Karen Dziekan, MBA
Karen Dziekan, MBA, is a seasoned business development and corporate strategy professional with over two decades of experience driving growth across multiple industries. As National Account Manager at Chicago Pneumatic, she manages over $17 million in annual business, playing a key role in securing the largest opportunity in the company’s history and increasing national account profitability by over 40%. Her extensive background includes leadership roles at companies such as Panduit and W.W. Grainger, where she launched new products globally, expanded strategic portfolios, and consistently delivered measurable business impact through strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and customer-focused innovation.
Karen’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and the power of cross-team collaboration. A graduate of Roosevelt University with an MBA in Marketing, she’s known for her ability to develop forward-thinking strategies and implement streamlined solutions that generate revenue and enhance operational efficiency. Beyond her corporate achievements, Karen is also active in volunteer work, including her long-standing role with the American Red Cross and serving on educational boards. She is driven by a passion for continuous improvement, diversity and inclusion, and mentoring the next generation of business leaders.
• Improving Your Mental Health at Work
• Persuasive Selling
• LinkedIn Profiles for Social Business Success
• Sales Channel Management
• Influencing Others
• Excel: Advanced Formulas and Functions
• Competitor Analysis and Intelligence
• STP Profitability Management Workshop
• Strategic B-to-B Marketing Overview
• Social Selling with LinkedIn
• Roosevelt University- M.B.A.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my father, who instilled in me the drive to succeed and rise above our humble beginnings.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from a former manager who encouraged me to take a leap on a new opportunity and to never shy away from connecting and talking to everyone—I’ve carried that with me ever since.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to make sure your voice is heard—and don’t be afraid to fight for it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is aligning company goals with client feedback to ensure we’re growing in the same direction.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being challenged and believing in the product I’m selling are essential values for me—both drive my motivation and ensure authenticity in my work.