Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: Recent Episodes
Karen Laos
Are you a leader holding back? What is that costing you? What if you could channel your fear and self-doubt? It’s actually possible. I know, because that’s my story. That’s what the Ignite Your Confidence podcast is all about. It’s for women in leadership who want to speak up and stand out. You’ll find both solo and candid conversations with real people sharing vulnerable stories to inspire you with simple tips to step into your confidence.
Many people don't miss out on opportunities because they aren't qualified, they miss them because they don't ask effectively. In this episode, you'll learn how to strengthen every request you make.
In this episode you’ll get five tips: Be discerning, not pushy. Confidence isn't demanding or entitled. It's knowing when an ask is appropriate, respecting the other person's perspective, and being willing to hear either yes or no with grace. Discernment is what separates confidence from pressure. * Don't bury the ask. Stop spending minutes explaining the backstory before you get to what you actually want. Lead with the request, then provide context if it's needed. * Don't negotiate against yourself. State your request with confidence instead of discounting yourself before the other person has even responded. * Don't confuse hints with requests. Hoping someone picks up on subtle cues isn't the same as asking. Be clear and specific about what you need. * Don't let fear choose your words.* Replace hesitant language like "I was wondering if maybe..." with clear, confident communication that reflects your value.
The biggest opportunities often belong to the people who are willing to ask clearly, confidently, and respectfully. Your next "yes" may be waiting on your next ask.
Write a review
If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
In Part 2 of The Courage to Be Disliked, we're moving from mindset to action. If you've ever said yes when you meant no, over-explained a decision, or worried about disappointing someone, this episode is for you. I'm sharing five practical communication habits that will help you stop seeking approval, trust yourself more, and show up with greater confidence and clarity.
In this episode, you'll learn how to:
- Pause before saying yes. Give yourself time to respond instead of reacting from guilt or people-pleasing.
- Stop explaining your decisions. A clear, respectful answer is enough, you don't owe everyone a lengthy justification.
- Replace approval-seeking with clarity. Focus on being understood rather than being liked.
- Let awkward silence do its job. Say what you need to say, then resist the urge to fill the silence or soften your message.
- Expect disappointment. Not everyone will agree with your decisions, and that's okay. Leadership requires the courage to disappoint people from time to time.
If you're ready to stop managing everyone else's reactions and start leading with confidence, this episode will give you practical tools you can put into practice today.
Write a review
If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
How much of your life is driven by the need to be liked? In this episode, I'm sharing why the courage to be disliked is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. When you stop seeking everyone's approval, you make room for confidence, authenticity, and the kind of leadership that earns respect. You'll walk away with five practical strategies to help you speak up, set boundaries, and trust yourself—even when not everyone agrees.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Ask yourself, "What's the cost of being liked?" Before staying silent or saying yes when you mean no, consider what it's costing you—your confidence, opportunities, time, energy, or credibility.
- Build evidence that you'll survive. Challenge yourself to do one uncomfortable thing each week, whether it's setting a boundary, asking for what you want, or sharing your opinion. Confidence grows through action.
- Notice your approval habits. Pay attention to the moments you over-explain, apologize unnecessarily, soften your message, or stay quiet to avoid disappointing someone.
- Get comfortable hearing "no." The more you practice asking for what you want, the less you'll fear rejection—and the more resilient and courageous you'll become.
- Remember that people recover. Most people move on much faster than we imagine. You don't have to carry the weight of managing everyone else's reactions.
If you've been waiting for permission to stop people-pleasing and start trusting yourself, this episode is for you.
Favor
If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
While it can feel awkward for some, it doesn’t have to! In my book, networking is about building meaningful relationships. Listen for six simple, powerful networking strategies to help you connect authentically, deepen relationships, and create opportunities that actually lead somewhere. Whether you're attending a conference, industry event, or meeting someone new over coffee, these practical tips will help you network with confidence and intention.
The truth is, the best networkers aren’t the people working the room or talking the most, they're the people building real relationships.
In this episode, I’m sharing 6 practical networking strategies that have helped me build genuine connections, create opportunities, and stay top of mind with the right people.
Here’s three of the tips below:
- Show interest. Ask questions. Be curious.
People remember how you made them feel. Instead of thinking about what to say next, focus on learning about them. Ask thoughtful questions, listen deeply, and get genuinely curious about their story, work, and goals.
- Be of service.
One of the best networking questions you can ask is:
“How can I support you?” or “Who can I connect you with?”
Relationships grow faster when you lead with generosity instead of asking, What can I get from this?
- Take a picture + save their number immediately.
This may sound unconventional, but it works. Take a quick photo together so you remember who they are, put their contact information into your phone right away, and send a quick text while you're standing there. This makes follow-up easier and increases the likelihood that the connection actually continues.
Key Takeaway:
The best networking isn’t transactional, it’s relational. Be curious, be generous, find connection, and don’t wait to follow up. Small actions today can turn into meaningful relationships and unexpected opportunities tomorrow.
If this episode resonated, share it with someone who wants to build stronger relationships and bigger opportunities through authentic connection.
Favor
If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, "I wish I had said something"?
Whether it's a condescending remark, an inappropriate comment, or a socially awkward moment that catches you off guard, knowing what to say in the moment can feel impossible. In this episode, I share practical, powerful responses you can use to navigate uncomfortable conversations with confidence, without becoming defensive, escalating the situation, or shrinking yourself.
You'll learn simple phrases that help you maintain your authority, set boundaries, and protect your peace when someone says something that leaves you speechless.
Because confidence isn't about having the perfect comeback. It's about knowing how to respond in a way that reflects who you are.
Key Takeaways
- How to respond when someone says something condescending
- Simple phrases to handle inappropriate or uncomfortable comments
- What to say when you're interrupted or talked over
- How to set boundaries without sounding rude
- Why pauses can be more powerful than comebacks
- The communication skill that helps you stay calm under pressure
Memorable Quote
"The goal isn't to win the moment. It's to protect your peace, your authority, and your presence."
Challenge for the Week
Choose one response from this episode and practice it until it becomes second nature. Confidence grows when preparation meets opportunity.
Favor
If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Ever been trapped in the meeting that never ends, or the person who can’t seem to land the plane? In this episode, Karen unpacks the hidden cost of talking too much, and why even smart, successful people do it.
You’ll learn how overexplaining and overtalking can unintentionally weaken your authority, dilute your message, and cost you influence. Whether you’re leading meetings, speaking on stage, or communicating in everyday conversations, this episode will help you say less and make a bigger impact.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✨ Why more words often equal less influence
✨ The surprising link between overtalking and insecurity
✨ How talking too much can slow decisions and erode trust
✨ The communication shift that makes people lean in and listen
✨ Why pauses, not more words, create presence and authority
Key Reminder:
The most powerful communicators aren’t the ones who say the most. They’re the ones who say what matters most.
Call to Action:
If this episode resonated, share it with a friend.
FavorIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
What happens when life doesn’t just challenge you, but it completely upends you?
In this episode, Karen and her husband Chris share their five-year journey through kidney failure, dialysis, and ultimately a life-saving transplant (through a chapter they wrote in the book Unshakeable). What began as a medical crisis became a profound lesson in resilience, faith, and the power of community.
This conversation will shift how you think about hope. Because hope isn’t always something you feel, it’s something that can be carried for you until you’re strong enough to hold it again.
🔑 Key Takeaways* Hope doesn’t thrive in isolation, it grows in community * You don’t have to feel strong to keep going * The hardest battles are often internal, not visible * Support isn’t just words, it’s presence, action, and consistency * Sometimes others hold belief for you until you can reclaim it * Love in action is what sustains people through the darkest seasons
💬 Powerful Moments* “Sometimes, hope is just showing up.” * “You won’t face whatever comes next alone.”
❤️ What This Episode Will Do for YouIf you’re walking through something heavy, this episode will remind you:
- You are not alone
- You are allowed to lean on others
- Your story isn’t over
And if you’re supporting someone else, it will show you exactly how powerful your presence truly is.
📣 Call to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may need hope right now.
And ask yourself: Who can I show up for today?
Because hope isn’t just something we feel—
…it’s something we give.
Favor to AskIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Indecision isn’t neutral, it’s expensive. In this episode, Karen breaks down how hesitation shows up in leadership and why waiting for certainty is often the very thing costing you opportunities, confidence, and influence. If you’ve ever overthought a decision, delayed action, or stayed quiet when you knew you had something to say, this episode will challenge you to move differently.
Karen shares a powerful reframe: decisive leaders aren’t always right, but they are trusted. And trust is built through movement, not perfection.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Why indecision doesn’t protect opportunities—it passes them to someone else
- How your hesitation impacts your team’s speed, clarity, and performance
- The subtle way indecision erodes your confidence over time
- Why overthinking keeps you busy but not impactful
- How to build trust through thoughtful, decisive action
Key Takeaway:
You don’t need more time. You need a decision.
Decide, then refine.
Action Step:
Identify one decision you’ve been delaying. Make the call today, without overcomplicating it. Then adjust as needed.
Favor to AskIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Self-doubt isn’t something to eliminate—it’s something to use. In this episode, Karen shares how high-performing leaders turn doubt into forward movement by breaking it down and taking intentional action.
Key Takeaways* Self-doubt is a signal, not a stop sign * Clarity comes from naming the fear behind the doubt * Confidence builds through evidence and action, not waiting
Simple Framework1. Label the doubt
What fear is driving it?
2. Challenge it with evidence
What past wins prove this isn’t true?
3. Take one small step forward
What’s the next simplest action you can take?
Why It WorksWhen you break fear into clear, manageable steps, you reduce overwhelm and increase confidence. This is practical leadership psychology.
Favor to AskIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
What if the real limitation isn’t your ability—but what you believe is possible?
In this episode of Ignite Your Confidence, Karen explores how expanding your sense of possibility transforms the way you think, speak, and lead. Many high-achieving professionals unknowingly operate within self-imposed limits that shape their decisions and hold them back from bigger opportunities.
You’ll learn how to shift out of default thinking, speak with greater authority, and open new pathways for growth, influence, and impact.
✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:* How to recognize where you’re unintentionally playing small * The difference between speaking from permission vs. possibility * Why possibility must come before strategy * How your environment shapes what you believe is available * The key to building confidence by acting before you feel ready
🎯 Key TakeawayExpanding what you believe is possible changes how you show up—and that changes everything.
Favor to Ask
If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
The words you choose shape more than your message—they shape your confidence, influence, and leadership presence.
In this episode, Karen explores how positive language strengthens communication and leadership impact. Many accomplished professionals unintentionally weaken their message by focusing on problems, hesitation, or what could go wrong.
You’ll learn simple shifts to speak toward outcomes, replace problem-focused language with solutions, and build stronger self-trust through the words you use every day—elevating both your executive presence and leadership communication.
Speak toward what you want, not what you fear.
Direct your language toward the desired outcome instead of focusing on what could go wrong.
Replace problem language with possibility language.
Acknowledge challenges without amplifying negativity. Focus on solutions and forward movement.
Positive language builds self-trust.
Your words shape how you see yourself. Speak with clarity and ownership instead of hesitation.
Positive communication elevates leadership presence.
Leaders who use solution-focused language create psychological safety and stronger collaboration.
Positivity is contagious.
The emotional tone leaders set through their words influences creativity, engagement, and team culture.
Favor to AskIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
You can be experienced, prepared, and highly capable—and still find yourself second-guessing your decisions, replaying conversations, or looking to others for validation. In this episode, we unpack what self-trust really is, why so many accomplished leaders struggle with it, and how it directly impacts your executive presence and influence. You’ll learn practical shifts to strengthen self-trust so you show up with calm certainty, clear thinking, and authority.
5 Practical Ways to Strengthen Self-Trust1. Make Decisions Without Over-Collecting Opinions
-
Stop Replaying Conversations After They’re Over
-
Speak Before You Feel 100% Ready
-
Separate Outcomes from Self-Worth
-
Use Language That Reinforces Self-Trust
When self-trust increases:
- Your pace slows
- Your message gets clearer
- You stop over-explaining
- You make decisions faster
- Others trust you more
Because people don’t just respond to your expertise. They respond to your certainty about yourself.
Favor to AskIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
You can be smart, experienced, and successful—and still find yourself shrinking in high-stakes conversations. In this episode, we unpack why this happens to so many accomplished women and why it has little to do with competence. You’ll learn the subtle communication habits that quietly give away authority—and practical shifts you can use immediately to show up with calm certainty, clarity, and presence when it matters most.
You’ll learn the three most common ways accomplished women unintentionally diminish their impact: over-explaining, softening the ask, and waiting to be invited into the conversation. More importantly, you’ll discover simple, powerful shifts that help you show up with clarity and calm authority when it matters most.
This episode is for women executives and senior leaders who are ready to stop over-functioning and start leading from self-trust—without apology or second-guessing.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why over-explaining can dilute credibility—even when your ideas are strong
- How softening language undermines otherwise reasonable asks
- Why waiting to be invited costs influence in senior rooms
- The mindset shift from being granted authority to assuming it
If this resonated, this is exactly the work I do with women executives who want to command high-stakes conversations with presence, clarity, and unshakable self-trust. If this sparked something in you, let’s talk.
Favor to AskIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Come to my first-ever retreat! If you’re an executive woman looking to become a more confident communicator and uplevel your presence and ability to command any room, join us HERE. It’s April 30-May 3.
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
In this episode, Karen shares 6 tips on what confident leaders do before they speak and how you can, too. These are things to do before even walking in the room to present or have a conversation.
Learn how Karen’s failure in one of her first corporate training presentations was the catalyst to put a fire in her to realize the value of preparation, changing her behavior and results in her next presentation.
Listen for examples and use these practical tips:
Tip #1: They get clear on the outcome.
Tip #2: They decide how they want to show up.
Tip #3: They regulate their body (breath and posture)
Tip #4: They choose simplicity over impressing
Tip #5: They trust their experience
Tip #6: Preparation creates presence (record yourself on video and watch it back!)
Listen for more stories and examples to help you be more confident in your next conversation and be seen as the influential leader that you are.
Favor to AskIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Come to my first-ever retreat! If you’re an executive woman looking to become a more confident communicator and uplevel your presence and ability to command any room, join us HERE. It’s April 30-May 3.
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
In this episode, Karen shares practical, real-world phrases and mindset shifts to help you hold your ground in conversations, redirect when needed, and communicate with calm confidence — without being confrontational or shutting others down.
You’ll learn how to protect your time, set boundaries gracefully, and stay grounded even when dealing with over-talkers, poor listeners, or conversations that go off the rails.
What You’ll Learn* Why “Here’s what will work for me” is a powerful, confident phrase that moves conversations forward * How to redirect conversations gracefully without offending or over-explaining * Simple ways to include others and avoid being dominated by one voice * Why silence can be one of your strongest communication tools * How to share a differing perspective without sounding argumentative * The mindset shift behind choosing relationship over being right * Why clarity is kindness — to yourself and to others * How confident communication is about being clear, not loud
Key Phrases to Practice* “Here’s what will work for me.” * “Let’s change gears.” * “I’d like to hear what others think.” * “I see it differently.” * “I have another perspective I’d like to share.”
Big TakeawayConfidence isn’t about overpowering others — it’s about clarity, self-respect, and presence. You are allowed to take up space, set boundaries, and communicate your perspective with calm authority.
Coaching & PracticeThese are skills that get stronger with practice. Inside Karen’s coaching and group programs, including The Powerhouse, leaders practice these exact conversations in a safe, supportive environment — because senior leaders rarely have space to rehearse real-life communication.
Final ReminderYou are worthy of taking up space simply because you exist.
Confidence isn’t being loud. Confidence is being clear.
Favor to AskIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Inspired by the book Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler, join me as I walk through 10 questions to help you reflect back on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, starting with celebrating! And ending with a letter to yourself, written as if it’s December 2026.
*** Note: this is a replay from 2024 so that’s why I’m referencing different years - the info is still solid!
Here are the questions:
- What did I accomplish in 2025?
- What fun things happened?
- What were my greatest disappointments?
- What did I learn?
- What intention will make me most successful in 2026?
- What one word will be my focus in 2026?
- How do I limit myself and how can I stop?
- What inner qualities would I like to nurture?
- What external outcomes will demonstrate that these inner qualities are deepening?
- What’s my “why”?
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
These 5 micro-behaviors are small, but they have an outsized impact on how others perceive your confidence, clarity, and leadership. When you start using them consistently, people don’t just hear you…
They trust you.
They follow you.
They feel influenced by you.
The best part?
You can start practicing them today! No extra time, no extra preparation, no extra talent required. Just a few intentional shifts that help you show up as the most powerful, grounded version of yourself.
Your presence matters, and these micro-skills help you walk into any room like you belong there — because you do.
Listen in for how to pause effectively, get your message heard quickly, show how to be grounded in your tone, what to do with your shoulders, and how to truly connect with your audience.
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
If you’re ready to own the room, speak up, command respect and project authority, this episode lights the spark. Tune in to step into your voice—no permission required from anyone else but you.
You’ll learn:
- How to swap permission with declaration
- To trust your competence
- How to set internal criteria, not external validation
- To use boundaries as your backbone
- Phrases that instantly boost credibility
- Why micro-bravery creates macro-confidence
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
This episode makes asking simple and seamless. Discover practical negotiation strategies, language techniques, and mindset shifts to help you advocate for yourself while maintaining strong professional relationships.
You’ll Learn How To: Silence self-doubt and reframe your mindset so it works for* you, not against you * Use language and positioning strategies that increase your chances of hearing “yes” * Negotiate with confidence and assertiveness—without damaging relationships * Build your case in advance so you’re fully prepared when it’s time to ask
Tune In If You Want To: Finally stop second-guessing yourself when talking about money * Learn what to say (and not* say) when asking for more * Get paid what you’re worth—without the guilt
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
In this episode, we're cutting through the noise to reveal the counterintuitive truth about building a magnetic personal brand: You don't need to do more. You need to be known for ONE thing.
Forget the polished perfection you see online. Discover why messy beats perfect, why people buy you before they ever buy what you're selling, and how showing up authentically (flaws and all) creates the kind of trust that turns followers into clients.
You'll learn:
- The single question that clarifies your entire brand identity
- Why vulnerability is your secret weapon for connection
- How to give generously without giving yourself away
- The 15-minute daily habit that multiplies your visibility
- Why consistency matters more than virality (and how to make it easy)
If you're tired of shouting into the void and ready to build a brand people actually remember, this episode is your blueprint. Press play and discover what happens when you stop performing and start connecting.
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Here are 6 tips you’ll learn:
- Start with why it matters.
Don’t just explain what something is — connect it to why it matters to your audience. Influence begins with meaning. - Lead with stories, not stats.
Facts tell, but stories sell. You’ll discover how to use stories that make your message memorable and magnetic. - No more data dumping.
Too much information overwhelms and disconnects your audience. I’ll show you how to simplify your message so it’s clear, compelling, and easy to act on. - Speak to emotion before logic.
Emotion drives action. Learn how to tap into what people feel before you show them the data. - Invite participation.
Influence isn’t one-way. I’ll share how asking the right questions draws people in and helps them take ownership. - End with a clear next step.
Information informs. Influence inspires action. You’ll walk away knowing how to guide your audience toward what’s next.
✨ Tune in to learn how to shift from sharing facts to sparking change — and make every message count.
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
- Welcome Questions – Treat them as a sign of engagement, not challenge. Smile, thank the person, and show openness.
- Pause Before Responding – Take a beat to think. It signals confidence and helps you avoid rambling.
- Clarify if Needed – If a question is unclear, repeat or reframe it: “So you’re asking about…”
- Be Concise and Focused – Give clear, to-the-point answers—don’t drift into a second presentation.
- Bridge Back to Your Key Message – Even if the question is off-track, connect your response to your main theme.
- Handle Tough Questions Calmly – If you don’t know, be honest: “That’s a great question—I’ll follow up.”
- Engage the Whole Room – Repeat the question (briefly) so everyone hears, then answer to the audience, not just the asker.
- Set Boundaries – If time is short, let people know you’ll follow up offline for longer discussions.
End with a Strong Close after Q&A is over so you wrap it all up in a bow instead of it trailing off, plus you want to remind people what you talked about so it ends with YOUR strong point, not the energy from the last question asked.
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Here are some strategies you can use:
- Listen First, Understand the “No”
Show genuine curiosity about their perspective. Ask questions, listen without interrupting, and validate their concerns to build trust. - Reframe as Collaboration
Shift the conversation from your request to a shared solution. Position it as: “How can we make this work together?” instead of “Why won’t you do this?” - Offer Flexible Paths Forward
Instead of pushing for one outcome, propose options or smaller steps. This shows respect for their needs while keeping the door open to agreement.
👉 Quick Example:
If your boss says “No budget for this project”, you might respond:
- “I understand. If we could do a scaled-down version that fits within the current budget, would you be open to that?”
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
- Newsflash - we are all difficult at times!
- Be mindful of the four types (the controller, the people pleasers, the pessimists, and the victims). Do you identify as one of these?
- Know your triggers (most difficult people trigger us because of a past situation, not the current one - be aware of what and who triggers you).
- Respond vs. react - learn the mantra of a client of mine who needed help responding instead of reacting with her team.
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
In this episode, Karen shares 5 simple phrase swaps that:
✅ Remove hesitation from your speech
✅ Boost your executive presence
✅ Build instant credibility with your audience
These are quick, actionable, and perfect for meetings, presentations, or interviews.
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
If you want more opportunity, but you think it’s going to find you, think again! You have to recognize that doors you think might be locked, are not locked - they just need to be opened.
Here are 5 tips:
- Your mindset - you have to believe that anything is possible
- Paint the vision for others
- Share the benefits to your audience - how will this help them?
- Position yourself as the expert
- Practice in lower stakes situations to build your confidence
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Here are 6 tips:
- Recognize the thoughts and feelings as separate from facts. When you catch yourself thinking "I don't belong here" or "I'm going to be found out," pause and remind yourself that these are anxious thoughts, not objective truths. Just because you feel like a fraud doesn't mean you actually are one.
- Keep a record of your accomplishments. Write down positive feedback, successful projects, and skills you've developed. When imposter syndrome hits, review this evidence of your competence. It's hard to argue with concrete examples of your contributions and growth.
- Reframe "failure" as learning. Imposters fear being exposed through mistakes, but everyone makes them. Instead of seeing errors as proof you don't belong, view them as normal parts of growth. The most successful people fail regularly—they just learn from it and keep going.
- Talk to others about it. You'll often discover that people you admire have felt exactly the same way. Sharing these feelings reduces their power and helps you realize how common they are, especially among high achievers who set demanding standards for themselves.
- Focus on contribution over perfection. Instead of trying to prove you deserve to be somewhere, concentrate on how you can help or add value. When you're genuinely focused on contributing to your team or field, there's less mental energy available for self-doubt and comparison.
- Reframe your internal dialogue. Instead of "I don't know what I'm doing," try "I'm learning as I go." Replace "I got lucky" with "I was prepared when opportunity came." This shift from fixed self-criticism to growth-oriented thinking can reduce the power of imposter thoughts.
Some resources for you:
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Compensation Gaps: Research market rates and come prepared to meetings with your boss. Frame requests around value delivered rather than personal needs.
Career Advancement Costs: Document your achievements regularly and present them confidently in your meetings with your boss. Show this value by using examples and metrics.
Workplace Dynamics and Respect: Balance warmth and assertiveness with your voice and your expressions.
Idea Ownership and Credit: When your idea is overlooked, use the amplification strategy. Ask allies to repeat and credit your ideas in meetings. Avoid hedging when you speak.
