s blueprint? It’s demotivating and demoralizing. It’s like being handed a half-dried lump of clay and told to sculpt something museum-worthy—even though you’re actually a musician. Stifled people shrink, respected people thrive, and so too goes the business. Respect powers growth.

5. The Law of Responsibility. Have you ever been told, “Oh, we tried that before” or, “No I didn’t talk to so-and-so…I didn’t want to be mean”? Stay open, learn from the good and the bad, own your actions and results, and keep moving. Progress before perfection. Accountability generates momentum.

6. The Law of Connection. Has anyone ever tried to convince you that an open office is the ticket to spontaneous collaboration or that a two-drink-ticket happy hour is the way to turn colleagues into friends? Real connection can’t be bought—it comes from clarity, choice, and conversations that matter. Give people ownership and options, and culture will follow. Connection grows with choice.

7. The Law of Focus. Have you ever seen people get caught chasing the bright shiny object or responding to the squeakiest wheel of a customer before finishing the last big thing? Focus is about understanding why, learning, responding deliberately, and adjusting accordingly. It’s not about asking “how high?” every time you’re told to jump. Focus is what turns effort into meaningful results.

8. The Law of Giving and Hospitality. Ever notice that same handful of “select” colleagues getting a top-secret invite to some prestigious leadership retreat or exclusive training event? Opportunities shouldn’t feel like mysteries. Make access broad and transparent, and you’ll generate energy not envy. Find ways to help every employee feel like a “chosen one.” Inclusivity fuels engagement.

9. The Law of Here and Now. Have you ever seen colleagues who are “so busy” held up as the gold standard? “So busy” does not mean “maxed out doing great stuff.” But if people can’t find time for what matters, or if they’re truly overextended, the system is broken. People need to feel empowered to act in the moment, without waiting for permission. Condition people to seize the moment when it’s there. Presence drives performance.

10. The Law of Change. Have you ever experienced change getting introduced with a big side of song and dance? Change gets announced and employees get treated one of two ways: 1) like delicate glassware or 2) “deal with it.” Simple solution. Bring people into the process early—when they help shape it, they don’t fight it. People don’t hate change, they hate feeling like it’s forced on them. Participation drives progress.

11. The Law of Patience and Reward. Have you ever felt the pressure of expectation, when you’re expected to deliver instant results? Progress takes time, and patience isn’t passive. Learn, adjust, and build along the way to optimize the payoff. Expect detours, stay engaged, and you’ll achieve real results that stick. Patience fuels progress.

12. The Law of Significance and Inspiration. Have you seen “leaders” say one thing and do another? If so, you’ve likely seen trust collapse and culture implode. If employees don’t get the message, that’s on the messenger. Work through hard questions together and everyone feels ownership of the path forward. Authenticity inspires action.

From here I’ll embark on a 12-part series focusing on each of the 12 Laws of Karma and how Karmic Footprint Consulting sees them shaping business dynamics and outcomes. I’ll provide some insights to help you identify places and spaces for growth and opportunity, both in your business and your day-to-day activities as well as offer actionable strategies for realizing meaningful change.

These laws are flexible and adaptable—but they are also non-negotiable.

When you have a karmically-correct culture, people will feel empowered and accountable, raising performance at all levels.

In a karmically-correct culture, people feel empowered and accountable, performance rises, and everyone wins. That’s the game we’re here to play.