Build Your Voice: Speak with conviction, authority, and volume. Add vocal variety to sound more interesting and avoid upspeak (where you say a statement as a question mark).
Some resources for you:
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
If you wonder how you can stand out, be remembered and get more opportunities, listen to these 5 tips that you can immediately apply!
Be genuinely curious about others. Ask thoughtful follow-up questions and remember details from previous conversations. When you show real interest in someone's work, hobbies, or challenges, they'll remember how you made them feel heard. People forget what you said but remember how you made them feel.
Be fully present when you're with people. In a world of distraction, giving someone your complete attention is increasingly rare and powerful. Put away devices, listen to understand rather than to respond, and engage with what they're actually saying.
Tell stories that reveal something about you. Skip the generic small talk and share specific, vivid anecdotes that show your personality or values. A story about the time you failed spectacularly and what you learned is infinitely more memorable than listing your accomplishments.
Do something unexpected for others. Send a handwritten note, remember someone's coffee order, or offer help with something completely outside your job description. Small, thoughtful gestures that go beyond what's expected create lasting impressions because they're so rare.
Own your quirks and expertise. Whatever makes you different—whether it's an unusual hobby, a specific skill, or even an endearing habit—embrace it rather than hiding it. Being the person who knows everything about vintage motorcycles or always has the perfect book recommendation gives people a mental hook to remember you by.
Some resources for you:
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Ever wonder how you’ll ever stop people-pleasing and say yes to yourself instead? This episode is for you!
- Set small boundaries first. Start with low-stakes situations to practice saying no or expressing your preferences. For example, choosing the restaurant when asked, or declining a small favor when you're genuinely busy. These smaller moments build your confidence for bigger boundary-setting situations.
- Pause before automatically agreeing. When someone asks something of you, try responding with "Let me check my schedule and get back to you" or "I need to think about that." This brief delay gives you space to consider what you actually want to do rather than reflexively saying yes to avoid disappointing someone.
- Remember that disappointment isn't dangerous. People-pleasers often fear others' negative reactions, but someone being temporarily disappointed or mildly upset doesn't mean you've done something wrong or that the relationship is in jeopardy. Most healthy relationships can handle occasional "no" responses, and those that can't may need reevaluation.
- Notice your internal warning signs. Pay attention to feelings of resentment, exhaustion, or anxiety that often accompany over-committing. These emotions are signals that you're stretching yourself too thin to accommodate others. When you catch these feelings early, you can course-correct before burning out.
- Practice stating your needs directly. Instead of hinting or hoping others will guess what you want, try expressing yourself clearly. Say "I'd prefer to meet at 2 PM" rather than "Whatever time works for you is fine." Direct communication often leads to better outcomes and reduces the mental energy spent on trying to read between the lines.
The key is building these skills gradually. People-pleasing patterns developed over time, so changing them takes patience and consistent practice.
Some resources for you:
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
In an ideal world, everything goes as planned. Everyone asks the questions you expect and nothing throws you. You and I both know this is not the case. Even for the most well-prepared moment, someone will ask a question or comment that derails your entire thought process, and you’re left with only one option: to think on your feet. Listen to this episode for tips on handling these circumstances with confidence.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Ask these two framing questions when something unexpected occurs: ask, “what’s needed here?” and secondly, “what’s required of me.”
- The key to thinking on your feet is being cognizant of those around you versus focusing on yourself. This information is vital for quick assessments!
- If you tend to interject and react too quickly, create a mantra such as “stop, pause, breathe” that you say to yourself to stop yourself from speaking prematurely.
- The best way to get better at thinking on your feet is to sign up for an improv class! Or have someone practice with you by drilling you with questions.
- Create space for a “parking lot.” When something doesn’t quite fit into the discussion, move it into the “parking lot” and circle back to it at the end.
Some resources for you:
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Influencing up is a critical skill to moving up in our careers. We need to be intentional and strategic if we want to be more visible for a new role, promotion or to attract any new opportunity. These six tips will help you get there faster.
- Build credibility with consistent excellence
Deliver exceptional results consistently to establish yourself as reliable and valuable. When leaders trust your work quality and judgment, they're more likely to consider your ideas and recommendations. Recognize that you have specialized knowledge or frontline insights that leadership lacks. Share these perspectives confidently. - Understand your leader's priorities and pressures
Take time to learn what matters most to decision-makers above you - their goals, challenges, and what they're evaluated on. Frame your proposals in terms of these priorities to show alignment with their objectives. - Present solutions, not just problems
When raising issues, come prepared with thoughtful recommendations and implementation plans. Leaders appreciate team members who think proactively and take initiative rather than simply escalating issues. - Communicate strategically
Frame your ideas in terms of organizational goals and leadership priorities. Tailor your message to your audience's communication style. Some leaders prefer data-driven presentations while others respond to storytelling. Be concise, focus on impact, and anticipate potential questions or concerns. - Build genuine relationships before you need them
Develop trust through reliability, thoughtful interactions, and demonstrating value in everyday work. Identify and nurture relationships with influential stakeholders who can champion your ideas. When multiple respected voices support your position, it creates momentum that's difficult for leaders to ignore. Connect with leaders on a personal level while maintaining professionalism. - Demonstrate emotional intelligence
Read the organizational climate and timing carefully. Understand when to press forward with an idea and when to temporarily step back. Show empathy for the pressures leaders face while maintaining conviction in your valuable contributions.
Some resources for you:
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
5 Communication Strategies for Handling Someone Who Interrupts or Talks Over You
- Hold your ground calmly but firmly. When interrupted, pause briefly, then say something like, "I'd like to finish my thought before moving on" or "I wasn't quite done with my point." Use a neutral tone that's assertive without being confrontational.
- Have a private conversation. Address the pattern outside of group settings: "I've noticed that I'm often interrupted during our discussions, and I'd appreciate the chance to fully express my ideas. Could we work together on this?" This approach avoids public embarrassment while addressing the issue directly.
- Use body language strategically. Maintain your speaking posture, keep your hand raised slightly, or use a gentle hand gesture to indicate you're still speaking. Sometimes a simple non-verbal cue can effectively communicate that you haven't finished your point.
- Maintain your speaking rhythm. When someone begins to interrupt, slightly increase your volume (without shouting) and continue speaking. Often, this subtle vocal adjustment signals your intention to finish your thought and discourages interruption.
- Enlist an ally. If the interruptions occur in meetings, arrange beforehand for a trusted colleague to intervene: "I think Sam wasn't quite finished with their point. I'd like to hear the rest of it." This third-party support can be especially helpful if there's a power dynamic at play.
Some resources for you:
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
If you want to build relationships, increase trust and be seen as an influential leader, you’ll want to practice empathy. Sometimes it escapes us, as you’ll hear in my opening story about a recent customer service professional missing an opportunity.
5 Tips for Empathy at Work
- Practice active listening. Focus completely on understanding your colleagues before formulating your response. Put away devices, maintain eye contact, and ask clarifying questions to demonstrate that you genuinely value their perspective.
- Acknowledge emotions explicitly. Phrases like "That sounds frustrating" or "I can see why you're excited about this" validate your coworkers' feelings and create space for authentic communication, even in professional settings.
- Consider communication preferences. Some colleagues may prefer direct feedback while others need a gentler approach. Pay attention to how different team members respond to various communication styles and adapt accordingly.
- Check your assumptions. Before reacting to a confusing email or comment, ask yourself if you might be misinterpreting the message. When in doubt, seek clarification rather than responding based on potentially incorrect assumptions.
- Make space for different voices. In meetings, notice who isn't speaking and create opportunities for their input. Sometimes the most valuable perspectives come from those who don't naturally command attention in group settings.
Some resources for you:
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
There are strategic things we can do to advance - the key is to be intentional and make a plan! See below for 5 ways to do it!
- Build a strategic skillset: Identify skills that are both in high demand in your industry and align with your career goals. Focus on developing technical expertise alongside transferable skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving that will remain valuable as you progress. Create a deliberate learning plan with regular milestones.
- Cultivate meaningful relationships: Develop genuine connections with mentors, peers, and industry contacts who can provide guidance, opportunities, and advocacy. Schedule regular coffee chats, contribute to professional communities, and find ways to provide value to others in your network before asking for help.
- Seek visibility for your work: Volunteer for high-impact projects, share your accomplishments appropriately, and look for opportunities to present your work to decision-makers. Document your achievements and quantifiable results to build a compelling case for advancement when opportunities arise.
- Request and apply feedback effectively: Actively seek constructive criticism from supervisors, colleagues, and direct reports. Demonstrate your growth mindset by implementing feedback visibly and following up with those who provided it. This shows maturity and dedication to continuous improvement.
- Take calculated career risks: Step outside your comfort zone by pursuing stretch assignments, lateral moves to develop new skills, or roles in emerging areas of your organization or industry. These strategic pivots often accelerate growth more than staying in a safe but stagnant position.
Some resources for you:
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
There are many habits we don’t even realize may be getting in our way and hindering our ability to advance. But what are they? Being confusing instead of clear in our communication, not saying what we want, halting when we speak so we sound unsure, and staying quiet instead of speaking up…are just a few of the examples in this episode.
Listen as I unpack some of the most common ways we hinder our credibility but often have no idea that we’re doing it.
If you love Orange Theory (or hate it!), see what you think about my analogy to commanding the room!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
You know how you get those butterflies before speaking in a meeting or making a presentation? Listen to these 10 tips to reduce your anxiety and calm your nerves!
Tip 1: Prep - know your content
Tip 2: Say “I’m so excited” instead of “I’m so nervous”
Tip 3: Breathe and do the Navy Seals box breathing
Tip 4: Sing your favorite song
Tip 5: Rock back and forth or side to side
Tip 6: Tap yourself lightly on the arms and legs
Tip 7: Stretch
Tip 8: Do PQ reps from the book Positive Intelligence (my favorites are the sense of touch and sound).
Tip 9: Dance to your pump-up song
Tip 10: Focus on what the audience needs rather than you. If you focus on serving them it will take your mind off of you.
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Some people who advance make it look so easy, and yet successful people are strategic. You can be, too. Karen shares both strategies and lessons we can learn from others who have catapulted their careers. Thanks to Gissell Moronta, SVP of Sales and Marketing at Atrium Hospitality, who shares her success story publicly.
Some resources for you:
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up or doubted how you come across, you’re not alone. Building confidence doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a journey, and each small step matters. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. That’s why aligning your preparation, body language, and delivery is key to leaving a lasting impression. Listen for 5 tips to build confidence.
Notes:
👉 Whether it’s sharing your thoughts in a meeting, presenting to a group, or even having a one-on-one conversation, these 5 tips will help you show up with confidence and authority:
✨ Prepare in advance
✨ Use open body language
✨ Slow down when you speak
✨ Practice active listening
✨ Focus on progress, not perfection
Confidence is within your reach, and 2025 is your year to speak up and be heard. Start small, trust yourself, and remember: your voice matters!
Some resources for you:
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
You may not even realize that you're giving your power away. Listen in to hear three common mistakes women make and how to do something about it!
What are the ways we do this?
1) We let other people define us
2) We hesitate to self-promote
3) We use minimizing language
Listen in to learn strategies on how to build credibility by being clear on the value you bring to an organization, strategically promoting yourself, and how to eliminate words that bring doubt.
I'll share my top tips with stories that show the value of communicating who you are and how to own your value, plus something critical: how word choice plays a HUGE role in your leadership presence. You'll want to eliminate these three from your vocabulary!
Some resources for you:
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
On the phone with a distraught client last week, I was reminded of the assumptions we make and how doing this holds us back. The stress from these assumptions can put our stomach in knots - only to find out later the situation was a simple misunderstanding. You have to advocate for yourself if you want more opportunities.
Most of the time this stems from poor communication and doubting ourselves. A lethal combination.
We default to “my boss doesn’t respect me anymore” “she doesn’t think I’m cut out for this” or “I’m not enough for my boss even though I’m killing myself working 60-70 hour work weeks.”
Here’s my client’s story:
Julie (name changed), SVP, was told by her boss (C-level role, who she has a solid relationship with) that she didn’t want Julie on a project anymore (communicating via Slack).
Julie immediately thought her boss didn’t trust or respect her, and started ruminating:
“How could this be? She’s always praised me for my work. What is this about? Why is she doing this? Does she think I’m incompetent?”
Julie wasn’t going to address it (problem #1!) because of her fear of what she would hear.
In their next conversation, her boss revealed the reason she wanted her off that project: to give her greater visibility on a bigger project!
This was completely unexpected, and cleared everything up with a simple conversation.
Anything similar ever happened to you? And what advice would you offer Julie if this were to happen again?
Let’s look at some lessons from this.
- We can’t control our boss’s behavior (saying that over Slack?! Come on, now), but we can control our own. At minimum, say something, such as “Hey, boss, what was your reasoning for taking me off that project?” or “help me understand your logic…” Before getting all tied up in knots with assumptions, address it head on. You’ll likely find out helpful information that clears a lot up before you go losing more sleep.
- Tell your boss what you need. “Boss, if you have important direction to offer regarding new or revised responsibilities, I’d like to get that information in a conversation rather than a message over Slack or email. Does that work for you?” And depending on your relationship, you could say “Hearing that in Slack with no context made me think you might have an issue with my performance, so being able to hear it in conversation would be beneficial.” or “Hearing that in Slack left me with more questions…”
- Know your triggers and respond appropriately. If you are naturally bent toward questioning yourself or thinking you’re the problem (would love to help you overcome this, btw!), be aware of that when you get a message that doesn’t land well. Ask another trusted colleague, friend or coach how they would’ve received it. That objective perspective can be incredibly insightful. For someone who isn’t triggered the same way you are, the message will be received differently. We all hold baggage from our past that informs our present.
Always remember that no one will care as much about your career as YOU do, so you have to advocate for yourself. Don’t expect anyone else to, and when you ask, ask with confidence.
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
If you want to show up with confidence, use these communication tips from The Confidence Cocktail™ that will help you get there. Take a walk through my signature framework to guide you in becoming a clear, compelling and credible communicator.
Here are the 8 ingredients we’ll explore alongside specific examples that you can try out yourself:
- Identity - who are you and how do you want people to experience you? What do you want to be known for?
- Mindset - how to overcome self-doubt so you can fully embrace your confident self. We talk about an exercise to overcome imposter syndrome.
- Presence - how is your posture, body language overall? Including facial expressions and voice, we walk through tips on how to improve.
- Message - do you get to the point quickly and state it up front?
- Think on your feet - what techniques do you use to handle unexpected situations with grace and ease? I’ve got you covered!
- Challenging Conversations - how do you lean into conflict or difficult people?
- Leadership - you’ve got to be a servant leader to truly lead well. I’ll talk about how.
- Negotiation - listen to my couch story to learn a few tips and the big lesson Iearned!
And the most important ingredient of all is at the base of the cocktail glass - courage! We have to activate our courage to become our most confident selves. Let’s do it!
Want to see how you score as a confident communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Inspired by the book Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler, join me as I walk through 10 questions to help you reflect back on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, starting with celebrating! And ending with a letter to yourself, written as if it’s December 2025.
Here are the questions:
- What did I accomplish in 2024?
- What fun things happened?
- What were my greatest disappointments?
- What did I learn?
- What intention will make me most successful in 2025?
- What one word will be my focus in 2025?
- How do I limit myself and how can I stop?
- What inner qualities would I like to nurture?
- What external outcomes will demonstrate that these inner qualities are deepening?
- What’s my “why”?
Some resources for you:
Want to be a clear, compelling and credible communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
For too long I didn’t speak up when I wanted to, even though I was in a leadership role in my company, working for industry leaders like Google, Netflix and UnitedHealthcare. I found myself focused too much on people pleasing, worried that I would be judged or that I would rock the boat. Today’s episode gives you three specific tips to help you speak up in meetings, in spite of any doubt you may have.
- Speak First. You know those few seconds of awkward silence in the beginning of a meeting? Everyone is waiting for someone to go first. Let that be you!
Here are three reasons to speak first:
- It shows your leadership. You demonstrate confidence to jump in right away. When you share your great thoughts, people start listening. Especially when it is relevant and makes an impact.
- You get your thoughts out of the way so you don’t have to worry about several others speaking before you, such that then when it’s your turn, you have nothing unique to add.
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It reduces anxiety. If you go first, you won’t be worried about what you wanted to say the whole time, allowing you to be present for the meeting and hear what people are contributing.
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When you want to share your opinion in a way that’s diplomatic and direct, say, “here’s my vote” or “here’s what I think”. Years ago, I was reporting to the president of the company where I worked and one day she surprised me by saying, “Karen, you always come to meetings and ask us what we think. I want to know what you think.”
It took me aback, but I realized she was right. I rarely offered my opinion because I was afraid my boss wouldn’t approve or think it was any good. This method of interjecting with “here’s my vote” felt really good to me because the sentence prompt alone helped me have a strategy in my toolbox when I needed it. After doing it many times now and seeing my clients use this same strategy, I know it works!
3.How to stop rambling and get to the point. Our tendency to ramble is one of the biggest obstacles to presenting well. As a recovering rambler myself, I get it. It’s hard to stay on point when we have so much to say, or we’re nervous. Sometimes we come across as unfocused without realizing it. Or, we realize it and have a hard time knowing how to get out of it.
How do you fix it? Here are two ways:
- If you notice yourself doing it and your words are already out there, pause, gather your thoughts and say out loud, “My point is this…” and state your point.
- If you realize you’re lost, pause, stay silent, gather your thoughts and move on with your point. No one will notice the difference, most likely. Pausing gives the audience a chance to absorb what you said and gives their brains a break.
Some resources for you:
Want to be a clear, compelling and credible communicator?
Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
What is the best way to influence and get buy-in when you’re speaking to others, be it a big audience or small, conference room or boardroom, peer meetings or executive meetings? We all want to come across in a way that moves our listeners to action, show up with confidence, and get what we want. Use these tips to persuade in the best way possible.
- Be Clear: Get to the point, use the BLUF principle: Bottom Line Up Front, and don’t ramble on and get off on tangents.
- Be Compelling: Speak with authority, use vocal variety, tell stories, use examples and data points to grab your audience’s attention.
- Be Credible: Avoid using filler words like “um” and “ah.” and pause to show control and calm. Avoid “upspeak,” which is when you speak with a question mark rather than a period. Make sure to use punctuation - exactly like you do in the written word.
Listen for examples and more stories to demonstrate these principles.
Some resources for you:
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Never be stuck with what to say when someone asks you to introduce yourself! Listen to this episode for my PPU formula so you’re never thrown off guard and you’re always prepared with what to say.
Talking about yourself is simply a chance to let people get to know you.
Here’s my PPU introduction formula:
1) Say something Personal
2) Share what you do Professionally
3) Offer something Unique about you
Here's how it might sound in conversation:
I'm originally from Minnesota and now live in San Francisco with my husband and two kitties, after packing my bags in the mid-90's to follow a dream of living in SF.
Professionally, I'm a keynote speaker helping women communicate with confidence so they can advance in their careers.
One unique thing about me is that I love adventure. An example of that is deciding to live in Manhattan for the whole month of October for my 50th birthday. I rented a place and lived like a local.
Try that out and let me know how it goes! You'll sound prepared and leave your audience with something memorable about you.
Some resources for you:
If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: Nov 22 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Want to eliminate your “um’s” once and for all? You’ll find 6 tips to do it on this episode! We’ll talk about what gets in the way and how to tackle it, so those filler words don't decrease your credibility.
- Self-talk (if you’re always thinking “I’m going to say “um” then you probably will. Change up your self-talk to focus on what you want to shift (for example, “I am a person who perfectly pauses”)
- Pause (to think, to breathe, and show control) in place of a filler word
- Record yourself (this will give you objective reality of how you’re coming across and you can find out how many times you use “um’s” OR maybe you don’t say them as much as you think)
- Affirmations (Use a phrase that affirms how well you speak with perfectly timed pauses)
- Practice (keep doing more reps and recording yourself and you’ll make progress)
- Feedback (get input from others around you so you become more aware)
Some resources for you:
If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: Oct 25 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Or people pleasing, fear of judgment, and trying to be all things to all people. You might be giving your power away and you don’t even know it! Want to find out and take your power back?
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- We downplay our strengths instead of celebrating and leveraging them.
- We use minimizing language such as “I’m sorry, just, I think, maybe/kinda/sorta, and I’m not an expert, but…”
- We doubt ourselves and use negative self-talk.
Instead, take your power back:
- Create a celebration portfolio, which is a list of your accomplishments and your character strengths. Add to it regularly. Have a celebration practice where you celebrate weekly wins (even better: daily!) 🎉
- Say “excuse me” or “thank you for your patience” instead of “I’m sorry.”
- Sing your message of doubt to change up the neural pathways in your brain, which will then diffuse the power of that same message. Singing “I’m not good enough!” at the top of your lungs creates a completely different experience with that message! 🤩😂
Some resources for you:
Want to speak with confidence and get 3 tips to command any room? I’m hosting a free workshop on Zoom: Oct 15 from 12-1 PT / 3-4 ET. Sign up here: https://karenlaos.com/become-a-confident-communicator-free-workshop/
If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: Oct 27 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Summary: Ever been tongue-tied in a meeting, or simply wanted to project more credibility? Don’t let self-doubt silence you. Learn concrete communication strategies so you can speak with authority and be seen as the influential leader that you want to be.
Here’s what you’ll find in this episode, for those who like the Cliff Notes:
- How to stop rambling and get to the point (stop, pause and say “my point is this” )
- Be succinct (use fewer words to make your point or use quantifiable tips “I’ve got 3 things to discuss today)
- Be likable (show interest in others, find common ground, be present and listen, smile)
- Be assertive (speak with conviction - as a statement, not a question, use a strong handshake when meeting in person)
- Be aware (read the room, notice how people are responding, adjust as needed and ask more questions of the audience to gain more engagement).
Some resources for you:
Want to speak with confidence and get 3 tips to command any room? I’ve got a free workshop on Zoom: Oct 15 from 12-1 PT / 3-4 ET. Sign up here: https://karenlaos.com/become-a-confident-communicator-free-workshop/
When women come together, magical things happen. If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: Oct 27 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Most women don’t ask. It’s time for you. If you’ve been hesitant or nervous about asking for a raise but know you want to land that pay increase, this episode is for you! Learn 8 strategies to get a “yes” from your boss.
Here’s a sneak peek:
- Tackle your self-doubt. Recognize that you are worthy of asking. This is a business deal. There’s no shame in asking.
- List your accomplishments. Both tactical deliverables (the more specific, the better - numbers are best when possible) and character/personality strengths that make you likable and easy to work with. Support your case with why you deserve this.
- Know your number and be specific. What do you want? Ideal number and also what you will settle for. Do your research and know what’s standard or typical for the company. 3% is generally standard. Some companies have both merit and standard of living increases.
- Keep your boss’s and the company’s interests in mind. What matters to your boss? Where does your potential raise intersect with what they want?
- Be confident and considerate. Be mindful of body language, tone, and words that can make you sound hesitant. Don’t waffle or waver.
- Paint a positive picture. What will this enable you to do for the company and how will it help you be more engaged/dedicated, etc?
- Practice in advance with a friend or coach. Anticipate questions and objections.
- Be clear on next steps - if it’s a “no” ask why (what is the logic/help me understand) and use it as a learning. Ask what you can do going forward, ask if you have their support and be persistent with a timeline - can we revisit this in 3 months?
Some resources for you:
Want to speak with confidence and get 3 tips to command any room? I’ve got a free workshop on Zoom: Sept 18 from 12-1 PT / 3-4 ET. Sign up here: https://karenlaos.com/become-a-confident-communicator-free-workshop/
When women come together, magical things happen. If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: Sept 27 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Summary: If you’ve ever caught yourself rambling and wondered, “how do I get out of this?!” this episode is for you.
Here’s a sneak peek:
- Leverage the power of the pause
- Get to your point within 30 seconds to a minute otherwise or people will tune out
- Avoid the curse of knowledge so others can understand you easier
- Make sure to use BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
- Be direct vs. passive when you make a request
- Avoid pleasantries up front
Some resources for you:
If you’re a woman who wants to advance your career by ditching doubt and upleveling in your communication skills and confidence, check out The Power House, my mastermind: https://karenlaos.com/the-power-house/
When women come together, magical things happen. If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: Sept 27 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection
Schedule a call with me if you’re intrigued to learn more about working with me: http://karenlaos.ac-page.com/clarity-call-scheduling-page
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
You might not think that getting anything you want is possible for you, but I’m living proof that directly and strategically asking for what you want is how you get it! It might surprise you that even when you think an option isn’t available, it can be. Listen for six tips on how to ask for what you want so you can finally get it!
Here’s a sneak peek:
-The psychology of asking
-Decide - what do you want?
-Prep to make your case
-Strategies to ask
-Handling rejection
-Finding your courage
Some resources for you:
If you’re a woman who wants to advance your career by ditching doubt and upleveling in your communication skills and confidence, check out The Power House, my mastermind: https://karenlaos.com/the-power-house/
When women come together, magical things happen. If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: August 23 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection-waitlist
Schedule a call with me if you’re intrigued to learn more about working with me: http://karenlaos.ac-page.com/clarity-call-scheduling-page
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Who are you? It’s not a question we think about a lot, but we’re always creating our brand based on how we’re coming across in the world. Do you know what your brand is? Are you clear on your why, your values, and your point of differentiation? How do you want people to experience you?
Listen to learn the three most important elements of your brand: 1. Knowing yourself, 2. Knowing how you affect others 3. Communicating your brand
If you’re a woman who wants to advance your career by ditching doubt and upleveling in your communication skills and confidence, check out The Power House, my mastermind: https://karenlaos.com/the-power-house/
When women come together, magical things happen. If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: August 30 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection-waitlist
Schedule a call with me if you’re intrigued to learn more about working with me: http://karenlaos.ac-page.com/clarity-call-scheduling-page
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
We’ve all experienced bad presenters and it’s sometimes impossible to sit through those talks. We never want to BE that person, and I want to help you and everyone from presenting poorly! It’s a simple shift IF you know what to do.
In this episode, I share 7 mistakes even the most experienced presenters make, and most importantly: what to do instead. Some of them may surprise you!
If you’re a woman who wants to advance your career by ditching doubt and upleveling in your communication skills and confidence, check out The Power House, my mastermind: https://karenlaos.com/the-power-house/
When women come together, magical things happen. If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: July 26 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection
Schedule a call with me if you’re intrigued to learn more about working with me: http://karenlaos.ac-page.com/clarity-call-scheduling-page
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
If you’re a woman who wants to advance your career by ditching doubt and upleveling in your communication skills and confidence, check out The Power House, my mastermind: https://karenlaos.com/the-power-house/
When women come together, magical things happen. If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: July 26 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Listen for…
- How I became a TEDx speaker coach (born out of “rejection”!)
- The key ingredients you need if you want to stand on the red dot one day
- Best practices during the application process
- What TEDx is looking for
- What NOT to do when applying
- What might surprise you about the process
If you’re a woman who wants to advance your career by ditching doubt and upleveling in your communication skills and confidence, check out The Power House, my mastermind: https://karenlaos.com/the-power-house/
When women come together, magical things happen. If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: June 28 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Here are some highlights to listen for:
Two ways that someone destroyed their credibility this week
Why do people kill their own credibility?
Phrases harming your credibility
Minimizing words to avoid
How to stop using these words and phrases in your communication
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Pay attention to the experiences you create for others, whether it's in person, over the phone, or via email. Consider how you want people to feel in your presence and make those experiences positive and warm.
- Write your eulogy. This exercise can provide clarity on the qualities, actions, or values you want to be evident in your life. Use this reflection to guide your actions in life.
- Reflect on what matters most to you and what gives you joy. Explore your passions, interests, and positive qualities, to find your why or purpose.
- Acknowledge negative realities and grieve instead of avoiding or suppressing negative feelings or losses in your life. Grieving and allowing yourself and others to feel these emotions can open the pathway to joy and healing.
- Find your why or purpose by exploring your passions, interests, and the activities that bring you joy. Your big why can be found there!
P.S. This will be the last episode for 2023! I will be taking a much-needed break, and return in January. I look forward to reconnecting in the New Year!
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Recognize what you can control and that you can’t control the actions or health of other people. Especially those suffering from chronic pain or disease. Instead of fixing it, ask what is needed.
- Establish clear boundaries for yourself to prevent burnout. Prioritize self-care and ensure you're taking care of your physical and emotional well-being.
- Ask for what you need! Communicate your needs to friends, family, and other support networks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Take time to reflect on your emotions, frustrations, and losses associated with the situation. Give your negative feelings space to be processed. That alone is therapeutic.
- Find moments of joy and positivity amidst the challenges. Laughter and positivity can co-exist with pain, and maintaining a hopeful outlook can significantly affect your ability to cope!
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Try implementing "20 seconds of courage." For 20 seconds take those initial steps, whether it's asking for a raise, starting a conversation, or making a significant change. It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
- Write down your achievements. Keeping a record can boost confidence and provide a visual representation of your progress over time. (This is also handy when asking for a raise!)
- Be real and be you! Embrace who you are, understand your value, and build confidence from there.
- If you struggle with networking and starting conversations with new people, initiate conversations with a compliment. This can serve as a friendly icebreaker.
About Sarah:
Sarah's career began in the Network Marketing Industry, where she built large organizations and learned about the importance of personal development, setting goals and how to lead others. She later realized that she could reach a larger network by utilizing technology.
Sarah then fell into the mobile marketing and tech world, where she was in charge of the marketing department, project management, customer success management, and found her true calling. That passion led to helping business professionals discover and establish their brands through technology.
In 2018, Sarah expanded her career by entering the membership association industry and worked for the California Fashion Association. There she learned the business side of fashion. How to run a business, how to know your market and the difference between building a brand vs. becoming an influencer.
February 2021, Sarah became the Director of Membership Engagement & Business Development with the California Manufacturers & Technology Association supporting all California Manufacturers on a advocacy level, supporting seventeen sectors of manufacturing including the garment and textile industry.
Furthermore, in 2017, Sarah and her family founded "The Soule Foundation" in honor of her Father, Dwight Johnson. In Dwight's memory, the Johnson Clan continues to host the Annual Dwight Johnson Golf Classic" to raise money for local charities in the Seattle area.
Connect with Sarah:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-johnson-8ba25357/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Actively engage in conversations by asking open-ended questions and pausing to listen attentively.
- Imagine that everyone has a sign above their head that says, "Make me feel important." Use this perspective to show genuine interest in others.
- Start and end your sentences with confidence and clear articulation to engage your audience.
- Pay attention to your facial expressions, and smile! This way, you’ll convey a positive and approachable demeanor.
- Avoid the "curse of knowledge" by tailoring your message to your audience's level of understanding.
- Incorporate storytelling into your communication to make your message more engaging. Remember to make them concise!
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Look at all the rules that you’ve been handed, and ask: which of these do I want to keep carrying with me and which ones do I want to break?
- Your worth is not connected to achievement, success, or how your body looks. These rules create shame or make you feel “too much:
- A part of creating change and understanding the rules is calling them out, and then purposely start to break the ones that no longer work for you. You don't need to throw everything away, but you get to choose!
- Adopt an attitude of experimentation. Tell yourself “I’ll just trying it out.” Shedding and choosing your own rules is not a permanent decision that has to be forever.
About Heather:
Heather Whelpley is a speaker, author of the award-winning book An Overachiever's Guide To Breaking The Rules: How To Let Go Of Perfect and Live Your Truth, and host of the podcast, Create Your Own Rules For Life. Her work focuses on galvanizing women to rediscover their voice, take up space, and unleash their authentic leadership - and life. Prior to becoming a speaker, Heather worked in a wide variety of HR and leadership development roles in the US, Australia, and Latin America. Her second book, Grounded Wildness, will be published this fall. Heather lives in Colorado where she enjoys hiking, exploring, and getting connected with her grounded and wild self!
Connect with Heather:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather.whelpley/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherwhelpley/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Communicating with clarity takes intention!
- Your audiences need structure to know where you're headed and what you're doing. Otherwise, they're going to get lost and tune out.
- When you start any message, whether it's a voice message, voicemail, or voice memo- front load it with why you're sharing it or what you want from the conversation.
- If you notice yourself rambling, stop, pause, and say aloud, “My point is this…” That will repair the rambling episode and make you appear more focused.
- When you're communicating with clarity, pausing is a beautiful skill to have. It shows control, people listen, and is directly linked to credibility.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- You’re a spiritual being on a human journey, and that intersection between the two requires emotional learning. It's learning how to integrate, like balancing a bike.
- It’s important to listen to your body and listen to your emotions.
- When struggling with a frustrating event, separate yourself from the story and avoid the blame and judgment. Focus inward on what emotions you feel.
- Google “Emotion Wheels” to help name your emotions.
- Think of emotions as your greatest teacher. What are they showing you about yourself?
About Karen Fullerton:
Karen has always been a catalyst for growth. As a seasoned marketer, she made her mark as an award-winning entrepreneur and nonprofit founder. Parallel to her career, Karen became a Reiki Master and Teacher in 2002—igniting her passion for chakra energy healing and evolution.
Her paths converged in 2018 after becoming a quantum energy practitioner, focusing on emotional wellness as the precursor to effective mindfulness, overall well-being, and success.
Karen’s mission is to help women flourish to #SpiralUp momentum to a life of emotional freedom, harmony, and happiness. She is a speaker, teacher, author, intuitive energy worker, and guide.
Join Karen’s 7 Days to Emotional Wellness: A Quantum Energy Approach: https://bgo9wolen2gqcvkb4xs1.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/14d6fabc-5a3f-4402-9dfe-17f8c6b67dce
Connect with Karen Fullerton:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenleefullerton/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-fullerton-speaker/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Remember: people want to be pursued!
- Follow up beyond your comfort level. With high ticket offers, you need to follow up a minimum of nine times, and it could even be years before they are ready to buy.
- It is tempting to ask passively because it feels more comfortable, but resist this urge and ask with clarity.
- Anticipate the next step and make the process easy. Schedule your next follow-up before you end the conversation!
- You are not bothering anyone. Remember how busy you are and your own buying journey. It typically requires an extended hand from someone else.
- Always be nurturing people around you. Be kind, thoughtful, and generous.
- Communicate your value and share how you solve a problem for someone else.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
- When you work on your mindset, teach your children along the way! You can transform both your life and the lives of your children.
- Research shows eight out of 10 people have negative fear-based thinking, and this comes from childhood trauma. This is the reason why many are afraid to use their voice.
- Have the guts and the mindset to say yes to opportunities. The more you practice it, the more you believe in yourself.
- Dating is not about being vulnerable, it’s about being empowered! Know how to ask conversational questions to make empowered decisions in your dating life.
About Riana:
Coach Riana Milne was featured in the March 14th 2023 Influencer Daily; Selected as “One of the Top Coaches to Follow in 2022” by Wealth Insider Magazine and is also featured in FORBES Magazine and Business Success Magazine in 2023. She’s a Certified, Global Life, Love Trauma Recovery & Mindset Coach, Advanced Cert. Clinical Trauma & Addictions Professional (CCTP-II), a #1 Bestselling Author, the Host of her Podcast called Lessons in Life & Love™, an Educational Speaker, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for over 23 years living in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Riana also won the 2022 GIVA International Award for Top Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Top Global Wellness Coach; and was selected in 2021 as “One of The 100 Most Successful Women Around the World” by The Global Trade Chamber. She was also a Life & Dating Coach for the 12-show Docu-Series; Radical Dating – Finding Lasting Love Over 40 (and her client is now happily married!). Riana specializes in those who have had past Childhood or Relationship Trauma and offers Group & VIP Coaching programs for Singles & Couples globally.
Riana’s 5-star rated books; the #1 Bestseller, LOVE Beyond Your Dreams – Break Free of Toxic Relationships to Have the Love You Deserve - and - LIVE Beyond Your Dreams – from Fear and Doubt to Personal Power, Purpose, and Success addresses Life Difficult Transitions, Personal Transformation, The Mindset for Success, and having Loving, Conscious Relationships with yourself and others.
Connect with Riana:
Website: https://RianaMilne.com
Podcast: https://www.LessonsinLifeandLove.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachrianamilne/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachRiana
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/RianaMilne/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RianaMilne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rianamilne
TikTok & Clubhouse: https://www.tiktok.com/@RianaMilne
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- The goal is to project the image that you want to project.
- Have a point, and stick to it! You can do this by deciding your point in advance and sharing this upfront. People need to receive information with the point first, and details after, not the other way around.
- Avoid data dumping! We can think this boosts your credentials, but in reality, people can only take in so much information at once. Keep it simple.
- Make sure your message is relevant to your audience, and be wary of the curse of knowledge.
- Instead of shutting down new ideas, make sure that you are open. Even if you tried that idea before, give it 5 minutes of consideration and allow brainstorming to happen.
- Make sure expectations are clear, not unspoken, by asking, “What does ‘done’ look like to you?”
- State the “why” up front! Make sure everyone on your team understands the why behind projects and tasks so they’ll be more motivated to do them.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- When fear starts to creep in, ask yourself. “what’s the worst that can happen?” Uncovering this helps you take a chance and lose that fear of failure.
- Seek to understand the root of your fear. Is it pride? Fear of failure? Worried about what others may think?
- Find your passion because there will be a lot of dark and challenging times. Your passion will help you ride the waves.
- Design your work-life balance. Are you prone to overworking or underworking? Take these into consideration when mapping out your life!
About Nicole:
Nicole Grinnell took the idea of being a virtual assistant and built a multi-million-dollar company.
Nicole Grinnell is the founder of Bosun Solutions, a boutique full-service staffing firm whose mission is to help small businesses thrive in any economy. She started out in the business world at just ten years old working for her family, launching her into a successful career in corporate America, before starting her own business in 2017.
Her entire career has been laced with finding family-life balance, from working for her family business, to getting married and having kids in the midst of climbing the corporate ladder. She now has a marriage, two teenage children, and has grown her business to $2 million in revenue. Her goal is to help other small businesses succeed and to give other women the work-life balance they are looking for.
Connect with Nicole:
Website: www.bosunsolutions.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosunsolutions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bosunsolutions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-grinnell-b6190515/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Often when we are stuck, it’s because we’re not making a decision. It is better to decide and move forward than stay stagnant!
- If you make a wrong decision, it’s ok! You learned something. This will make you better at your next move.
- We get burdened with the “how”, and we forget that there is a “why”. If you're on a path and what you're participating in always goes back to the why, then you're on the right path.
- Understand what you're good and not good at, and be okay with that.
- Don't be so bogged down by the details that you're afraid to take the leap. When this happens, make sure you have just enough information, and leap.
About Ashley:
Ashley Russo, President of ASR Media Productions, is a five-time Emmy® award-winning executive producer and host of The PEAK-TV and St. Luke’s HealthNow. A twenty-year media veteran, Ashley graduated from New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is also the creator and host of the podcast, Unscripted with Russo. Additionally, Russo is the chief operating officer at General Magnaplate Corporation, the world’s leading manufacturer of engineered coating solutions. Ashley is the third generation to step into an executive role at the company founded by her grandparents. Deeply committed to her community, Russo served as Co-Chair of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s (UWGLV) 2022 Campaign and serves on the boards of UWGLV, Children’s Home of Easton, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce (GLVCC), and Hospital Central Services, Inc. & Affiliates. Russo is also the recipient of several leadership awards, including LifePath and PICPA Community Service Person of the Year award, GSEP’s Take the Lead award in 2019, and more.
Connect with Ashley:
Website: https://www.thepeaktv.com/
https://www.ashleysrusso.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleysrusso/
https://www.instagram.com/asrmediaproductions/
https://www.asrmediaproductions.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thepeaktv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyrenna
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleysrusso/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashleysrusso
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
TEDX Minneapolis will be on August 12, 2023. Click HERE to purchase your tickets!
Tangible Takeaways:
- Remember the power of teachers and leaders - they have the opportunity to instill confidence in others.
- Be an opportunistic person! When you see an opportunity, lean into it. Even if it’s a long shot, you never know!
- Feedback can be a positive experience. Those who receive feedback with joy and gratitude are the ones who grow.
- When it comes to your story, focus on how it serves others. What is the idea worth spreading? Make your story serve others and increase your impact.
About Roya:
Roya is a Sudanese-American born in the country of Sudan and having immigrated to Rochester, MN when she was 5 years old. She received a full-ride scholarship to Stanford University, followed by starting her career in the biotechnology industry at a Silicon Valley startup called Akoya Biosciences. In her tenure at the company, she's held roles in Research and Development, Scientific Support, and Sales. She is also the Executive Director for TEDxMinneapolis, an independently organized TEDx event and non-profit organization in Minneapolis that focuses on connecting our community through new ideas and TEDx talks.
Connect with Roya:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royabashier/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royabashier/?locale=hi_IN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bashier_roya
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Expect good things to happen! This has been the #1 contributor to my success, it transforms your posture and energy, and you see the opportunities for what they are.
- Be tenacious with purpose. Clarify your current goals so you're not being tenacious in everything but in the things that matter.
- You have to ask for the business - people want to be sold to! Reach out and follow up. Seize opportunities. Pay attention to what might be possible right in front of you.
- Be curious, and show genuine interest in others. You’ll be amazed at what a difference this makes.
- Always be in the process of honing your craft. Be focused and get better and better.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Resist the urge to give your power away. Step into your power.
- It can be common to fall into the trap of taking a backseat to stronger, louder, more experienced voices. There is a reason for this - women have been conditioned to do this!
- Whenever we take action or inaction, we’re impacting those around us. Be intentional about when you speak up and when you don’t. Your voice matters to others!
- Just do it. Things are rarely as uncomfortable or bad as you expect them to be.
- When it comes to presenting on stage, you don’t have to be comfortable to do it. In fact, most people on stage feel uncomfortable when speaking.
- Consider taking an improv class. This class alone will transform your communication skills across the board.
About Jennifer:
Valuing curiosity over judgment, Jennifer Hill has been learning and growing in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years. In her current role as Vice President, Commercial Strategy at data analytics firm Kalibri Labs, she supports clients, partners, colleagues, and the overall industry with innovative and fresh solutions for profit optimization and growth.
Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in American history from Mercer University and graduated while working full-time in the hotel industry as a hotel revenue manager. She has been around hotels for truly as long as she can remember — her first job as a young teenager was working for her mom, Patti, at a Holiday Inn in small-town Pennsylvania. Jennifer actively participates in industry events where she shares her knowledge and experiences, inspiring others to pursue careers in hospitality.
Jennifer is a hotelier at heart and true ambassador for her industry. She currently serves as the collegiate chapter liaison for the Washington, DC chapter of HSMAI as an advisory board member. In the past, Jennifer served for four years on HSMAI’s Revenue Optimization Advisory Board and as co-chair for its annual Revenue Optimization Conference (ROC). She is the winner of HSMAI’s Revenue Optimization Professional of the Year and Top 25 Minds in Sales, Marketing and Revenue Optimization awards, and is a frequent speaker at ROC and other industry conferences.
Beyond her professional career, Jennifer is known for her collaborative spirit and commitment to learning. She is a student of improv and the “yes, and” principle, an avid reader, and the keeper of just one New Year’s Resolution: to drink more champagne (ask her why!).
Connect with Jennifer:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer___hill/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Think about expanding your presence. We’ve been culturally conditioned to make ourselves physically smaller, and this needs to stop. Shoulders back, hands to the sides or gesturing out, and firmly plant your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Incorporate these habits into your daily life so that when you need your body language to shine, it will be a habit, not a stressful performance.
- Remember that every time we open our mouths, it’s an opportunity to influence and to showcase credibility.
- Do your best to unclasp your hands! Keep them apart and ensure you don't have them in front of you. Having them open will make you appear more inviting, open, and approachable.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- See your brilliance and own it sooner. This does not mean you should be arrogant, but rather embrace your expertise now. Don’t wait.
- When creating your own business or venturing into a new field. Understanding your skillset and what problems you solve and diving into market research is important.
- Remember: people do business with people, big brands and all. Customer service is one of the most important things brands can put their money behind.
- Are you an introvert who feels overwhelmed by networking events? Borrow Ivy’s trick: create a personal connection with one person to launch onto the group. It simply takes one.
About Ivy:
Ivy Slater is the CEO of Slater Success, a boutique training, consulting and coaching company focused on growth strategies and leadership development for high-level, service-based businesses. Ivy is a professionally certified business coach, speaker, TEDx speaker, internationally bestselling author and podcast host. She's scaled her own two businesses to multiple 6 & 7 -figures and speaks nationwide on the topics of leadership, sustainable growth and the value of relationships. In 2020, she was a recipient of a Power Women of New York and of Long Island award, presented by Schneps Media.
Connect with Ivy:
Website: https://kelliraethompson.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivyslater/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slatersuccesscoaching
Podcast: Her Success Story
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Women are culturally conditioned to apologize! Even though I teach this, I have to catch myself from apologizing, as well. Habits are hard to break, but you can do it!
- If you bump into someone at the grocery store, for example, instead of saying “I’m sorry” replace it with “excuse me”.
- If you're constantly saying, “I'm sorry”, the message that's coming across implies “I'm not worthy of being here”, “I'm in the way” or “I’m a bother”. This becomes something you internalize.
- When we diminish ourselves without even knowing it, we're making ourselves smaller.
- Consider flipping “I’m sorry” into a “thank you” or “I appreciate” such as: “Thank you for understanding” or “I appreciate your patience”.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Women often don’t speak up because we think we need more experience, education, seniority, or fill-in-the-blank before we share our voice in the room. It’s a lie: speak up now! The men don’t wait. Why should you?
- When seeking to improve your confidence, copying another person’s style doesn’t work. It can make you feel awkward and inadequate. You need to find confidence from within.
- How do you want to make people feel when you speak up? Knowing your values will help you guide this.
- How are you speaking up on what is yours to say? When we’re drowning in a sea of voices, we need to pause and assess: what do you own? What do you bring to the table? Once you have clarity, speak up!
- We need more women leaders in the rooms where decisions are made to increase confidence in the women around us. That means you!
- Doubt creeps in when you’re stepping outside of your comfort zones. Learn to acknowledge your doubt without criticizing it. We've never been able to criticize ourselves into confidence.
- A great deal of confidence comes from saying “no” to things we don't want.
About Kelli:
Kelli Thompson is a women’s leadership coach and speaker who helps women advance to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained hundreds of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. She is the founder of the Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program, and a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business—Coach of the Year. She is the author of Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck.
Connect with Kelli:
Website: https://kelliraethompson.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliraethompson/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Imagine people walking around with this sign on their forehead that says, “Make me feel important,” and you’ll find yourself naturally being an inclusive leader.
- Be self-aware! Be mindful of your intent and observe if it matches your impact.
- Ask for feedback and have a posture of receiving it well.
- Show that you care by first seeking to understand by asking questions and listening. You want to get the other person's perspective.
- Give empathy before you give advice. People generally need connection, and most people know what to do! If they want advice, they'll ask you for it.
- Be curious! Entertain all new ideas for five minutes - it’s so natural to shoot down ideas that you “know” won’t work or feels too out of left field. Be inclusive by creating a “curious” buffer with your team.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Keep in mind: it's not personal. It’s about them and what they’re trying to say. This is why understanding communication styles is important.
- Your basic personality should not have to change when you walk through the doors at work or log in to Zoom. You have permission to be you!
- When we adapt and pivot for other's communication styles, this is not about changing who you are, but being more reflective and responsive to those around you.
- The key to accomplishing your goals is to show up and do the work. It all funnels down to being disciplined!
- As women, we often believe we must be able to check all the boxes before pursuing a new job or opportunity. Men don’t do this! Be courageous, and go for it!
- Confidence is all about being coachable.
- When taking a job: lean in and ask questions. This is your time to ask, don’t hold back!
About Teresa:
Teresa is the Founder and President of Rand Consulting, a firm specializing in speaking, training, and executive level career coaching for individuals and businesses. She is a John Maxwell trainer, a certified Gallop Strengths and Disc behavioral assessments coach, a yoga teacher, and a stress reduction meditation guide. She holds certificates in DEI and Women’s Leadership from E-Cornell and University of South Florida, along with being a certified facilitator of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Curriculum through the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative.
Teresa is the founder of the Boss Lady Community, which is a women’s membership group dedicated to empowering, embracing, and educating all women.
Teresa holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Jacksonville University. She worked for the YMCA for more than 30 years, retiring as the CEO of the Volusia Flagler YMCA Association in Daytona Beach, Fl. In her career, Teresa managed budgets from three million to thirty-five million and employees numbering over 1000.
She is a past chair of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce and sits on various community boards.
She and her husband, Bob Rand have five children and seven grandchildren. In her spare time, she has completed 11 marathons, multiple triathlons, an Outward-Bound sailing excursion and a skydiving adventure.
Connect with Teresa:
Website: www.teresarandconsulting.com
Boss Lady Conference: https://www.teresarandconsulting.com/boss-lady-conference-2023
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresaarand/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
There I was, in a yoga class, working hard to configure myself into the instructed pose. I glanced at the woman beside me in awe: how is she doing that with her body?
Wow. At first, I was immediately jealous. Then, I was inspired. I want to be able to do that!
Can you relate?
Learn how I was able to pivot from jealousy to inspiration and get four practical tips on how you can do the same.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Comparing ourselves to others is normal. Have grace for yourself. Be careful that you don’t live in jealousy. Use comparison for inspiration to be a better version of you.
- Be content and celebrate the things that you already have and enjoy them! If you can't enjoy the things that you have, you're always going to be wanting something better or different.
- Recognize that underneath envy or jealousy is a longing. Your job is to be more curious about your longing versus having a pity party.
- Success does not happen overnight, and it is not usually handed to anybody on a platter. It is something that we earn. So when you feel envy for someone else’s success, remember: they’ve probably earned it.
- Name what you want that they have, follow that up and ask: are you willing to do what it takes to get there too?
- Claim your dreams as if they’re already true!
- Once you have your goal, create a tangible action plan. Break things down into actionable steps and go for it. Success is built on the back of a million small things!
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Think bigger - we can always do better than where we are. It doesn't matter what we do or how much progress we made (or lack thereof) there's always better. Avoid settling
- It doesn't matter how low you are, you can do what is in your heart.
- When you're in the midst of it, it is a time to dig deep, do the internal work.
- You have to picture yourself as successful and not speak doom and gloom over your life. Force yourself to change your perspective.
- Start with one thing, don’t get so lost in the sauce. Everything doesn’t have to be created at once - how can we possibly market all of that at once?
About Sharon:
Sharon, the Faith Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Founder of Women of Movement, equips Christian female professionals who are aspiring and seasoned speakers, to use their God-given gift to serve, to speak confidently on live and virtual stages, improve their brand, and build their online businesses in order to walk in faith and freedom. Sharon’s Women of Movement Academy helps women improve their craft and grow, leverage, and scale their online businesses to become successful speakers and business women. Through her expanding Women of Movement Speaking Club, she also coaches and trains women to use their voice to speak with more faith and confidence. Her Faith Model enables women to use their gift(s) to build their empire and continue the process of doing the abundant things God has for them to do (James 2:17). Yes, God has blessed women to do some amazing things and with faith and grind, they can build their businesses to new heights. Sharon is also the Founder of Respect the Teachers.
Connect with Sharon:
Website: https://www.womenofmovement.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonshannon_faithcoach/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Remember, when communicating, we deliver a feeling behind our words. People can feel what we’re saying.
- Gratitude recognizes that your heart is beating and you’re breathing. Breath is the oxygen of your life, your soul, reminding you that you’re breathing. You’re alive.
- Know your belief system. Everybody believes in something.
- Get up and show up for the work you promised to do. It’s the only way to serve your purpose.
- There is power in your vulnerability - even in your weaknesses, you’ll find strength.
About Tsikki:
Tsikki Thau is an Internationally acclaimed Author, Meditation, and Stress Management expert, with over 30 years of experience worldwide. A featured expert on Fox 5 ‘The More Show”, Channel 13, Channel 3, Live to Give TV, Edutainment TV, The Ed Bernstein Show, Spotlight on Vegas Business, P.O.W.E.R. Magazine, MyVegas Magazine, and Real Vegas Magazine. Tsikki Thau is considered a foremost authority in mind-over-body techniques, merging science with holistic methods in order to overcome stress related obstacles.
Tsikki is the visionary behind S.N.A.P. - an instant stress relief method, The Will Power Seminar, and Vibe-Up, all proven, scientifically-based technologies designed to reprogram the mind to a achieve a positive state of being. Tsikki’s mentorship and guidance has transformed the lives of clients of all ages, worldwide.
Connect with Tsikki:
Website: www.TsikkiThau.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TsikkiThauofficial/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Confidence has so much to do with clarity: be clear about where you stand on things and who you are. With clarity in hand, confidence is soon to follow.
- Stand in your power - no longer abandon yourself in service to other people.
- Avoid taking all feedback as direction and advice. You’re allowed to be selective on what feedback you’ll take into consideration.
- We have been taught our entire lives that other women are our competition and their success detracts from ours - this is a lie! Make a decision to not only hype other women but also to hype yourself.
About Erin:
Erin is the CEO + Founder of Ella: an inclusive network unlocking women's access to human and financial capital. Through connection, consulting and coaching, Ella recognizes women's value and increases their valuation.
Erin has counseled C-suite and senior leaders at some of the world’s biggest and best brands and companies — from LinkedIn to United Airlines to Carhartt to McDonald’s — and forged relationships with change makers and leaders who believe in the power of diversity, equity, inclusion and access.
She is a LinkedIn Top 100 Influencer, Top 10 DEI Voice (#5) and wrote one of the 100 Most Influential LinkedIn Posts of the Decade.
Erin grew the previous company she founded from becoming global holding company Interpublic Group’s first equity investment in a majority women-owned business (ever...in its 93-year history) to earning the recognition from Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2022. Erin is also a PRNews 2019 ‘Top Women in PR’ Honoree.
She began her career at Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a non-profit, legal services, watchdog dedicated to ending discrimination/harassment of military personnel affected by the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. (Which they ultimately achieved.)
And she has almost 20 years experience leading global marketing, business development, branding and communications.
Erin lives outside of Chicago in Arlington Heights with her husband, Brian, two boys, Will (6) and Charlie (4), and golden retriever Lincoln. She’s determined to realize her vision for a different way of working...not only for herself but for courageous women everywhere.
Connect with Erin:
Website: www.ellaforall.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinfgallagher
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.gallag.her/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
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How does a mom get what she wants on Mother’s Day? Ask! First, though you have to decide. What do you truly want? What would make it the best mother’s day for you? So many women hold back from asking because they want other people to be happy first. We’re culturally conditioned to please others first – especially as mom’s, so this is the time to claim your desires and ask. SInce 40% of mothers say they have ended up disappointed with their Mother’s Day, it’s important to make your wishes known so you’re properly celebrated.
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It can feel vulnerable to ask for what we want. Maybe we even feel undeserving. How does a mom overcome this? We all want people to read our minds and know what we want without having to ask, but you have to take ownership of your needs and recognize that they are legitimate. It’s not about being needy, like many of us feel when we ask for what we want. Use an affirmation like “My needs matter and I deserve to ask for what I want. Other tips are talking about it with someone, take 15 minutes to journal about it, or get input from a family member by asking the vulnerable question “is it okay that I ask you for what I want?” That can feel scary but it’s so empowering!
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How do I make the ask/what’s important when asking? Be direct instead of dropping passive hints. Your partner, child or a friend who loves you wants to make your day as special as YOU want it to be, so you are truly making their life easier by clearly communicating what you want. Instead of saying “If you think this would be a good idea” or “Maybe we could do this…” Say “I would like this.” Or “It would make me feel really special if we did this. Can we make that happen?”
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What other tips do you have for us? Be specific and give options - if you like physical gifts, then give them 3-5 options of merchants that you like and what you’d like from each - then they can pick which one they’d like to give, but out of the options YOU gave, Create a list of responsibilities you don’t want to do for the day, give the name of the restaurant where you would like brunch reservations or how you prefer to spend this day in celebration of you. Many moms find themselves in the kitchen cooking for their kids coming home when all they wanted to do was have some down time. Or we end up with a massive amount of people and extended family, when all you wanted was a quiet day at home. Again, by asking for what you want you’ll be much more likely to get it.
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What tips do you have for family members? Ask the mom in your life what she wants and what would make her feel truly celebrated? Be careful of not imposing what you think she’ll want and remember – it’s not about you! You might feel hurt or disappointed if she doesn’t want to do what you want her to, but remember – it’s about her feeling celebrated. As a young girl, my mom had mentioned wanting a new colander. If wasn’t until my brother suggested a scarf did I realize it had never occurred to me that she would want something outside of a kitchen gadget!
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Some moms may feel selfish asking for what they want. What do you have to say about that? You’re setting an example that will equip your kids for a lifetime! American moms are influencing 73.1 million children under the age of 18 in our population. So, this Mother’s Day, remember the power of your influence, ask for what you want, while setting an example for your children and advocating for yourself by speaking up
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- You have just one life, how do you want to live it?
- Be intentional and design the life you want.
- Make choices unapologetically.
- Dictate your value and your self-worth. Your confidence has to come from within rather than the outside world.
- View your life through the lens of possibility, it changes everything.
- Embrace the power of coffee chats, you never know when that connection will be valuable!
- Everybody needs a safe space. Everybody needs a guide or mentor. It doesn't matter what your title is, or how much experience you have at every stage of life and career. We all need it.
About Missy:
Missy Chicre is the Chief Executive Officer at Menttium Corporation, a woman-owned and woman-led professional mentoring company. She is a curious, passionate, authentic leader who strives to create positive change in individuals and in organizations. Missy sets the vision and strategic direction for Menttium, which has been the leader in innovative mentoring programs for over three decades. In Missy’s Menttium tenure, she has touched nearly all aspects of the business and was named CEO in January 2023. Missy is committed to Menttium’s mission to strengthen organizations through their people. Menttium is changing lives and driving performance one mentoring match at a time, through authentic human connections.
Prior to joining Menttium in 2017, Missy spent over a decade as an HR leader in various large
corporations, including Cargill, Best Buy, and Accenture. From roles in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that took Missy all over the U.S. and Latin America, to roles in various areas of talent management and HR transformation in Fortune 500 organizations, Missy has a track record for driving results.
Missy is bilingual in English and Spanish and cares deeply about the development and advancement of women. As a working mom, she is particularly passionate about helping working mothers navigate careers and motherhood. She was a finalist for the 2016 TeamWomenMN WaveMaker Award and is a frequent speaker at local and national conferences. Missy has also been featured on WCCO I CBS News Minnesota and in the Star Tribune to share her expertise on the power of mentoring.
Missy earned a master’s degree in Hispanic Literature at the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt University. Missy serves on the Board of Directors for Twin Cities ROCK (Raising Our Celiac Kids), a local non-profit that brings education, awareness and resources to families who have children with Celiac Disease. Missy resides in the Minneapolis suburbs, living a bilingual, bicultural, interfaith life with her husband and two children.
Connect with Missy:
Website: www.menttium.com
Menttium LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/menttium-corporation/mycompany/
Missy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missy-chicre/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert, and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Get out a piece of paper and write down the top three things that you want to do with your life: get it out of your head and on paper.
- Make your goals visual! This may be as simple as putting them on a Post-it note on your mirror-the goal is to keep them in front of you.
- Work in such a way that you know you did your best!
- Surround yourself with women that are strong and confident in who they are. We all need a supportive friend group.
- The difference between millionaires and billionaires is that millionaires write their goals down daily, but billionaires write them down daily and refine and redirect them. Be willing to edit your goals as you go!
About Maria:
A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a BA in Political Science and a minor in vocal performance and psychology, Maria is a native of Lexington, KY. In 2004, she was crowned the first Hispanic Miss Kentucky and represented her home state at the 2005 Miss America pageant where she was an interview winner. She is also a former Miss Kentucky Teen and a former Kentucky Derby Queen. Her participation in the Miss America Organization completely paid her way through college earning her over $50,000 in scholarships.
Over the course of her 17+ year corporate career that includes work within the pharmaceutical, automotive, and construction rental equipment industries, she was recognized as a top performer who consistently achieved results. By leveraging her impeccable ability to build and foster long-term relationships, extensive industry and business knowledge, strong sales management and leadership skills, team development expertise became the focus of her tenure.
In 2021, Maria left the corporate world to start her own company, MMS Consulting Firm, where the mission is to motivate, empower, connect, and challenge women to become the most authentic version of themselves no matter what phase or stage of life they are in - and to do so unapologetically. She has a passion for building cohesive teams that show up for themselves personally and professionally so that they feel confident, represented, and seen in their work and personal lives.
The greatest accomplishment she has ever achieved is being wife to her super cool husband, Dan, of almost 18 years, and mom to their three children, Miriam (15), Luke (13), and Jude (6).
Connect with Maria:
Website: https://mmconsultingfirm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamaldonadosmith/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariamaldonadosmith
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessionsofacorporatemom
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- What's the worst that could happen when you speak up versus when you don't speak up? Even if you’re rejected, it’s ok! A “no” is simply that, a “no.”
- You can't change the past. Focus instead on what type of life you want in your future. Resist the urge to be a victim of your circumstances, and make a conscious decision to be a victor.
- Believe in something bigger than yourself, that there is a bigger purpose beyond yourself, and be faithful to it.
- A plan and progress is better than perfection
- Think about your goals and break them down into bite-size pieces.This will move you past feeling paralyzed to moving forward.
- Avoid making vague goals! They only lead to vague results.
- Remember: toxic people thrive on a lack of boundaries. The best way to protect yourself from toxic people is to stick to your boundaries.
- Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what's left of you!
About Lindsey:
After fully recovering from a 2007 “fatal” car wreck that left Lindsey Vertner brain-dead and paralyzed, she began serving high-achieving leaders as an award-winning mindset expert, speaker, and multi-time best-selling author. She coaches leaders to prioritize their self-care, self-worth, and self-discipline with unique methods that decrease the unproductive cycles of perfectionism, over-thinking, and doubt. She guides leaders to master their mindset and increase their clarity, confidence, and connections while maximizing their impact and fully walking in their God-given purpose. She empowers them to create a First Class Life® full of purpose, fulfillment, and happiness! Connect with her at www.LiveAFirstClassLife.com
Connect with Lindsey:
Website: www.LiveAFirstClassLife.com
Lindsey’s Links: www.LindseyVertner.com/connect
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Learning how to lead begins with the willingness and ability to follow. You learn the good and the bad by watching others, and that shapes you as a leader!
- Listening is a powerful tool: you’ll learn more by listening and paying attention.
- Remember: there is so much to be learned by embracing the journey. Everything may not be falling into place as fast as you’d like, but every step is equipping you for what's coming.
- Do you want something? Ask for it with confidence! Know who you are and believe in your worth.
- Work harder than anyone around you, establish yourself as the expert, and ask for the position. Don’t wait for the title to be delivered to you.
- Be fearless when it comes to failure. Know that there’s always a tomorrow, you can always start again.
- The starting lines in life are not nearly as important as the finish line. It doesn’t matter how you start!
- For all dreams and goals, there are sacrifices along the way. We all make them, but you have to decide what sacrifices you’re willing to make and which you’re not. Being clear on this will help guide your decisions.
About Lori:
Lori Kiel, Chief Commercial Officer, is responsible for the top-line strategy for revenue, sales, and marketing for the Kessler Collection. Lori has 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has worked in various positions throughout her career. Lori is committed to moving Commercial Strategy into the mainstream of the hospitality industry through her work on the multiple boards and workgroups she participates in, the articles she writes, and most importantly, the teams she leads.
Connect with Lori:
Website: https://breakthrubrands.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brkthrubrands/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Eye contact is critical for connection. Every time we communicate we have a powerful opportunity to connect with a tool most of us have: our eyes.
- If we don’t make eye contact when communicating or listening, we create a barrier for connection.
- When communicating 1:1, we make eye contact on average 7-9 seconds, when speaking to a large group, aim to make eye contact for approximately 3-5 seconds.
- When communicating with a large group, focus on connecting with one person at a time versus the whole group.
- Eye contact is also important in virtual meetings. This can be very challenging, but strive to look 1 inch below your camera to create the illusion of eye contact in a Zoom meeting.
- Remember: this is not a stare-down contest! We naturally look away every 10 seconds in 1-1 situations, so in a group setting you can look occasionally at your notes or your slides. Do your best to practice this habit of 3-5 seconds per person 80%of the time. Give yourself some grace.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Be courageous and share your story. You have a story worth sharing even when you believe your life isn't interesting enough.
- The first step of sharing your story is identifying your breakthrough story. What was the turning point?
- Know your why, and own it. Show how your why has shaped your story and who you are today.
- Understand the cycle of abuse, and be aware that it's not simple to "just get out of it" - women leaving an abusive relationship have a 70% chance of losing their life. Leaving requires strategy.
- You can't sit back and wait for something newsworthy to happen. You have to make the news! Look at your life from that lens will help build your story.
- When building something new, embrace falling down as part of the journey. It's not about not falling. Progress is all about getting back up.
About Brielle:
Brielle Cotterman is a TEDx Speaker, Publicity Expert, and Celebrity-Maker. She has spent the better part of the last decade helping clients to craft and scale Dream careers to 7 figures and beyond by leveraging their personal stories and passions in order to create speaking tours, author award-winning books, procure media placements, and inspire the millions of people that need to hear their story. She is a survivor of attempted murder and domestic violence and an advocate for a world where intimate partner abuse is not tolerated and survivors are met with empathy.
Her clients are regularly featured in Entrepreneur, Forbes, Fast Company, Martha Stewart Living, InStyle Magazine, NBC, CBS, and many more! She is a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, a World’s Grand Champion Equestrian, former National Spokesperson for multiple charitable organizations, and 2019 Epic Award Nominee from the National Association of Women Business Owners.
Brielle has been married for just over a year to the love of her life and owns & operates a show horse breeding farm, where she lives with her husband, three children and many, many animals!
Connect with Brille:
Website: https://breakthrubrands.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brkthrubrands/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Remember: we’re accountable for our own actions.
- When the blame game begins, pause and look at yourself and ask, “What do I need to own in this, or see as something that I have control over?”
- Grab a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle, and on one side write down what you can control, and on the other what you can’t control. This is an eye-opening exercise!
- Allow yourself to vent, but don’t stay there! The trick is to release it in a safe place and move on.
- Your power is that you decide what to do with the information, and what to do with the situation.
- Be aware of when you start using the word, “they” from a victimization mindset. Ask yourself, “who are ‘they?’”
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Part of becoming a great leader requires understanding your unique skills and experiences to help relate to others and create the most impact.
- To close the gaps that exist in representation across all industries we need to collaborate and fight together to make it more equitable.
- Women face a lot of external and internal barriers in the workplace, and one way to push back is to learn how to speak up.
- Being BOLD is an acronym for being brave, outspoken, lucid, and distinct.
- Being outspoken is not about being the loudest, it’s knowing your line in the sand, and what you are willing to speak up for.
- Embrace who you are, especially in your interviews. It’s important that you find a work environment that embraces and reflects YOUR values.
- You don’t have to do this alone: dream big, and find ways to build bigger together.
- Remember Laura’s dad’s advice: you'll get what you want, but be careful what you wish for.
About Laura:
Laura Barnard founded BREAKTHRU Brands to empower women and her LGBTQIA+ community to break barriers and close gender gaps in leadership. As a former Division I athlete, she has experienced the power of teamwork and she brings energy, openness, and perseverance to collaborative environments while motivating others to self-actualize into clear and confident leaders. While previously leading strategy for iconic, global brands such as HARIBO, Werther’s, and Skittles, Barnard understands the role BOLD brands play in creating external impact. Her background in Psychology from Harvard University and an MBA in Marketing & Strategic Management from the University of Chicago have informed her belief that great brands start with great leadership. Barnard is securing a more equitable world for those around her – one where her wife, Lindsay Gaskins, their three daughters, and powerful women like them are empowered to lead the way.
Connect with Laura:
Website: https://breakthrubrands.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brkthrubrands/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Never underestimate the power of research and knowledge. If you have a need or question, seek to find the answer! It may be your path out of a dark place.
- Set your own boundaries and own them with confidence and grace.
- Be aware of love bombing: right when the abuser is aware they’re losing control, they’ll shower the victim with love and affection. It’s a tactic to keep them close.
- Invest time in learning how to communicate your emotions effectively. It will make all the difference in your relationships.
- If you find yourself in an abusive relationship, start with a plan. First, create a plan on how to generate your own income, and from there create a plan to move on.
About Sabrina:
From a struggling single mom, to escaping a 13 year narcissistic abusive relationship, Sabrina’s tenacity and optimistic spirit has inspired fans worldwide and helped endless amounts of people break through and discover their own untapped talents and immense potential. Now, creator and CEO of Human Better 365, a human transformation company, creator of the Her Version Podcast and founder of Her Nation Community. Speaker, entrepreneur and author.
Connect with Sabrina:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sabrinavictoriatv/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinavictoriatv/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinavictoria/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Assume you have permission to lead: step out and go for it!
- Speak with conviction, and have a declarative tone. People will take you seriously if you sound confident.
- Punctuate your words when you speak! We do this naturally when writing an email. It’s the same when we speak. End with a period, and pause.
- Have a strong handshake and make direct eye contact. This is equally as important on zoom! In that case, it’s looking directly at the webcam.
- It is important to be decisive, and when you’re not sure, invite everyone into a brainstorming session with you. It’s more collaborative, and you’re not caught waffling.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Remember where people pleasing often comes from - desiring for everything and everyone to be ok. First, acknowledge that you’re stuck in an accommodation cycle.
- When people give you something or compliment you, receive it with gratitude.
- Own what you want - it’s ok to ask for what you want!
- No is a complete sentence that doesn’t require an explanation. Practice saying no diplomatically, and remind yourself you don’t need to bend backwards to explain why not.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Speak louder - when we speak louder, it takes intention and attention to do this, forcing you to slow down and articulate.
- When you speak, open up your mouth bigger. This may feel strange, but often mumbling comes from a closed-off mouth.
- Practice the pause and speak slower. This helps with clarity.
- Breathe intentionally. It supports the strength of your voice.
- Speak in sound bursts - go loud and fast, and change your pitch from low to high. Variety keeps people engaged.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
How do you accomplish this? Everything comes down to how you prepare and position yourself, from mindset, body posture, and the words you say. Listen to how you can prepare for your next negotiation through my mistakes and successes, and walk into your next negotiation with unshakable confidence.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Before you begin to negotiate with anyone, you have to know what you want first.
- Ask direct questions that require an answer- avoid ending with open-ended statements such as, “let me know!”
- It’s common to view negotiation as a win/lose situation… but what if we viewed this more as a value exchange? Focus on the win-win for both parties.
- When you share your price, let the silence sit. If the silence persists, ask, “how does that land for you?”
- Be aware of subtle ways you may sabotage the negotiation and devalue your worth with statements like “whatever you can afford.” Instead, say “tell me your budget, and I will think about how I can scale.”
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Kelley shares why burnout is a betrayal and how to recognize the symptoms in yourself and others. Listen to how businesses can protect employees from burnout and embrace small steps to transform an impossible situation.
Tangible Takeaways:
- The three symptoms of burnout are: overwhelming physical exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and decreased ability to do things you love.
- Burnout feels like a complex, heavy problem - but the steps to solving it are quite simple.
- Business owners can set a communication tempo: are you talking to your staff, asking for feedback, and acknowledging what's going on? Ensure everyone is aware of the resources available.
- Feelings are overwhelming and big, but the action steps to a solution are small.
- The greatest burnout prevention plan is syncing up who you are with what you do.
About Kelley:
Kelley Bonner, Expert Company Culture Strategist, Award Winning Podcaster, and Founder of Burn Bright Consulting, transforms workplaces by reducing burnout and bias, resulting in increased innovation and inclusion. She provides a framework for leaders to understand the deeper organizational issues that lead to symptoms of burnout and how to solve them at their core. Kelley is a thought leader in the realm of sexual assault, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. She has worked with several federal and international organizations to create safer environments and strategies for violence prevention, including the U.S. Military, Library of Congress, National Academy of Sciences, The United Nations, and NATO.
Connect with Kelley:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleybonnerlcsw/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelleyabonner/
Podcast “Black Girl Burnout”: https://blackgirlburnout.com/
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Ask these two framing questions when something unexpected occurs: ask, “what’s needed here?” and secondly, “what’s required of me.”
- The key to thinking on your feet is being cognizant of those around you versus focusing on yourself. This information is vital for quick assessments!
- If you tend to interject and react too quickly, create a mantra such as “stop, pause, breathe” that you say to yourself to stop yourself from speaking prematurely.
- The best way to get better at thinking on your feet is to sign up for an improv class! Or have someone practice with you by drilling you with questions.
- Create space for a “parking lot.” When something doesn’t quite fit into the discussion, move it into the “parking lot” and circle back to it at the end.
About me:
Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Heather Fison has been with me from the very beginning and helped create the structure of this podcast. I have valued her feedback along the journey and her ongoing support. She shares her favorite episodes and the impact they have had on her career, and how you can apply the same tips to your life.
Dani Hamlet has been my podcast editor for the last year, and she shares her biggest takeaways from not only being my editor, but also a listener. You will be encouraged to give yourself grace on your confidence journey and she reminds us of the value of listening.
Listen to the end and receive tips on starting your own podcast and some bonus guests to help celebrate this exciting milestone!
Tangible Takeaways:
- Omitting the phrase, “I think” from your vocabulary not only helps you come across as more confident but feel more empowered!
- When entering a sales call, give room for the prospective client to express their needs. Avoid the impulse to assume.
- Remember to follow your gut when someone stands out in a sea of people: reach out and make that connection. That’s how Karen and Heather met!
- Growing into your confidence takes time and requires a season of intention and internal work. Give yourself grace on your journey.
- Show up from a place of service wherever you are. It makes all the difference!
- Thinking about starting a podcast? Go for it! Consider the goals for your podcast, your audience, and find ways to stay consistent.
- Most of all, choose to celebrate! Take time today to celebrate something this week, and find ways to celebrate others, as well.
Mentioned episodes:
- EP 33 - Words to Avoid and What to Say Instead
- EP 77 - How to Not Lead a Sales Call
- EP 51 - Inside Out Confidence with Sue Revell.
About Heather:
Heather Fison is a brand and website designer for coaches based in Portland, Oregon.
Connect with Heather:
Website: www.heatherfison.com
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/heatherfison/
About Dani:
Danielle Hamlet is a social media & podcast manager who comes alongside public figures to broadcast their message, mission, and thought leadership online. Dani loves giving back breathing room to her clients and providing a team member who not only listens for the details but cheers them on as well. Dani is also the host of the “Discovery Call Podcast” where she is on a mission to create new networking opportunities through podcasting. She lives in Michigan with her tall husband Kiel, three kids, one dog, a kitten, and a petrified fish.
Connect with Dani:
Website: www.daniellehamlet.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danihamlet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danihamlet/
Podcast “Discovery Call”: www.discoverycallpodcast.com
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- Remember my wise friend’s words: “Being triggered is an opportunity to grow and learn about yourself”
- Spend some time to know what triggers you, and go deeper into why. This is an essential first step to handling these situations.
- Avoid responding right away, create space between your trigger and your reaction.
- Ask yourself if you're being direct: often we communicate passively when we’re trying to be polite, yet this creates more confusion and communication issues in the end.
- Be mindful of your words, and avoid using the word, “should” - make a request versus telling someone what to do.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
In today’s episode, Terri shares how she gave herself the freedom to be the boss in her own way. Listen and learn how Terri’s self-taught entrepreneurial spirit led her to build her own business and overcome obstacles - one baby step at a time.
Tangible Takeaways:
- When you feel overwhelmed, focus on the baby steps. After each small step, the next one becomes easier.
- Focus on serving people. This extends beyond your customers and includes those who work with you.
- Remember: mistakes will happen. What people need most from their leaders is grace.
- When it comes to grieving a loss, embrace the truth that God is closer than your breath. If even you can’t feel God, He’s there.
- When it comes to being a boss, wear your own pants. Wear the pants that fit you, not the ones that are prescribed to you. Learn how you lead best, and embrace it.
- If you want to build up your confidence, find ways to push the boundaries and do something outside of your comfort zone. Transformation begins with action.
- Terri’s advice: get your high school diploma before cataract surgery, because it is hard to learn when you can't see!
About Terri:
Terri Leckas owns and operates Queen of Cakes in Edina, MN. It's a place where cakes spread joy and love. As a self-taught cake decorator and business owner, Terri only learned to lead once she learned to serve with an entrepreneur's spirit and servant's Heart.
Connect with Terri:
Website: www.queen-of-cakes.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenofcakesmn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/queenofcakesmn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/QueenofCakesMN
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
As you prepare to give feedback, remember that your perceived idea of potential conflict is fiction until it becomes fact. Not all potential conflicts are actually conflicts, and you may be spending a lot of energy preparing (or avoiding) a conflict that isn't there.
I share tactical ways you can prepare and deliver feedback in a way that avoids conflict as much as possible. You have the power to shape the experience for those receiving your feedback, so take the time to prepare beforehand. They will thank you for it!
Tangible Takeaways:
- Our perceived idea of others' response to feedback is fiction until it becomes fact. Treat it as fiction, and be open to various responses to your feedback. Avoid assuming the worst.
- The first step is always to inquire. Ask about the topic on hand and truly lean in and listen. Their response may either confirm or change your feedback.
- Before engaging in a difficult discussion, grab some paper and sketch out two columns: one side is titled “facts” and the other is “interpretations.” Write out all the interpretations for each fact: you’ll be amazed at how many more interpretations you find than facts!
- Use the A.S.S method: Ask, Seek, and Share. Enter the conversation from a position of learning and understanding. This increases the success of your feedback.
- Avoid using the word “feedback” - this triggers many reactions! Say “input” or “thoughts” instead.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Tangible Takeaways:
- Celebrating matters because it reinforces what we want to continue doing and brings in others as a witness to our strengths. It also inspires others to do the same thing and builds relationships. It creates more happiness and positivity!
- It allows you to speak with more confidence about your strengths
- Stop and notice what you’ve done this year: make a list of both your tactical accomplishments and your character accomplishments
Celebrate your freedom of choice to step into your confidence and stand out! Thank you for making it a memorable year.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Hillary shares the logic behind “listening tours” and why she intentionally separates her identity from her profession. Leading a team is an art that Hillary has humbly mastered, and you’ll discover it has a lot less to do with what you say and creating the “perfect” plan.
Tangible Takeaways:
- As a leader, you don’t have to be all-knowing- others know you’re not! Embrace a posture of learning instead.
- Strive to be on the right side versus the popular side. This may require making tough decisions that many don’t have the courage to make.
- No response, is still a response.
- “As a leader, you’re not there to manage people. You manage things and
- systems and processes in order to lead and guide people to create more leaders”
- When leading a new team, conduct “listening tours” before implementing your plans. Truly listen, and you may find you saved yourself from potential disasters and in the end strengthened the team.
- Set the rules of the team right away. What are the non-negotiables? What are the negotiables? Let this be a collaborative endeavor.
About Hillary:
With more than 15 years as a learning leader, Hillary brings a successful track record of executive leadership and strategy in the areas of professional development, training and onboarding, continuing education, and quality. She has previously excelled in roles in public education as well as for-profit and not-for-profit healthcare companies – in both the clinical and revenue cycle settings.
Hillary currently serves as Vice President, Chief Learning Officer for Penn State Health. Hillary has held leadership positions at OhioHealth, Medical University of South Carolina, HCA Healthcare, and Parallon. She began her education career as a special education teacher with a focus in multi-handicap, learning disabilities, and reading intervention.
Connect with Hillary:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-m-75997336/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
When Ruth realized that only 4% of people included disability in their definition of diversity, she knew it was time to step into that conversation. Ruth never expected her disability to become the foundation and launch pad for her career as an author, speaker, and non-profit leader, yet this became the very tool she needed to advocate for diversity.
Ruth talks about the power of connection and having the courage to take that first step. There is a silent pandemic of hiddenness all around us, and the only way out is through real connection. Listen to Ruth’s mission to not only expand the definition of diversity but to create safe places for individuals to share their stories.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Examine your definition of diversity, is it inclusive for those with disabilities?
- The key to connection is unhiding. Allow people to see what you think are flaws, it makes you unique.
- Remember: you’re not the only one hiding!
- The process of unhiding is a journey. Seek after a community and safe individuals to begin stepping out of hiding.
About Ruth:
Ruth Rathblott is an expert on inclusion and diversity. She is a TEDx and inspirational speaker, bestselling author, and an award-winning former nonprofit leader. She was born with a limb difference and speaks to companies on issues of equity and belonging, the gifts of being unique, and the freedom of accepting your differences. Ruth was profiled as a CEO in The New York Times’ Corner Office and received Goucher College’s Excellence in Public Service Award, among other awards, for her outstanding leadership in the nonprofit sector. She has spent her entire career focused on providing opportunities for those who have been underrepresented. She serves as a board member of The Lucky Fin Project. Ruth resides in New York City.
Connect with Ruth:
Website: https://ruthrathblott.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-rathblott/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrathblottspeaker/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruth.rathblott/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrath
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
If you want to crack the code on how to create a memorable experience in your next virtual meeting, listen in. Amazing content doesn’t equal automatic engagement. Strategies to get people talking and typing in the chat does.
It may be tempting to wait until the end to invite questions, but avoid this at all costs. Listen for what to do instead! You’ll get tools on how to not only engage your audience but also stay on track with your presentation, despite the interruptions. You’ll also find a bonus tip on how to draw in a quiet audience, and regulate a chatty one.
Tangible Takeaways:
- The key to making the Zoom experience engaging is creating space for them to respond.
- Ask open-ended questions such as, “what questions do you have?” as opposed to, “do you have any questions?”
- If someone asks a question you’ll be covering later, give them a quick answer and assure them you’ll go into more detail shortly.
- Encourage responses in the chat.
- When asking your audience to respond, pause first so they can gather their thoughts. Sometimes it can take up to 15 seconds for people to respond.
- If no one engages, set perimeters. Explain that you’ll continue after you hear from three people (or one, or two…). This works well when you have a talkative group, as well. The point is to keep it contained.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
One of my favorite parts of hosting this podcast are moments when my guests say, “I wasn’t planning on talking about this!” We had many moments like this with Erica Goode. You’ll be surprised how many lessons can be found in a small rural town!
In this episode, we talk about the importance of being you, no matter how different that makes you. Erica also breaks down the differences between men and women when it comes to money, and you may be surprised by the answer.
Listen and be inspired to flip the narrative of fitting in and step into the other side of your fears.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Transfer that energy away from trying to be who people think you’re supposed to be and work on being yourself! There is someone who is looking for who you are.
- Embrace being different.
- You have the same education and knowledge about money as men do. Ask your questions when you want answers.
- Afraid of being wrong? Find the courage to speak up and step out, find out what’s on the other side. You’ll discover there is less to fear and more to gain!
- Follow your heart: give yourself permission to create your own path.
About Erica:
Erica Goode has been a Certified Public Accountant since 2008. She’s a former Director of Finance at a Fortune 50 company and started her career in the trenches as an auditor at a Big 4 public accounting firm. After leaving her corporate life in 2016, she now runs a boutique accounting firm supporting coaches and consultants with accounting and CFO services.
Erica is also the mom of 2 and the wife of a fellow CPA. She lives with her family in the mountains of Idaho, just one town over from where they grow all the potatoes.
Connect with Erica:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica.Goode.CPA/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-goode-cpa-00205616/
Website: https://www.ericagoode.com/
Podcast: https://www.ericagoode.com/podcast
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:
https://karenlaos.com/book/
Meetings don’t have to be boring and dull. Grab these practical tips to help you lead with efficiency and credibility.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Ask open-ended questions. Close-ended questions prescribe their answers. You want to give space for new ideas and perspectives.
- Be aware that you’re typically navigating two conversations at work: one for discovery, one for action. You want to be aligned so you all know which kind of meeting it is!
- Stay focused! If you notice rambling or tangents, pause and assess if this is helpful. If it isn’t, move on.
- End the meeting with action steps, and better yet: email them later! By making sure you have these in writing, it will ensure follow through and accountability.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
From the outside looking in, Jessica Kriegel mastered success. She earned her doctorate, published her book, and became a keynote speaker. Jessica broke culture down to a science and turned this into a strategy, helping others transform their work culture.
Despite all of this, she felt like she knew the secret, but was unable to apply it to her interpersonal life. Jessica shares that moment she realized there was a God, and how this new belief transformed everything. Jessica talks about stepping out of a victim mentality, what true confidence means for her, and transforming company culture.
Tangible Takeaways:
- New beliefs lead to new actions: this is where the transformation begins.
- Sometimes you have to go down before you go up. Your current struggles and heartaches will someday become blessings!
- It is easier to identify the victim mentality in others. Take the time to notice when you’re functioning in it.
- The key to confidence is being your authentic self
- Transforming culture requires strategy. First, identify the desired culture. Once this is established, call out the collective beliefs required to support the culture.
About Jessica:
Jessica is the Chief Scientist of Workplace Culture for Culture Partners, leading research and strategy in best practices for driving results through culture. For 15+ years, Jessica has been guiding global, national, Fortune 100 and other organizations across finance, technology, real estate and healthcare industries on the path to creating intentional cultures that accelerate performance. After she got her MBA and became a global consultant for a human capital management solutions provider, Jessica consistently saw highly-stressed leaders failing to deliver against lofty financial goals. She knew that if these leaders could transform their cultures, performance and profitability would follow. But, because culture is often viewed as an intangible, these leaders didn’t know where to begin. So, Jessica set out on a personal mission to ‘quantify culture.’ Her doctoral research and consulting engagements with Oracle, Toyota, Lockheed Martin, Federal Reserve, and Bank of America to name a few, led to the Culture Equation - a tested model where strategy combined with culture to deliver consistent results. Today, Jessica applies data-driven insights to dismantle the chaos of poor morale, low performance, and missed financial goals. CEOs have leaned on her to ask questions that their internal resources may be too afraid or unaware to ask, and get the results they need. As a certified Business Impact ROI specialist, she can translate seemingly soft skill programs into monetary values. With data, humor, and energy, Jessica Kriegel is a disruptive thought-leader on culture transformation that companies need to build organizational success. She works with clients in-person and virtually to drive business results. She is based out of a little house on the river in Sacramento, California.
Connect with Jessica:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessica_kriegel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
When you lead a meeting you have the power to guide the discussion in a productive way. Some of these tips are surprisingly simple. When you add all three tips together, you’ll find your meetings become more effective.
It’s important we remember that people are busy - they’re moving from meeting to meeting. It is your job to set the compass for your time together. Take the initiative to be inclusive and use your voice to show you’re in control. Listen and apply these tips to your next meeting!
Tangible Takeaways:
- Set expectations when you start the meeting to bring focus and guide your busy attendees’ attention spans.
- Be the voice of reason (speak up when things are going awry to get things back on track).
- Be aware of your voice! Make sure you speak with declaration, volume, and vocal variety.
- Be inclusive. Ensure introductions are made and everyone feels seen and heard.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Charli Matthews is the Founder & CEO of Empowering Brands and has been working in a male-dominated space since 2005. Charli knows the inner backbone you’ll need to grow in your career and what to do when you face self-doubt.
Surviving your career doesn’t mean putting on someone else’s pre-packaged persona, it’s about showing up as yourself. Listen to what your body is telling you and telling others, and become firm on your why and purpose.
Tangible Takeaways:
- When it comes to working in male-dominated spaces: know why you’re there. Be clear on your purpose and values.
- Be yourself. Avoid the pressure to put on a persona at work (everyone can tell!)
- Listen to what your mind is telling you, and understand your body when it’s upset. Get down to the root cause to get it sorted out.
- Turn the negative fear thought into energy and motivation so it’s not an attack. If you do this, you won't have extreme symptoms when facing your fears.
- Do things scared. Have courage. If we want to do something, we have to take action and prove it to ourselves.
About Charli:
Charli K. Matthews, the Founder & CEO of Empowering Brands, a digital media and marketing services company that manages the brands Empowering Pumps & Equipment, Empowering Women in Industry, and the Empowering Industry Podcast. She has worked with the pump and equipment industry since 2005 and is a known leader for building brands, growing online networks, and helping industrial companies embrace digital media. Her passion and deep understanding of how to leverage social media platforms has enabled Empowering Pumps and Equipment™ to become the Information and Connection hub for industry.
Connect with Charli:
Website: www.charlikmatthews.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharliKMatthews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlikmatthews/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlimatthews/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlikmatthewsEC
Podcast: Empowering Industry Podcast
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Feedback is essential to great leadership, building trust among team members, and creating a culture you’re proud of. Asking and receiving feedback may not be easy, but it can be learned.
Ultimately it’s about positioning yourself to receive feedback no matter what it may be. When asking, the power is in the details - carefully chosen words create space for honest feedback. If you’re a leader or a team member, your ability to receive and apply feedback will set you apart and transform the environment around you.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Before asking for feedback, first make sure you’re open to it. Truly receiving feedback (no matter what it is) builds trust.
- Ask, “what feedback do you have for me?” instead of, “do you have any feedback?”. Truly ask for feedback, avoid asking if they do. Everyone has feedback. It’s simply a matter of them sharing it!
- After someone shares, ask, “is there anything else?”. Often, this is where you will receive the best feedback!
- Pause! Give them time to think. It’s a challenge to collect thoughts on the spot and decide how to present them. Give them a comfortable space to do this.
- After you receive feedback, say “thank you” and leave it at that. Hold back explanations and defenses: this is about building trust.
- Apply the feedback! If you can’t right away, let them know you have a plan to do so.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
There is one skill that most hard-working people are missing: how to receive. As a businesswoman, you know how to seek and tackle your to-do list. You get things done! Yet if you don’t know how to receive, a part of you will always be seeking and you will be operating from lack.
What if what you’re seeking is already here?
Sonia Miller shared amazing insights on how to make this transition, and the powerful impact it can have on our lives. Ever make a vision board and wonder why it didn’t work for you? Have you noticed that when you obtain your goal, you’re still not satisfied? Listen to this episode and find out why and how the power of “being” can change all of this.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Give yourself the permission to ask: what do I want from life?
- Learn how to receive - most of us know how to achieve, but how do you actually receive?
- Every desire is chasing a feeling. Focus on the feeling you’re after instead of the end result.
- Embrace your humanity! Stop trying to be perfect. Perfection doesn’t exist.
- Know your value and avoid accommodating everyone else. You set the standard around you, don’t bend to the standards of others.
About Sonia:
Sonia Miller, coach, speaker, and bestselling author, helps purpose-driven people who feel under-fulfilled to find the satisfaction they’ve been working so hard for. Based in 27 years of training and experience, she developed The 3 Step Receive Method™ which has proven to be a singular skill that dissolves upper limits and brings life to the joyful potential we long to feel. Through her internationally translated best-seller, The Attraction Distraction and recently released Receive Oracle Cards™, Sonia is passionate about spreading the message that the practice of Receiving is one of the most generous things we can embody. It liberates us from being lack-based consumers to be abundantly overflowing contributors – for ourselves, our loved ones, and our world.
Connect with Sonia:
Website: www.surpassyourlimits.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/soniammiller
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surpassyourlimitsmentor/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-m-miller/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/successforthesoul
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SuccessfortheSou
The 3 Step Receive Method: www.thereceivemethod.com
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Yes, it is true, the entrepreneur journey is hard but it’s also incredibly exhilarating! I’ve never regretted stepping out of the 9-5, yet I do have some advice for those considering it.
Listen to how I applied the 3D’s in my start-up phase, the importance of marketing, and the lessons I’ve learned. If you have that restless itch and a dream burning inside, take these tips and let them be fuel to your fire!
Tangible Takeaways:
- Carve out time and map out your 3D’s - decide what you will do, declare it to others, and do it! Take action steps!
- Before jumping into entrepreneurship, prioritize getting your ducks in a row financially and with systems, processes, and marketing.
- Remember: the first few years are all about figuring it out. Once you sort out the problem you solve and how to solve it, it’s time to invest in fun branding.
- Clarity comes with action in the entrepreneur's life! Things don’t need to be perfect before you start taking action.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Carrie Fox always knew she wanted to make an impact through her work. At the age of 25, she jumped into some pretty big shoes and launched her own social impact communications agency.
From being mistaken as an intern to helping change the foster age-out range from 18 to 25 (in 28 states!) - Carrie utilizes communication to change the world. Carrie shares her tips for creating effective stories, and the importance of having a clear purpose.
Listen and be inspired to define your purpose in life, and explore where that takes you!
Tangible Takeaways:
- Remember that your communication has power by focusing on how you tell the story.
- Believe that what you’re doing is for a reason, yet be aware you may not always feel that way.
- Get crystal clear on your purpose! What does the world need from you? What do you bring to the world? What is your greatest value? Write these down and hold onto them.
- Tell your own story: be careful to not tell others’ stories that may not be yours to tell. You have plenty of stories right where you are!
- Be mindful of how others outside of your experiences may take your story and create bridges for others to access your story.
- Stories require good listening skills! Before you rush into giving yours, listen and seek to understand your audience.
About Carrie Fox:
Carrie Fox is the founder and CEO of Mission Partners, a social impact communications agency and Certified B Corporation, and a nationally recognized leader in social impact communications. Since launching her first communications agency at the age of 25, Carrie has guided hundreds of individuals and their organizations to lead with purpose, fueling organizations and their missions forward in new and more impactful ways. Her strategic communications work focuses deeply on issues of community— from social justice to sustainability, children’s health, higher education, and workforce development. Carrie served as the creative visionary behind a nationwide communications and advocacy campaign to transform the foster care system for young people aging out of care and she was the lead communications strategist behind a $10M prize competition aimed at advancing global technology for more fuel-efficient vehicles. Her signature approach to communicating for social justice equips nonprofit leaders and their organizations to challenge stereotypes and break bias, leading to more just and equitable outcomes for all. She has built Mission Partners intentionally as a “teaching hospital for communicators,” to help communicators at all levels acknowledge their power and to harness the full potential of communications as a tool to advance social justice. Her signature conversation series and podcast, Mission Forward, has featured Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, MacArthur Fellows, and some of the nation’s most sought- after philanthropy leaders.
Connect with Carrie:
Website: https://www.missionforward.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriefoxpr/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mission-partners-llc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carriefox
Twitter: https://twitter.com/missionprtnrs
Twitter: https://twitter.com/missionfwdshow
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MindiRosserMarketing
Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-forward-with-carrie-fox/id1531396775
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Most people don’t have to dig deep to find their self-doubt, in fact for some, the messages of doubt are a constant companion. Struggling with self-doubt may not make you unique, but how you handle it does. My goal is to provide practices you can start today to move forward in confidence.
Some of my tips suggest journaling, speaking over yourself, and even singing! All of these are designed to hack your brain so you can move from being paralyzed to immobilized. It’s time to change the narrative, starting today.
Tangible Takeaways
- Focus on overcoming self-doubt enough to stop being paralyzed by it.
- Pick one affirmation, and speak it over yourself every day. Notice the shift over time.
- Dialogue with your fear on paper. Write down what fear says, write back your response, and collect your new insights from this exercise.
- Transform your biggest message of doubt by singing it out like a musical!
- Personify your inner critic: give it a name, a look, and a personality! Treat your critic as something separate from you.
You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
What do you do when everything you believed becomes a lie? Mindi had to grapple with this reality in her early 20s when she decided to leave a cult where she grew up. Listen how her passion for curiosity transformed the trajectory of her life.
Mindi’s courage and positivity will inspire you as she reminds us that an awesome life is built on creating awesome days. Listen to your intuition and pursue your dreams, one day at a time.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Pick a goal, and set a 30-day challenge. Take one small step every day, and track your progress!
- Notice what you’re good at, and lean into it! It may be your next adventure.
- When you have doubts and questions: that is a sign that your intuition is telling you something isn’t right.
- Build in curiosity time. It brings up ideas and ways to make things better in life.
- Awesome days lead to an awesome lifestyle. Think about how to create a happy day, and a happy life is sure to follow.
About Mindi Rosser:
Mindi Rosser helps B2B business owners, thought leaders, and subject matter experts to start having great conversations with their audience, prospects, and peers based on trust, authenticity, and consistency on LinkedIn. She's worked within the agency world, with startups, and then decided to branch out to work directly with business leaders on their social presence, building thought leadership, and working with them to fill their pipelines with ideal clients using LinkedIn. As an entrepreneur, she values freedom and coloring outside the lines. She loves building systems that work on LinkedIn and testing them to generate results for her corporate and entrepreneurial clients.
Connect with Mindi Rosser:
Website: http://www.mindirosser.com
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindirosser
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindirrosser/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindirossermarketing/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindirosser/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MindiRosserMarketing
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Episode Notes:
Nothing prepares you for that moment: you’re accused of something you didn’t do or mean. It takes your breath away, and not in a good way. Being misunderstood happens to everyone - yes, even communication experts!
If we’re not careful, we can fall into this pitfall and make the situation even worse. It’s so important to have a plan ready. Even if you’re not experiencing this right now, you’ll want to listen! These tips apply to every tense situation, so you can navigate these moments like the leader you are.
Tangible Takeaways
- When misunderstood, respond versus react - create space from the knee-jerk reaction to your response. Even a breath helps if that’s all you have time for!
- Look at the situation objectively, and view the situation from a neutral perspective. What are the facts? What are the possible interpretations of these facts?
- When you respond, come from a space of humility. Seek first to understand what happened, and avoid “you” statements. Speak with “I” statements.
- Own your part, and assume the best of the other person.
You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Have you ever done something and thought, “that wasn’t it.” For Karen Haller this phrase came back over and over as she explored new things throughout her life. Until one day it hit her: it's color!
Karen dove deep into all things color and now sheds light on the psychology behind color. Karen’s book, “The Little Book of Colour”, and one-on-one consultations teach others to select colors that reflect them and give confidence.
Listen to how her adventurous spirit led her on some crazy adventures and the value of never giving up - even when things scare you.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Embrace the freedom to use color to express yourself authentically.
- Avoid dressing to fit in: dress to reflect who you truly are.
- Don’t waste time worrying about what other people think of you - they don’t have the power to make you happy.
- Take colors and hold them under your chin: notice the impact on your complexion. If it lights you up, wear it and be your radiant self!
- Embrace the journey of discovery. Try new things in your career and experiences. One day something will feel like coming home.
- Remember: finding your place in this world takes time. Give yourself grace on your own journey.
About Karen Haller:
Based in the UK (originally from Sydney, Australia) Karen Haller FRSA, is the leading global expert in the field of Behavioural Design & Colour Psychology. She helps businesses and design professionals to use colour and design to improve well-being, support mental health and create positive change in the world.
Karen consults and collaborates with companies looking for innovative solutions to social problems who seek new ways of improving the human experience in balance with nature. Her clients have included Rockfon, Samsung, Dove, M&S, Salt of the Earth, Huawei and Fiat.
She has also helped hundreds of design professionals around the world to deepen their knowledge of colour through her sought-after colour and design psychology courses.
Karen is the bestselling author of The Little Book of Colour, translated to date in 14 languages and a contributing author for the Colour Design Theories and Applications as well as being an in-demand media commentator and international speaker.
Her mission is to raise awareness of how colour can transform our lives, allowing us to connect back to our authentic self, where did that as a person a brand or the spaces where we live and work.
In her free time, Karen enjoys adventure travels, exploring new cultures and being in nature.
Connect with Karen Haller:
Website: https://karenhaller.com/
Free design industry e-book: https://karenhaller.com/free-10-myths-ebook/
Colour & Design courses: https://karenhaller.com/courses/
Little Book of Colour: https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/
Free first chapter: https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/free-chapter/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
After listening to this episode you will have 3 tangible ways to step into more opportunities. When practiced consistently, you will be amazed by the doors that open.
In many ways, these tips aren’t revolutionary, but rather subtle power moves that will transform you from a hard-working individual to a leader. Step into the awkward spaces, share your thoughts, and be direct!
Tangible Takeaways
- You know those few seconds of awkward silence in a meeting? Everyone is waiting for someone to go first. Let that be you! Speak up first.
- A diplomatic way to share your opinion is to start off with, “here’s my vote” or “here’s what I think”. This will establish you as a leader.
- Ask directly. Be very clear on what you’re asking. Use a direct ask such as: “I have a goal to be ______. My next step is ______. What do I need to do to get there?”
You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Kendel is on a mission to empower women to find their strength and live the life they deserve. As a certified life and career coach, Kendel empowers women to boldly look at their fears, name them, and avoid letting them control their future success.
As a past client of Karen Laos, Kendel shares how she learned to communicate effectively and speak up with boldness. She also explains her own journey of growing up in a male-dominated military family and how she came to find her own voice. Listen and be inspired to step out and speak up in all circumstances.
Tangible Takeaways:
- People can’t read your mind!! Learn how to effectively communicate in order to express what you need.
- Communicate with intention: be clear on WHAT you want to say and HOW you want to say it.
- Avoid waiting for the perfect moment to speak up: instead, create your moment.
- When speaking, imagine you’re having a coffee with a friend! That’s how you want to communicate.
- Resist the urge to speak quickly to get it over with: pause instead!
- Don’t do this alone. Find your tribe to journey with you.
- Be willing to be rejected so you can be accepted.
About Kendel:
Kendel Paulsen is a Certified Life and Career coach and speaker. She helps women at all stages of life and career to define success on their own terms, discover their life’s purpose, and to lead a life with vision and strategy. With more than 30 years of experience in corporate, non-profit, and Kendel brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his/her coaching work.
Kendel received her BA degree from the University of Mary Washington and her MA from University of Phoenix. Kendel earned her Board-Certified Coach (BCC) certification from the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) and her Associate Coaching Certification (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She also holds a certification in Career Development Coaching Services (CDCS) from the Institute for Life Coach Training.
Kendel lives in Northern Virginia with her husband of 30 years, and she is the mother of 3 adult children. When Kendel is not working, you can find her hiking or planning for a visit to her children. Kendel can be reached at kendel@purposedrivenlc.com or www.kendelpaulsen.com.
Connect with Kendel:
Website: www.kendelpaulsen.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kendel-paulsen
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Ever been on the receiving end of a discovery call and it feels like a sales pitch? This has happened to me twice in the last two months. It’s painful.
In this episode I share my experience of what happened and what to do differently when you’re in the driver’s seat, leading the call. Commit to giving everyone an experience of care, connection and clarity - and transform your next opportunity! I provide specific sentences and questions you can use immediately.
Because the last thing I want for you is to miss an opportunity on your next one!
(Hint: it’s all about them, not you!)
Tangible Takeaways
- Start with them. Ask what they want to get from the conversation. This will give you an opportunity to frame the conversation. Address their goal instead of jumping straight into a canned pitch. Always come from a place of care and service.
- Avoid talking too much: focus instead on probing questions.
- Stay on time! If you’re going over, let them know and ask if they have a few more minutes.
- If you did not close the sale, take the opportunity to ask what you could have done better! So many people miss an opportunity to grow in this area.
You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
You’re standing in a room, surrounded by strangers. Whether it be a networking event, conference, or simply a new position, the fact is clear: it’s your job to make connections.
If this situation triggers anxiety, listen and learn some tips to help you change strangers into connections. Find out how to insert yourself into a group and how to effectively communicate, even if you’re nervous. Walk into that room with confidence!
Tangible Takeaways
- Think of an AUTHENTIC compliment to start the conversation
- Step out of yourself and show interest in them, give them the gift of curiosity.
- LISTEN! Maintain eye contact and ask questions. People love talking about themselves - you will stand out for this skill alone!
You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Sometimes, the biggest transformation comes from the smallest mental shifts - and Amy proves this to be true! Amy applies the neuroscience and psychology of human behavior and lifts the veil to reveal what drives our reactions and how to become more intentional. You will be surprised how powerful these small perspective shifts can be.
Discover what drives your desires, why you must assess how you feel, and what it means to become intentional with what you stand for. After listening to this episode you will look at your vision board differently!
Tangible Takeaways:
- Examine the perceptual models that you create for yourself - the beliefs that you hold and the relationship you have with yourself.
- Ask yourself, “what is the feeling I desire?” and identify it.
- Grab hold of a focus point, something that is bigger than yourself, and intensely focus on that. Your confidence will grow!
- You’re always standing for something, make it a habit to check in and ask, “what am I standing for right now?” Are you standing to be liked, to be right or for something such as connection and generosity?
About Amy:
Amy Eliza Wong is the founder of Always On Purpose®. She is an executive leadership coach, author, speaker, and facilitator working with organizations such as Airbnb, Salesforce, Roku, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more. Amy offers transformative leadership development and cutting-edge communication strategies to executives and corporate teams around the world, as well as institutions including Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley. She pulls from various disciplines, studies, and practices to find a consilient approach to achieve flow and create profound impact through the three lenses of Self, Relationships, and Results.
As a Conversational Intelligence® certified executive coach with expertise in transpersonal psychology, design thinking, public speaking, and interpersonal neurobiology, Amy has catalyzed transformative growth for hundreds of executives and teams. She has a passion for helping leaders identify blind spots, reclaim precious time, energy and creative bandwidth, and create next level impact. Her new book, "Living On Purpose", released May 24th, 2022.
Connect with Amy:
Website :www.alwaysonpurpose.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyelizawong/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
When you sit before that hiring manager, it’s common to come in with the perspective of simply answering the questions that are asked. What if you traded that passive role with something more powerful?
You have more control over the conversation than you may think! Listen and discover how you can stand out and showcase your brilliance.
Tangible Takeaways
- You’re not at the mercy of the interviewer: you can control the conversation (and sometimes, you need to!)
- Know in advance what you want them to know about you, and make a list of questions you want them to ask. Come prepared!
- Practice your PPU formula (this stands for personal, professional, and unique.) This will set you apart from the rest right away.
- Show don’t tell: give a behavioral example. Stories of challenges you’ve overcome or examples from past experience help tremendously.
You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
As a recently published author myself, I am excited to celebrate with Rita about her newly published book, “Show Up Positive!” Rita’s career has been all about teams and organizations, helping people come together in the workplace to find common purpose and accomplishments. She wrote her book to help you do the same in your workplace, as well.
If you’ve been struggling to find common ground in your work community, this episode is for you. You will be challenged to be introspective and find the courage to step out and be the positive change you want to see. It starts with us!
Tangible Takeaways:
- Culture starts with you. Don’t wait for others to make the change. Be the change.
- Be the coworker you wish you had.
- Find three opportunities to say thank you to someone at work today.
About Rita:
Rita Ernst is an organizational effectiveness consultant, executive coach, and owner at Ignite Your Extraordinary and the author of Show Up Positive. She has consulted at Gap Inc., Humana, Surgical Care Affiliates, and numerous privately held companies to restore teamwork and positive culture, resulting in improved employee morale, reduced operating costs, and increased profit margins. She has been a speaker, trainer, and article contributor for the Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS) national organization and a recurring guest on iHeart Radio's Ask The Experts radio show on WHAS AM 840. Rita holds a Master's degree in Organizational Psychology from Clemson University. She is a former adjunct professor of undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology and business and currently lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
Connect with Rita:
Website :https://www.igniteextraordinary.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igniteextraordinary/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-ernst-positivity-influencer/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Captivating your audience is so important, and nothing will tune out your audience faster than a rambling session. Rambling comes in many forms - sometimes it’s too much detail, circling around a topic, or simply rephrasing things over and over. Whatever your rambling style may be, you want to learn how to stop it!
Tangible Takeaways
- Notice when you’re rambling, pause, and say out loud, “and my point is this.”
- Avoid the curse of knowledge and eliminate jargon. Speak in plain language.
- If you notice someone else is on a tangent, simply saying “Let’s get back to…” can redirect the conversation.
You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging, and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
In many ways Lisa describes finding her place in the world similar to goldilocks and the three bears: she had to bump around a bit until she settled with the fact she simply needs to be herself. It turns out, that YOU are exactly what the world needs, not someone else.
Lisa delivers many nuggets of truth that challenge you to try on new perspectives, be conscious of how you impact others, and chase after joy intentionally. Lisa also shares how she has created a joy calendar and explains how you can make one as well. Be sure to listen to the end and take Lisa up on her invitation: you’ll be happy you did!
Tangible Takeaways:
- Everything you say and do has a ripple effect, and YOU get to choose what kind of ripple you’ll make.
- View the world from other people’s perspectives, and imagine physically putting on their glasses. It will transform the dynamics!
- Joy is also your job. Create a joy calendar and ensure your life is peppered with moments of joy.
- Celebrate your wins! Find someone in your life who can be your win-detector, or better yet: be someone else’s win-detector.
- Work hard but don’t forget to also play hard.
About Lisa:
Lisa Even is the Founder of Even Connection. She describes herself as a corporate-world junkie, turned entrepreneur, who is focused on helping people Have Good Ripple Effect through speaking, team workshops, and leadership coaching. Two fun facts are that she has a monthly joy calendar and is on a mission to meet 1 million people.
Connect with Lisa:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-even-have-good-ripple-effect-0778b112/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evenconnection
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/even.lisa/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
We are conditioned to start our presentations with pleasantries because that’s exactly what most people do! Our impulse is to thank everyone and explain how excited we are to be here…avoid doing this!
In this episode, I share three different ways you can start your presentation that will engage your audience. You do not need to be a great storyteller or have funny jokes - in fact, I don’t recommend jokes when presenting. Every presentation has the potential to captivate with some intention and prep.
Tangible takeaways:
- Jump right in with a story, analogy, or statistic. You will stand out!
- You have to earn the right to get their attention. Skip the pleasantries to trigger your audience to think, “I want to listen to this person!”
- Prepare for your presentation by thinking of what you can start with, and practice it.
- Utilize the power of an example to illustrate your data.
You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Elyse is nothing short of a warrior when it comes to running her business. She built Bloom Bras from the ground up, navigated a male-dominated investing industry, and has had to come back from major setbacks in her business.
She’s passionate about providing the best bra you’ll ever own, but also reminding you to take care of yourself. It’s like putting money into BAD investments.. it’s not a way to run a business! This applies to our lives as well. Apply your time and energy to good investments, and you’ll reap the benefits.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Take your dream and create the next steps. Now actually take that first step. Confidence comes after you leap!
- Success isn’t linear. When you experience setbacks, grab your “why” and draw new energy to keep moving forward.
- Trust your gut, and go for it!
- Surround yourself with people who have done it already to inspire you
- Be direct, ask questions and be bold.
About Elyse:
Elyse Kaye is the Founder and CEO of Bloom Bras – a line of patented activewear designed to lift vs squish for curvy women. When the pandemic hit, she pivoted and co-founded SF Pro-Tex mobilizing US- Based factories manufacturing PPE for government entities and corporations. Elyse has spent her career leading innovation and marketing teams launching dozens of brands and hundreds of product lines. Recent successes include the turnaround of the Four Paws® Brand for Central Garden & Pet, the launch from the ground up of the House of Marley Brand from HoMedics and the expansion of licensed brands for Black & Decker through her product development consultancy, AHA Product Solutions. Elyse holds several dozen patents. Elyse was a contributing author in The Product Manager’s Handbook and gives talks around the globe regarding building a brand, bringing innovation to life and female mentorship.
In her free time, she is a certified fitness teacher and enthusiast.
Connect with Elyse:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloombras/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bloom.bras
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloombras
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
One thing I’ve discovered after coaching powerhouse women across industries, is that the feeling of not being enough is universal.
Listen and explore four tips on how to remember you’re enough. I share the importance of moving behind passive asks, connecting with your tribe and learning how to let go.
Tangible Takeaways
- Before you ask for what you need, first KNOW what you need.
- If you're not feeling enough, call in your reinforcements! Make connections with those you trust and who can speak truth back to you.
- The comparison game isn’t one you want to play, nobody wins. Whenever it creeps in, take care of it quickly!
- Make a list of things you can control, and things you can’t control. When you’re done, release what you can’t control.
You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Have you ever realized that you missed an opportunity to claim your worth?
Maybe you accepted a salary too low or you missed out on getting promoted because you didn’t ask. Amy Valdivia and Rica Ruiz are two powerhouses who understand this deeply and share their stories and advice in today’s episode.
They will encourage you to do the deep work and invest in yourself because that’s where it all begins!
Tangible takeaways from today’s episode:
- Find the root cause of your actions with someone you trust. You can change the narrative!
- Stop making your life harder by believing the lie you have to always “work harder”. Work hard, but fight easy. Meaning: be excellent at what you do, so it is easy to speak up!
- There’s no failure, only feedback
- Write down everything you’re good at, and really look at it. Own your skills!
- Remember, it does not have to be “all or nothing.” Rather, let it be “all or something”
About Amy:
Amy Valdivia is a California native. She enjoys life with her husband and two children. She’s a businesswoman with over 32 years in the mortgage industry. Today, Amy is an entrepreneur, speaker and author while running a branch for a nationwide lender supporting individuals and families to realize the American Dream of homeownership. Amy’s calling is to serve the community and wanted to do more than attending charity events. She and found the answer when she became a Certified Divorce Lending Professional. Amy supports divorcing couples and their attorneys alleviating one of the greatest areas of contention: the home financing.
Amy is a Board member of the Upland Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hospital Foundation. She’s also an active member of Rotary International and Toastmasters International. As the 2019 Businessperson of the Year for the Upland Chamber of Commerce, Amy is credentialed as a FHA Direct Endorsement Underwriter, Certified Mortgage Advisor, Certified NLP Practitioner and a Certified Divorce Lending Professional.
Connect with Amy:
Website: http://www.homeloanclosing.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_valdivia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.valdivia.52
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-valdivia-cdlp-215b6854
About Rica:
The business of real estate utilizes many of Rica's gifts in her mission to serve others. Rica’s client-centered approach delivers unparalleled service, whether you’re a first-time home buyer, a downsizing retiree, a move-up buyer or an investor. Her knowledge, experience, and thoroughness help clients think strategically and holistically about real estate decisions. Rica is an expert contract negotiator. Problems are just roadblocks, and through hard work, expertise and perseverance, Rica finds routes around to help arrive at the end goal.
Rica enjoys helping and giving to others. Professionally, she enjoys her work as an Ambassador for the San Mateo Area and Danville Areas Chamber of Commerce. She is the Chairman of the Board for Generations United, a local non-profit that helps the under-resourced community in Redwood City and loves volunteering in her community. Her favorite pastime, however, is hanging out with her husband, Rob, and watching their son play baseball.
Connect with Rica:
Website: https://www.meraki-realestate.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meraki_realestate/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerakiRealEstate1 - https://www.facebook.com/ricamruiz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricaruiz/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
I love talking about how to ask for what you want! This is one area if you get right, will transform everything. When you know how to ask for what you want effectively everyone involved receives clarity and the power to move forward.
In today’s episode I unpack the differences between passive and direct asks. I offer three examples of questions that FEEL direct, but are actually passive. In this episode I share with you moments in my past where I got this wrong and was caught up in the ring-around of passive asks, and I don’t want this for you!
Tangible Takeaways
- Ask directly: make it super clear! Passive asks only confuse the matter.
- Let them know what you want, and ask what steps are needed to get there.
- Before you make a direct ask, figure out the W.I.I.F.M - what's in it for me? What’s in it for them?
- A “no” can often be dealt with by asking, “what concerns do you have?” Maybe that “NO” can simply be repackaged as a “YES”
You will find more tips and tricks in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” If you’re interested in joining the launch party to help promote my book, please click here to signup! https://karenlaos.com/book/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
The words we use matter and can have a huge impact! In my upcoming book, “Trust Your Own Voice” I provide an entire chapter on sentence prompts that you can put in your back pocket and use as needed.
If you want to read the rest, you can purchase my book on June 3, 2022
You always want to be ready with questions or responses that can elevate your influence!
Tangible Takeaways
- When introducing yourself, have a lead to your story.
- Start your calls by asking, “How can I best support you?”
- When you present an idea or plan, ask, “How does that land for you?”
- When confronted with a rambler or someone giving a lot of unorganized detail, you can ask, “I want to check in, do you want my opinion or do you just want me to listen?”
- Instead of asking, “Why did you do that?” say “What was your logic behind that?” or “Help me understand your reasoning behind that.”
- The most powerful thing you can ask someone is, “tell me more?”
If you’re interested in joining the launch party to help promote my book, please click here to signup! https://karenlaos.com/book/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Are you holding back from sharing your ideas? Maybe it’s self-doubt due to fear of judgment, not wanting to rock the boat, or you’re worried about what others will think.
I’ve been there! I struggled with trusting my own voice due to self-doubt–even as a senior leader in the corporate world.
I wanted to be free.
In this episode, I read the first chapter of my book: Trust Your Own Voice: Growing Your Influence through Confident Communication.
You’ll hear about the meeting I was supposed to be running, but my boss shut it down because I was frozen in my internal conflict. You’ll get a glimpse into my past when my dad taught me to negotiate at flea markets when I was six years old.
I share about the mixed messages I received as a kid: “Speak up! Stay quiet.” Super confusing, right?
I open up about my journey into unshakable confidence - how I got to a point where I didn’t need people’s permission or approval to speak up..
My hope is that this inspires you to trust your own voice and be free. The world is waiting for you!
Tangible Takeaways:
- You do not need permission from others to speak!
- “Act as if!” Step into the confidence you want to have.
- You can learn to trust your own voice and empower yourself to do it
- You can heal from whatever is holding you back. It will take time, intention and support, but it’s possible.
- Even when someone disagrees, your ideas remain valid and you are still worthy.
If you want to join the launch team to help promote my book, please click here to sign up! https://karenlaos.com/book/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Struggling with a difficult manager may not be new for Kristen, but shrinking back and allowing him to run her over was. Kristen talks about the mindset she lived with for months and how she began the journey of turning the tables and taking back her power.
When reflecting on a season when Kristen gave up her voice and defaulted her power to others, she realized she was taking a child’s posture in an adult role. Defining who she is became the foundation for stepping out and speaking up.
Tangible Takeaways:
- It’s ok to name your RIQ (reason I quit) and put action behind it.
- When someone confronts you with power-play tactics, remember: you are not in competition with them
- Avoid waiting for someone older to come in and rescue you, it is up to you to take action.
- Remember: you are an adult in an adult role! Avoid taking the child’s posture.
- Define who you are and what you want to project in the world.
About Kristen:
Kristen Grant-Evuleocha, also known as Kristen Geez, is the creator of Advising Generation Z.
Kristen is an Author, TEDx Speaker, Freelance Reporter for the National Diversity & Leadership Conference, and Brand Ambassador for Women That Soar. Kristen holds a BS. in Ethical Leadership, MEd in Leadership & Development, and will begin pursuing her Doctoral Degree in degree in Leadership and Learning Specialization in Organizational Leadership fall of 2020.
Kristen is dedicated to building confidence, developing leadership, inspiring unity, and setting high standards for people of all ages. Her philosophy of creating context and covering events that help develop and empower people, has inspired thousands of adults and children to pursue their personal and professional goals.
Connect with Kristen:
Website: https://www.advisinggenerationz.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advising-generation-z/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advisinggenz_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agzmentors/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
What do you do when someone steals the credit for your success?
How do you respond when someone literally closes the door in your face?
Mary Snyder shares these experiences and what she learned about herself through her journey in the corporate world. She had to fight against her Southern gal upbringing and claim her voice, and it was a process.
Mary stopped holding back and continues to be a powerhouse of solutions. She will inspire you to embrace who you are and have the confidence to step up to the table - not silently taking up space, but powerfully contributing!
Tangible Takeaways:
- You don’t need to make yourself feel badly in order to save someone else from feeling badly.
- Put your foot down (graciously and kindly), don’t be bulldozed by those who are intimidated.
- Be brave! Ask your boss, “What is the one thing you’d like me to stop doing, to grow?”
- Shift your mindset. You matter. Your voice matters in the conversation.
About Mary:
Mary is a podcast host, speaker coach, event planner and tour producer. She uses her unique skills to help speakers craft a message that matters and take it to the stage.
Connect with Mary:
Website: www.maryrsnyder.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryrsnyder/
Podcast: Take the Stage for speakers
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Holding your dream in one hand and reality in the other can feel as if your dream has no place to actually come true. I want you to feel hope and walk away with a clear formula to create your vision.
The 3D’s to reaching your vision may be simple, but when applied make a huge difference. Hint: it requires action.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Identify your dream and give yourself permission to own it!
- Allow yourself the freedom to explore what you want to do. Find ways to experiment.
- Tell people what you're doing! Stay focused on your vision, and share freely.
- Start taking action towards your goal. Make a list of all the things you can do to move FORWARD!
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Kimber has always been a confident powerhouse, but it became apparent that there was a disconnect: internally she was depressed and suicidal.
Listen to how therapy and learning how to silence the internal judge have transformed Kimber’s confidence. Her external confidence is now an expression of who she is on the inside.
Her new podcast, I Thought I was Over This, was born out of what many of her clients say over and over. It’s become such a theme that she created her entire podcast from that sentiment.
Kimber provides a unique approach to showing up at the table, unpacks default responses to stress and encourages you to take a deeper look into yourself. Confidence is a unique journey for everyone, that often requires silencing the voices that are holding you back!
Tangible Takeaways:
- Acknowledge your internal judge who is telling you to stay small, and begin the work of silencing it.
- Have the confidence to listen. Make room for others to come to the table.
- When you don't speak up, it doesn't always mean you lack confidence. It can be a signal that something is interfering at that moment.
- Embrace the power of therapy to help make your inside confidence congruent with the outside.
- Speak up and step into your next promotion: stop waiting to be invited!
About Kimber:
Kimber is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice. Primarily a relational therapist, she’s also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, which incorporates a kinesthetic understanding of an individual’s well-being and assists clients in reconnecting with their bodies as a way of processing experiences. She loves leading retreats for business leaders as well as individuals wanting to find more inner calm. She's published a daily reflection journal for people engaged in a spiritual practice of reviewing their day. She's been married to her husband for 25 years. She has two children who regularly remind her of her personal faults should she ever feel as if she's attained personal growth. Kimber’s word of ’22 is Adventure – which is a mindset more than physical events. She’s also participating in #22in22 by eating 22 new flavors of ice cream. Hobbies are many but to list a few – the outdoors, reading, watching sunsets, making memories with her community, and great food.
Connect with Kimber:
Website: https://www.drkimber.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ithoughtiwasoverthis.drkimber/
Podcast: https://www.ithoughtiwasoverthis.com/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
I had an opportunity to step into a dream of being on TV that would not have happened if I didn’t seize the opportunity when it was offered. More importantly, the whole experience gave me some powerful lessons to share with you.
Most of us are not on TV, but many of us are in boardrooms, meetings, and/or stepping into leadership roles. In today’s episode, I share the importance of sound bites and sticking to the point. I’ll encourage you to grab your besties and be uniquely interesting (and yes, you ARE interesting!).
Tangible Takeaways:
- Seize the opportunities around you. Say “yes!”
- Talk in soundbites; avoid giving too much context
- Bring in your tribe; it makes all the difference
- Be interesting and share your uniqueness
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Michelle shows that good things can come from a hot flash: she coaches women in their midlife journey to live with abundance and intentionality, making a difference in this world. She’s made it her mission to teach women to put themselves first in this season of their lives.
In this episode, Michelle explains how surviving a brain hemorrhage gave her the reset she needed. She also explains how mistakes provide amazing opportunities to thrive in the “after” and what it means to “own it”.
Listen in to find out the key to confidence, who her favorite actress was while working at NBC, and be encouraged to fully embrace midlife with a fresh perspective.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Master your PPU! This is Karen’s formula for introducing yourself: say something personal, professional, and unique so you stay focused and stand out.
- When you make a mistake, focus on what you do afterward. Own your mistake, but don’t stay there! Move forward.
- The key to confidence is taking action. What’s the next thing you have to do?
About Michelle:
Michelle Newman is the Founder of The New Mid Academy and Host of “The New Mid” podcast ranked #7 in “The Top Ten Valuable Podcasts for Midlife Women.” Michelle has taken her years of experience as a Television Network Executive and Entrepreneur to help midlife women get results in their health, wealth, and relationships. In her New Mid Academy women have lost hundreds of pounds, gain new careers, promotions at work and have enriched relationships. On her podcast, Michelle has interviewed inspiring guests such as Joan Lunden, Michael Kutcher, Dominique Dawes, and JJ Virgin to name a few. What Michelle is creating with The New Mid is a movement that is revolutionizing what it means to be in “midlife.” It’s her mission to teach, inspire and empower women to Become the Women they are always Meant to Be.
Connect with Michelle:
Website: https://www.thenewmid.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thenewmid
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenewmid/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellenewman44/
Podcast: The New Mid with Michelle Newman
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
When Esther started UpLift, a mastermind program for women, she created a faith-based program she wished she had when she was struggling and growing her business. Esther loves bringing women together and creating a space where they can truly connect and grow.
In this episode, Esther shares her transformation from being the shyest girl you’d ever meet to a confident woman. She now leads others to not only grow their businesses but also thrive in the process.
Esther’s story shows perseverance in the wake of tragedy, stepping out and trying new things, and even poses a challenge for our social media strategy. Hint: do people even know what you offer?
Tangible Takeaways:
- Open up to a supportive community and be vulnerable. You don’t have to build your business alone.
- Even if you’re shy, you can learn to speak with confidence!
- Do that scary thing you know you are capable of. Take that first step and see what happens.
- Planners: you have the freedom to be strategically spontaneous!
- If you want people to work with you, you have to talk about it. You have to put yourself out there so they actually know what you do!
About Esther:
Esther Littlefield is a marketing strategist & business coach for Christian women who are ready to stop feeling scattered and confused about how to grow their business online. She’s the host of the award-winning Christian Woman Leadership Podcast and the Christian Woman Business Podcast.
She is passionate about helping clients cut through the confusion, find clarity, and develop confidence in their marketing strategy so that they can focus on what will truly help them create a business (and life) they love.
Esther resides in Maine with her husband Scott, daughter KJ, Golden Retriever Allie, cats Daisy & Zoe, and leopard gecko.
Connect with Esther:
Website: https://estherlittlefield.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estherlittlefield
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estherdlittlefield/
Podcasts: Christian Woman Business Podcast & Christian Woman Leadership Podcast
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Ryann Dowdy’s mission is to create a safe space for women to come together and be fearlessly themselves. She’s committed to community and connection and believes strongly in the power of networking. Her movement is called “Be in the Room,” a space for powerhouse women who are creating waves in the business world and living a life they love.
You will be reminded to trust your gut and avoid deferring to others' decisions.
Ryann explains that often the very thing we need to do is counterintuitive: set down your bag of rocks, walk away, and have some fun. Create margin in your schedule to step away and recharge your tank.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Growing your business isn’t necessarily about coaching and certifications, it’s about networking and connections.
- Stop pivoting with one foot still planted on the ground, leap and reinvent yourself.
- Trust your gut and avoid deferring to someone because you perceive they know more than you do.
- You were designed for community: avoid isolating yourself
About Ryann:
Ryann Dowdy did everything RIGHT in life. She had her dream job, 6+ figure salary, family and a nice home... and still felt unfulfilled.
She realized she was chasing a dream that wasn't hers. As an expert in sales, she created a Facebook community of over 7,000 women looking to follow their dreams of starting a profitable business. Women joined her sales training program not only for the incredible knowledge and results Ryann brought to the table, but for the amazing community of women Ryann had created.
As she found more success on her journey, she still felt alone. SHE herself did not have a community to come as the truest version of herself.
Today, Ryann's mission is to create a safe space for women to come together and be fearlessly themselves.
Because when women connect, work together, and harness our power into ONE common mission - we will be invincible.
Connect with Ryann:
Website: https://beintheroom.org
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/beintheroom
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ryanndowdyofficial/
LinkedIn (Ryann): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanndowdy/
LinkedIn (Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/beintheroom/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
With her experience in theater and improv, Stacy spent years crafting the skills of confidence and communication. It was not until she started her own business did she realize she had to transform from appearing confident to becoming confident.
Stacy helps powerhouse corporate women get promoted to executive roles, and has started a revolution that has transformed lives and continues to make an impact. She shares the surprise outcomes of publishing a book and how it forced her to come to terms with what it means to not care what others think. Her definition may surprise you!
In this episode, you’ll be reminded of the power of not only asking, but continuing to ask. Karen and Stacy also come up with a powerful theater metaphor about staying in the light and how only a few adjustments can open everything to you.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Stop caring about what others think of you!
- Don’t give up. Ask after the ask, and have the willingness to ask a bit differently.
- Find your light. Sometimes it is simply “stepping a little to the right” to stand in yours
- Confidence is built through action.
- Act as if you’re in the role you want and then you’ll be ready once you’re actually there
About Stacy:
Stacy Mayer is a Certified Executive Coach and Promotion Strategist on a mission to bring more diversity to the leadership table by doubling the number of women promoted to the c-suite each year worldwide. She is the author of the bestselling book “Promotions Made Easy: A Step-by-Step guide to the Executive Suite” and the host of the podcast “Maximize Your Career with Stacy Mayer” where she tackles topics like executive communication, getting more respect in the workplace from challenging bosses and team members, and avoiding the common mistakes that sabotage career advancement. Her dynamic coaching intensive Executive Ahead of Time has helped hundreds of powerhouse corporate women get promoted into executive roles at some of the world's largest and most prestigious companies.
Connect with Stacy:
Website: https://www.stacymayer.com/
Podcast: Maximize Your Career with Stacy Mayer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corporatebadass/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacymayer/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Learn how one of Karen’s clients realized she had been missing opportunities, and how three powerful strategies will stop that from happening again.
3 Ways to Be Visible:
- Speak up (and speak first)
- Have a point
- Share relevant examples
Tangible Takeaways:
- Speak up
- Speak first
- Share your thoughts
- Follow the 5 second rule from Mel Robbins research - volunteer quickly!
- Have a point
- Prepare your point in advance
- Stick to it
- Avoid rambling
- Share relevant examples
- Share something relatable
- Use analogies to expound on your point
- Collect a library of examples for future use
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Becca is present for some of the worst and best moments of people’s lives. As a reporter, she has mastered the skill of arriving with confidence in any situation she is assigned. Becca holds space for grief, joy and everything else in between, creating the psychological safety people need to share their stories.
She has grown in confidence through empathy and learned the art of truly listening in order to tell stories that best serve the community.
Hear some of her favorite news moments. One of which was covering a hearing of the US Supreme Court (that one she forgot to share in the podcast, but I had to include it in the notes!).
Listen to how Becca has learned to be more confident in the body she was given, her journey through a body-building competition, and her excellent advice on how to strategically shoot for the stars.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Lead with empathy and truly LISTEN to others so you can connect and build trust
- Before you jump and take that BIG career leap, look for an opportunity to do a mid-leap
- Give yourself permission (& time) to develop the skills you need to live out your dreams
- Mistakes in your early news career are much more forgivable than when you get to the big leagues. Give yourself the grace and space to make them now versus later.
- Embrace the body you were born with by focusing on what your body CAN do
About Becca:
Becca Habegger is Senior Reporter at ABC10 News in Sacramento. She has spent the better part of a decade reporting at local TV news stations throughout the country. She also spent two years in leadership as Managing Editor at ABC10.
Connect with Becca:
Website: https://www.abc10.com/article/about-us/team-bios/becca-habegger/103-459447572
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeccaReports
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccareports/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeccaReports
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
As an art teacher, Hollis realized she kept asking the same question over and over: “Why am I not good enough?” It wasn’t until her daughter asked a life-changing question did the journey of pursuing her passions and purpose really begin.
In this episode, Hollis shares her journey through negative self-talk. We talk about the disparity gap between our personal perceptions and reality, and how Hollis learned to not give that tension so much of her time and energy.
Hollis uses creativity to present herself visually and express her truth and ideas. Through her business, she creates safe places for others to express themselves.
Tangible Takeaways:
- When you hear that internal voice ask, “Why am I not good enough?” take that as an invitation to focus on your purpose and passions.
- Think of the ways you are creative! Explore how you can lean into your creativity and dive deeper into yourself and how you connect with others.
- Write down a time you thought you bombed it, but later realized you didn’t. Use that to remind yourself that the disparity gap is real next time self-doubt tries to take over.
About Hollis:
Hollis Citron is a seasoned art teacher and realized at 51 that she was halfway there and went through the Fyou 50’s and founded her company, I Am Creative & Express Yourself Publishing. She is passionate and wants to shout from the rooftops that being creative is not just about drawing and painting! Creativity is within everyone! She has been spreading this message from California to New York.
Connect with Hollis:
Website: https://www.iamcreativephilly.com/
Podcast: https://creativeconversations.podbean.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollis.grosscitron/ and https://www.facebook.com/iamcreativephilly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcreativephilly/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollis-gross-citron-a345126/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
As a young professional Sue’s confidence revolved around assessment and validation from others. It was when she started her own business that Sue began to realize she needed to discover her true confidence, creating an identity that pulls from internal sources, not external.
We discuss the need to embrace being a human BEING and not a human doing, and how we need to start treating self-doubt like an infection and get it out of our systems!
How do we build internal confidence? It first begins with a list and the determination to build a case against self-doubt. Embrace the power of thinking intentionally and listen to how Sue combats self-doubt in her own life.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Confidence comes from self-validation, not from the validation of others.
- Trust yourself! You get to choose your own identity!
- Make a list of accomplishments to combat self-doubt.
- Remember, you are a human BEING, not a human DOING. Value the power of thinking.
About Sue:
Inside-Out Leadership Coach, Sue Revell, is on a mission to STOP women playing small, so that they can create the legacy they want to leave in the world.
With over 30 years coaching & leadership experience, Sue loves nothing more than disrupting the unhelpful thinking that often holds women back so that they can think, dream and BE bigger in leading the change they want to see.
Coaching internationally, Sue’s clients are primarily world-changing women who want to lead with confidence, increase their impact and live a life that matters. They include business & political leaders, entrepreneurs & intrapreneurs, clinical leaders, athletes and performers.
Sue is the host of the Women on a Mission Show – an inspirational podcast for, and about, women who are on a mission to make the world a better place. She is also a guest lecturer in personal leadership, a regular media contributor and an experienced Non-Executive Director and Board Member.
Sue is a passionate tennis fan, an accomplished soloist and a butler to two felines.
Connect with Sue:
Website: https://www.suerevell.com
Blogcast: https://www.womenonamission.club
Podcast: https://www.podfollow.com/woampod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themissionmaven/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMissionMaven
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suerevell_womenonamission
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/suerevell
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvuWirPAaewBVo_fQ7nEHQ?view_as=subscriber
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Hear Karen’s best negotiation story in this episode: how she got nearly 3x as much money for an engagement than originally agreed upon.
The three ways to be more powerful are:
1) Use your voice
2) Trust yourself
3) Set boundaries
Tangible Takeaways:
- Use your voice
- Project, speak with conviction, avoid a breathy tone
- Think about your whole body working for you to support your voice
- Speak up when you have an idea and have a point to avoid rambling
- Trust yourself
- Trust your gut
- Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind. - Brene Brown
- If something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t
- If you don’t ask you won’t get
- Set boundaries
- Know your worth
- “No” is a complete sentence
- Ask for what you need
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Megan shares mentors in her life that may surprise you. She calls them “accidental mentors” who forced her to lead in a different way and helped her see the impact of her words on others.
We discuss how we both love public speaking. She feels unstoppable and fearless!
What would she do differently? Speak up: she vulnerably shares how not speaking up to her boss’s boss kept her in an imprisonment of sorts.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Borrow confidence from an area of your life when you need it somewhere else. You’ve got it! Leverage it.
- Keep a symbol of confidence with you when you’re not feeling so confident (picture of someone you love, piece of jewelry that reminds you of how amazing you are, etc).
- Trust your gut - if you made a bad decision, rectify it - it’s never too late
- Focus on your natural talents and lead with those
- Leadership is individualized. Embrace differences.
- To help you focus, set a timer for 25 minutes to work on a task and then take a 5 minute break.
- Use the Focus Mate app for getting stuff done if you want an accountability buddy - potentially in another part of the world.
About Megan:
Dr. Megan Leasher is an award-winning industrial and organizational psychologist who is passionate about connecting challenge and compassion, insights and intuition, and faith and fearlessness into the design of talent-based solutions for individuals and organizations.
Currently, Dr. Leasher serves as the Chief Solutions Strategist for Talent Plus, a global HR-solutions firm whose mission is to leverage science to help people and organizations discover and develop talent, creating a world where people do what they are good at and enjoy. She also serves on the Forbes HR Council, is an executive coach, and has led research initiatives for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and Women in the Marketplace, a ministry for working women. Prior to her current role, she led talent management for Bon Secours Mercy Health as well as the people science practice for Macy’s Inc.
An avid speaker, she has presented at national and regional conferences, corporate meetings, universities and non-profit events. Dr. Leasher’s awards include the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s Distinguished Early Career Contributions Practice Award, Cincinnati’s Forty Under 40 and being honored as one of HR’s Rising Stars by Human Resource Executive Magazine and The 10 Most Influential Leaders in HR by Insights Success Magazine. Dr. Leasher earned her Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Wright State University.
Megan lives in northern Kentucky, where she loves coffee, bourbon and Converse Chuck Taylors.
Connect with Megan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganleasher/
Forbes profile: https://profiles.forbes.com/members/hr/profile/Megan-Leasher-Chief-Solutions-Strategist-Talent-Plus/d4ea88c6-bd0f-4e74-bcd4-07e108925ccb
Talent Plus website: https://talentplus.com/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
When you want to interrupt, how you do it has two critical components: both what you say and how you say it. See below for the takeaways.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Your presence: Be mindful of your body language and voice - shoulders back, lean forward, project your voice and speak with conviction over hesitation. Look into the camera so people feel a connection to you, which also builds trust. Eye contact is super important.
- Your words: Use an acknowledgement bridge which is simply a way to acknowledge what they said and then move the point forward. Such as “Those are great ideas! Give me a moment to finish and I’ll turn it back over to the room.” Or, “Thank you for sharing your opinion. Hold on for a minute and I’ll complete my thought, then open up the floor to anyone else.”
- If YOU want to interrupt, “I’d like to interject” or “Here’s what I’ll add to that thought”
- With chronic interrupters, speak to them privately and/or create a “no interrupting” ground rule at your meetings if it happens a lot.
- Look at yourself. If you don’t come across strong and confident (while being approachable and inviting) when you start talking, people will not trust that you’re leading with authority and will be more inclined to interrupt you. Speak with conviction and not hesitation. Project your voice. I can’t say that enough!
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Growing up in Beverly Hills with incredibly rich people, Dana wanted to be the cute, popular one. But, she lived in a $300/month rental with her mom and always grew up feeling less than. She had massive amounts of envy. This motivated her to work her tail off and get the things she wanted.
She always knew she wanted something big. Her dream was to be Barbara Walters because she loved interviewing people. She was obsessed with TV and knew she wanted to be in the industry. That led her to be one of the most successful and youngest casting directors at 26 years old. She had a panic attack speaking on stage as a casting director as she’s struggled with anxiety since she was 19 years old.
After two years of turning down jobs because she was afraid of having another panic attack, she said enough is enough and started her business as an audition coach by announcing it on Facebook.
In January of 2021, she spoke on her first Clubhouse room. She was nervous. Over time, she noticed she was growing and gaining traction faster than others on Clubhouse. She realized people liked what she had to say and how she said it. She started seeing herself as “me;”; someone who could make a difference rather than be a small fish in a massive pond.
Tangible Takeaways:
- Confidence is a skill you can learn.
- Too many people get stuck because they’re scared to start. Start anyway!
- Know that showing up online is going to be scary. Know you may get negative feedback and that’s normal.
- Get clear on what you do and be confident in what you’re talking about
- Be passionate when speaking: it’s contagious.
- Breathwork and slowing down has led to knowing herself more - try it yourself!
- Stop caring about the “no’s” and persist in getting what you want
- Lots of people may do what you do, but you are unique because of who you are.
- Envy is a human condition and a compass. Explore what it’s teaching you. Accept it. Examine why.
About Dana:
OH HEY, I’M DANA!
The motivational speaker, personal branding coach, and ball of energy you’ve been waiting for!
Anxiety and fear of judgment used to rule my life. I had big dreams… but what would other people think if I tried? Or even worse – what would they think if I failed?!
Then I realized that my ambition, motivation, and positivity made me unstoppable. I quit caring about other people’s opinions and started focusing on taking action to create the life I wanted to live.
And now I get to work in full alignment with my purpose in life: helping others show up authentically and powerfully in their business and life.
IT’S PRETTY FREAKING AWESOME.
Connect with Dana:
Join her Amp it Up Personal Brand Bootcamp:
https://my.danabowling.com/amp-up-your-personal-brand
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdanabowling/
Clubhouse: @danabowling
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-bowling-608545206/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Jess and her husband “pretend declared” that they were living in an Airstream doing a book tour - and it actually happened! This speaks to the power of “trying it on.”
Listen for what Karen first thought of Jess when she saw her video ad from the Nashville airport and how that led to a milestone moment in September 2019 when she signed up for Jess’s Mic Drop workshop. This led Karen to create a formula for women called the 3D’s: Decide, Declare and Deliver.
Tangible Takeaways:
- You can reinvent yourself at any time.
- We have permission to choose who we are and what we do.
- If you believe you’re solving a problem, then the problems you encounter along the way won’t be big enough to stop you.
- Declare to others and yourself that you’re speaker, writer, author, etc.
- Hit publish, go live, go for the gig: go for it!
- The more we engage with the world, the more amazing things are going to happen. Be open.
- Be confident in knowing that everyone is just as insecure as you are
- Write the testimonial you want to have
- Try on who you want to be and ask yourself, “What would that look like?”
About Jess:
Jess Ekstrom is the founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope, a company that donates headbands to kids with illnesses with every headband sold. Headbands of Hope has been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, QVC, The View and worn by celebrities like Kelsea Ballerini and Khloe Kardashian. More importantly, Headbands of Hope has donated over 1 million headbands, reaching every single children's hospital in America and 22 countries.
After starting her company, she wanted to use her ups and her downs to help other women become valued as experts in their industry. In 2020, she started Bright Pages: a guided online journal for doers and creators.
Jess is also the bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Sideand creator of online courses + communities for women to become paid keynote speakers and get book deals. Jess lives and travels full-time in her Airstream with her husband, Jake, and their 70 lb dog, Ollie.
Connect with Jess:
www.instagram.com/jess_ekstrom
www.facebook.com/jessekstrom
www.twitter.com/jess_ekstrom
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-ekstrom-59160342/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- We need to celebrate moments in which we have taken steps of courage when we didn’t think we could. We’re all unique and our uniqueness should be welcomed and celebrated. Celebrating your own wins will make you more confident.
- Everyone has stories if we look for them. You have the choice to look for the stories in the lessons you’ve learned in your life.
- We have the ultimate decision to decide our future. We have the power to choose our response. No one can control that.
- If you’re looking for opportunities they’re always there.
About Lucy Liu:
Lucy Liu is a business and life coach helping women in life transitions unstuck, kiss overwhelm bye, cultivate rockstar confidence, see clarity, reach new goals, and live a joyful fulfilling life! She is an unshakable optimist, wife, mother, easy-going entrepreneur, women empowerment workshop facilitator, motivational speaker, author and inspires as the host of her weekly podcast The Lucy Liu Show, She has been featured in Medium, VoyageLA, Elephant Journal, ThriveGlobal, FOX, CBS, NBC and dozens of podcasts.
Connect with Lucy:
Website: https://www.lucyliucoaching.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslucyliu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslucyliu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mslucyliu
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mslucyliu
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging, and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- We’re all complex human beings and we’re so much more than what people see in just one situation. Don’t evaluate yourself from someone else’s perspective. Let the person in your head talk.
- We can have these portfolio careers, find our own ways to serve the community, and find that one thing that truly fulfills us.
- We can’t worry about what people are going to say or how they’re going to judge us. We shouldn’t be worried about voicing our opinions or taking a stance to stand out.
- We need to remember to counteract our negative thoughts with something positive. We need to follow these thoughts up with positive affirmations.
- Confidence comes with age, experience and can evolve over time.
- Find joy in minor things.
- Fempeak is an amazing organization with lots of benefits. Gillian is currently the event manager for Fempeak.
About Gillian Epp:
Gillian Epp has played poker professionally at the highest stakes for the last decade. She was a cast member of the documentary "Poker Queens."
Gillian is one of Canada's most recognizable female poker players. She has graced the cover of numerous poker magazines and is known for her beautiful smile, friendly table demeanor, and, above all, crushing high-stakes games.
It's no secret that Gillian is passionate about animals.
She used poker to finance a lifestyle of traveling and visiting and animals around the world,
Since covid, she has transitioned from poker into the business and tech world. She continues to travel and is passionate about giving women the confidence to thrive in male-dominated industries.
Connect with Gillian Epp:
Website: https://www.gillianepp.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gillepp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillepp/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HustlerHunny/
Youtube: https://youtu.be/EwEcmPMuK2U
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Tangible Takeaways:
- We only grow as a person if we’re willing to leave our comfort zone, take risks and try new things.
- You have to act in order to become confident. You can’t wait until you feel confident before you do something.
- For opportunities, we have to show up and raise our hand if we want to make a change.
- Women have a tendency to hold back from sharing ideas and doing things. It takes vulnerability and risk to move forward.
- Leadership is a learning journey. Leaders make mistakes everyday. It’s important to know when we need to bring in expertise.
- Teamwork is key. When everyone works together and listens to each other, we are smarter than an individual alone.
About Alison Wilcox:
Alison Wilcox empowers girls and women to live life fully, intentionally and courageously, through her work as a nonprofit CEO, as a leadership consultant, and as a speaker and writer. Alison’s zest for adventure shaped her path from rural Canada through the cities of London, Mumbai and Toronto, among others, eventually landing in America with her family. She looks forward to sharing her stories and learning yours.
Connect with Alison Wilcox:
Websites: www.alisonwilcox.com or www.birthofadventure.com
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonwilcox/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
One day her 11-year old son said “I found a way to help many people at the same time.” Together they founded YTeach, an app where students can request on-demand tutoring from their peers; just like requesting an Uber.
Growing up Cuban surrounded by all males, she was the first to go to college amongst her brothers and many cousins. She’s always pushed herself to learn and to be better in spite of growing up with people doubting her. She competed in Division 1 tennis and also became an attorney.
As a parent, she encouraged her kids with this brilliant mindset: “It’s not about me being proud of you; it’s about you being proud of you. Are YOU happy with yourself [versus needing my approval]?”
Her kids say “Don’t tell Mom she can’t do something. She’s going to prove you wrong.”
Tips and takeaways:
- You can do anything you put your mind to
- Start where you are and keep going
- Even if you failed, you’re a little bit closer: ask what you can learn from it
- Believe in yourself even when no one else does
- Confidence leads to other things and expands into other areas of your life (better choices in business and personal life)
- Write down three tiny action steps you can take today to build your confidence
- Ask yourself daily “What did I do to help somebody?”
About Lourdes Aviñó:
Lourdes Aviñó is the CEO and Co-Founder of YTeach, a peer-to-peer tutoring and scheduling app that helps schools create a network for learning and empowers students to schedule lessons with other peer tutors at their school with the click of a button. She is also an attorney and an active community member in Miami. She launched YTeach together with her 14-year-old son because she is passionate about helping women and youth through education and entrepreneurship.
For more detail as to her current work and endeavors as well as articles, please refer to YTeach, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
Connect with Lourdes:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lourdes-aviñó-74147894/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yteach.app/ and https://www.instagram.com/lulyavino/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yteachapp
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Rosanna and I have a candid conversation around how to get out of the pattern of thinking you have to do it all. Here are a few takeaways:
- Where can you take short cuts (we’ll give you tips!)
- Why is busyness a badge of honor?
- Outsource everything you can
- Be intentional about your time
- Do meaningful things
- Set boundaries
Rosanna Berardi’s Bio:
Rosanna Berardi is a lawyer, mother, and entrepreneur. She built her immigration law firm, Berardi Immigration Law, from her home apartment to a multi-million-dollar company in 15 short years. She is a sought-after speaker and has been featured in Forbes, The Los Angeles Times, Politico and The National Post. She is an Adjunct Professor at SUNY Buffalo School of Law. Rosanna is also the CEO of High Wire Woman, a consulting firm that provides systems and solutions to working women.
Connect with Rosanna:
Website: www.highwirewoman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highwirewoman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highwirewoman/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Takeaways:
- How do we feel when we get it? Most of us feel judged when we get unsolicited advice, along with frustration because someone made an assumption about us and they don’t know the full story.
- What to say: Affirm and appreciate that they want to help. Redirect to what you actually need or want from them. “Thank you for wanting to help. Here’s what would be helpful…”
- We give it because we want to help and we think we know (based on our experience) what would be good for them. We are wired as natural problem solvers and it could also be an attempt to connect.
- What mindset to have when someone gives it: be compassionate and assume good intent. Breathe deeply if you need to. Remember you have the right to enforce boundaries and say something
- When tempted to give it, stop and ask yourself “do I really need to?” and at all costs avoid the word “should” If you really are dying to give it, ask if you can make a suggestion or offer an idea.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Some takeaways
- Get clarity on what you want so you know where you’re going
- Set intentions with actions - “what’s one thing I can do today?”
- Celebrate milestones
- Don’t tolerate what’s “good enough”
- There’s a difference between easy and effortless
- Trust yourself and define what you want (vs. someone else defining you)
About Karsta:
Karsta spent the better part of her adult life enduring things that were - fine. She had a house in the suburbs, a minivan, 2 kids, a dog and a good job; all of the things that were supposed to have made her happy. After a divorce, fifteen years as a single mom, a second failed relationship, some serious introspection, healing and bravery she’s learned to search for happiness within herself instead of looking to others for guidance.
After 22 years as a public school teacher, she is now a motivational speaker and mindset coach, using her experiences to help other women face their stories and fears so that they create their own definition of an extraordinary life, instead of enduring a life they think they’re supposed to.
Connect with Karsta:
www.karstamarie.com
https://www.facebook.com/karstamarie
https://www.instagram.com/karsta_marie/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Christine stayed quiet as a little girl and in the shadow of her brother. She married someone similar and began to recognize that she wanted to inspire and encourage others. She realized her voice was powerful and that she didn’t have to hide behind someone else. She highlights the importance of kindness, which is one of her top values.
Some takeaways:
- We all have unique gifts: walk in yours!
- Words are powerful: use your voice to inspire others and draw out the best in them
- You don’t know who needs to hear your voice: speak words of life over people you meet
- No one can bring to the world what only you can bring
About Christine:
Christine Cooper is a Miami multi-brand influencer, public speaker, and business owner. Mother to two. Here to empower, inspire and help women walk in their purpose.
Connect with Christine:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinecooper_08/
Email: Christinalynn707@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christina.jamisonstocker
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/theinspiringstoryteller
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Becky offers her real-world experience working as a leader who’s an introvert in a male-dominated world. Listen for how she wow’d a skeptical audience and had them requesting her back the following year, along with the secret about confidence.
Some takeaways:
- Confidence is a skill - it’s something you can work on and improve. You’re not necessarily born with it so there’s HOPE. You can build it and be happy with how you project yourself.
- Remind yourself that you’re the expert. Speak like you are, too.
- Give yourself the grace to say I don’t know
- Know what to say “yes” to and what to say “no” to
- It’s not about perfection
- Come up with a plan to overcome your fears
About Becky Mueller:
Becky is a leader and technical expert in the automotive safety industry responsible for the development of both the next-generation side-impact crash test and passenger-side small overlap crash test. She’s a Senior Research Engineer at Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Becky has experience serving in multiple Board of Director-level positions in professional and community service organizations.
"I always had an interest in cars, which is a pretty unusual thing for little girls to be interested in," Mueller told Rewire.org back in 2017. "My family I sat down one night (when she was 10 years old) — my parents always watched Dateline, on NBC — and I actually saw the very first crash test results from the Insurance Institute and it just kind of clicked for me. I was like 'This is so cool! I'd be able to work with cars every day, get paid to destroy something, and do something that is good for people. I can save people's lives and they never even have to meet me."
To get the ball rolling on her nascent career, she would build Lego cars and crash them into a Lego wall. Now, with the pandemic keeping her at home, she kept busy by going back to where it all started.
Connect with Becky:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckycgunn/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Jenny felt called to be a speaker, but pushed it to the side for a decade. As a recovering procrastinator, she talks about the power of prioritizing the right things and being intentional about making your dream come true.
Some takeaways:
- Take one step at a time - even five minutes a day - to move forward toward your dream.
- Own your gifts and talents. Others may have similar dreams, but the expression of those dreams will be very different because we’re all unique.
- Remember that it’s all about God’s timing
- Her mindset shifted when she realized it’s about God leading her in the dream (versus “all about me”)
Jenny Randle Bio:
Jenny Randle went from a career in the heart of Hollywood to a faith-based author, national speaker, and chart-topping podcaster. Her search for meaning in the everyday moments of life has led her to write her newest book Dream Come True, where Jenny encourages readers to dream on for the glory of God and good of others.
Contact:
Email: hi@jennyrandle.com
Phone: (315) 726-3532
Website: www.jennyrandle.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/FreedomCreatives
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenny.randle
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
A few takeaways:
- You have the right to take up space.
- Find the voice you use on others and give some of it to yourself!
- Your value as a person is in “being” not “doing” - you’re okay just by being you vs. having to perform
- Do the thing and confidence will come; not the other way around.
- Complete this sentence: “I forgive you for…”
- Make your own choices versus doing what others want (wished she had said “no” to her dad about going into finance)
- Book recommendation: “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” by Dr. Joe Dispenza
About Jay Manning:
Jay Manning is a Business Growth Strategist and has been helping international brands with client-attraction and growth strategies for almost 2 decades.
She has been building businesses (and also sold a few) since 1996 and mentoring innovative start-up entrepreneurs since 2007.
Jay holds multiple Business Degree's and is a Certified Professional Coach (PCC). She runs a successful Design & Event Agency (est. 2000) and a thriving coaching practice.
Simplification is her superpower and she has a knack for creating systems that produce better results faster and with more ease - You want this woman all up in your business!
Website: www.vividwithjay.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vividwithjay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vividwithjay
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
One of the most common topics that comes up when Jennifer speaks to her clients is setting boundaries. We talk about how to create boundaries around the things that make you frustrated and angry. That’s the first clue that you need them! Setting them helps you to 1) Alleviate stress and 2) Be true to your personal values.
Can you relate to this quote from Jennifer directly?
“My personal favorite sign of burnout: your “Give A Damn” busts. Going to work and dealing with absolutely anything is sheer agony. You feel physical pain just thinking about what you need to get done. If one more freaking person asks you for one more freaking thing… you will explode.”
Listen in for tips!
About Jennifer:
Jennifer Bassman is a burnout and boundary strategist that helps business owners find their zone of genius so they can focus their time and energy successfully. She is a certified CliftonStrengths coach that believes when we know our strengths, what we do best, our path to happiness and success becomes a lot clearer.
Jennifer’s book, Stop Being A Doormat, gives people an easy method for creating boundaries – without feeling guilty. When we have boundaries, we protect our time and energy so it is available to the people and work most important to us.
She has been a small business owner for nearly 20 years and is the daughter/granddaughter/great-granddaughter/sister/niece of entrepreneurs.
Animal advocacy is a passion for Jennifer and she serves on the board of the Texas Humane Legislation Network. THLN lobbies and fights for better laws in Texas to protect animals. (THLN.org)
Currently, Jennifer lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and their four incredibly spoiled rescue dogs.
Social links:
https://www.jenniferbassman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thewittyentrepreneur
https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_bassman/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSSzuU2FkawivgOxE6ZagMQ?view_as=subscriber
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Words like “little, just, I’m sorry,” are only a few of the words that diminish our power, but there’s hope! It starts with awareness and then knowing what to say (or not say!) instead.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Prepping your talk can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. I must admit I've always been more of a "wing-it" person, but I must also admit that while mental agility is a powerful skill, winging it doesn't always work so well. I've learned the hard way over my years!
Thankfully over time, I started using this simple outline to help me prep. It's been invaluable.
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Ask yourself who your audience is. What do you want them to gain and take away from what you're speaking on? This gives you bullet points to work from and helps to focus on the important aspects instead of adding unnecessary filler.
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What's the number 1 thing they care about? This helps determine the overall arc of your talk.
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Where do they sit now related to your topic and where do you want to take them? This info is critical so you can bring them on a logical journey to influence them to your point of view.
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What action do you expect them to take after your talk? This is where you need to make it specific and measurable. Tie it to a date to create urgency (and increase the likelihood that they will do it!).
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How will your talk and expertise benefit them? This wraps everything together into one neat bundle by clarifying how it's relevant to them.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Sara’s story is one of persistence and perseverance. She started her recruiting firm in San Francisco as a one-woman show and it’s now on many of the “Best Of” lists. She had a vision and stuck to it! And this from a woman whose first tax-paying job was Taco Bell.
She shares many personal examples of finding her voice and her confidence.
You’re not going to believe what someone said to her about why she’s a successful CEO. She handled an awkward and condescending situation with grace.
Fun facts about Sara: She’s one of 11 children and when she was 19 she lived in a Mexican village where she was the first caucasian they had ever seen in person
About Sara:
Sara launched Premier Talent Partners (formerly known as Premier Staffing) as a one-woman-show in 1998. Starting with a single location in downtown San Francisco, Premier's offices quickly expanded to neighboring cities, regions, and, as of 2015, the east coast. Today, Premier hires nationally, operates out of 5 offices, with a staff of ~65 employees. In her 20+ years serving as the CEO, Sara has catapulted Premier from obscurity to being a regular on several "Best of" lists. The company's highly-decorated track record includes San Francisco Business Times list of Best Places to Work, Top Staffing Firms in the Bay Area, and Fastest Growing Private Companies; Staffing Industry Analysts' Best Staffing Firms to Work For and Fastest Growing Staffing Firms in the US; and INC's 50 Best Places to Work, among several other lists. As of 2020, Premier is developing a cutting edge client/candidate portal that will provide self-service capabilities, an unrivaled matching algorithm, and serve as a CRM for our internal teams.
New innovations are always sought out and embraced, as Sara looks to keep Premier's processes as streamlined and current as possible. Altruistic at heart, Sara has built into Premier's framework a deep sense of social responsibility. Through Premier Promise, a philanthropic division of Premier, employees are encouraged to give back to local communities through various organizations geared at making a better tomorrow for future generations. Premier also regularly volunteers and funds medical research through organizations like March of Dimes, Alzheimer's Association, and various breast cancer research organizations. Last year alone, Premier donated approximately $30,000 to 13 organizations nationwide.
Sara has a B.A. in Communications from the University of San Francisco, is a mother of three, auntie to 47, sister to 10.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/premiertp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premiertalentpartners/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PremierTalentPartners
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/premier-talent-partners/
Sara’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saramenke/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
This is an episode back from the summit I hosted called Ignite Your Confidence. I talk about life lessons on my career journey such as…
- Why I felt so confident leaving corporate to pursue my dreams
- The importance of seizing (and creating!) opportunities
- Asking for what you want and need
- People pleasing and why it doesn’t serve us
- “Every wall is a door”
- Weighing the cost: there’s always a price/payoff for your dreams
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
You’ll hear her unfold the challenges of self-doubt, especially as someone who comes across as outgoing and confident to the outside world, which might surprise you.
Learn:
- What to say when a potential client says “I’m not sure” or “maybe” in regards to your services.
- What to do with that voice in your head (why did you say that?!)
- The value of naming your inner critic
- The Fear Script to overcome self-doubt
- How to stretch your client as well as ask the most powerful question back when they say “no” or “maybe”
About Toni:
My name is Toni Jones and I am a Senior Account Manager at Belmore Virtual, a company that helps business owners eliminate their day to day task lists, allowing them to focus on the areas that they love. I have 5+ years project management experience and 10+ years project support, giving me a skill set that is second to none in helping companies and clients achieve their goals. I work for a company I love and believe in, and my goal is to progress into a directors position with them in the next 3-5 years.
I love working with people of all ages, and helping them achieve their goals or learning new skills. In my spare time I am a Section Leader with my local Scout Group, working with young people ages 105 to 14 years of age teaching them skills for life.
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonijones-pm/
Clubhouse @tonibjones
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
If you want more clarity and focus in your conversations, these two questions will transform your communication! Karen shares two stories that illustrate the value of using these in our day to day meetings, as well as typical conversations that most of us have on a regular basis.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
What does self-promotion mean in the first place? It’s simply sharing who you are and what you do so the world knows you exist!
Listen in as Karen walks through these three tips on how to promote yourself with ease.
- Ask yourself why it’s so hard and then come up with a message to counteract that. 80%+ is mindset, so tackle your fears and self-doubt first!
- Ask yourself: how does what I do serve the world? How can you help others? If we recognize our gifts and talents help others, then we may be more willing to share them!
- Use these two sentence prompts to help you with an exact template to talk about who you are and what you do so it can be EASY!
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Lindsey kicks off the episode with a model introduction using my PPU formula - say something personal, professional and unique about yourself. She’s done over 100 obstacle course races, by the way!
We go on to talk about a bunch of things with rich stories from her clients and her own life, such as...
- How confidence is tied to moving your body and trusting what you need
- Why “should’s” take up more mental energy than “failure”
- How she shifted to start doing business coaching when she initially thought she didn’t do that
- What was unanimously voted by her clients as their favorite unit in her mentorship course that surprised her
About Lindsey:
Lindsey helps people integrate physical, mental and emotional health and wellness.
She is a personal trainer, life & business coach and speaker with over 15 years of experience.
Her passion for health and wellness expands to her business coaching as she works with other professionals to build their businesses with compassion and strategy.
Website - www.lindseyheiserman.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/lindseyheisermancoaching
Podcast - https://lindseyheiserman.com/blog/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Listen in to hear a live coaching session where we role-play a salary negotiation - what to say and what not to say so that you claim your worth and showcase your brilliance!
About Alice:
As a values-driven coach, Alice draws on her experience building, motivating, and coaching teams in a variety of environments spanning from large corporations, to small startups. With over 20 years of Program, Project and planning experience Alice brings a profound knowledge of cross-functional effectiveness coupled with a deep focus on building teams in an environment that allows people to bring their best selves to work to achieve their professional and career goals.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-llano-pcc-ccc-b95aa63/
Website: www.cobilitysolutions.com
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
“You’re not going to believe what happened,” Laurie would say about the experiences she had with the caregivers at work, and these experiences ultimately motivated her to begin writing. In her book, Sandwiched, she writes about challenging times, but also the different ways in which she grew. She learned to give herself time to grieve, to follow the love, and to be honest and true to herself about what she wants. Tune in to this twenty minute episode for some insight into lessons that can take a lifetime to learn.
About Laurie:
Laurie James is mother, caregiver, divorcée, turned author and transformative coach. She has successfully launched her four daughters into adulthood and has been the primary caretaker for her elderly parents. Laurie has learned through therapy and other healing programs that she has everything she needs within her to create the life she desires, and she wants to bring that knowledge to other women. She is training to become a Martha Beck certified coach and expects to receive her ICF (International Coach Federation) credential in July 2021. Laurie enjoys coaching women who are searching for happiness and helps them discover what that means to them. An active community volunteer, she co-chairs a youth program for high school students, exposing them to a variety of career paths before they apply to college. She’s also an active member of a collaborative giving circle that pools donation dollars to help Los Angeles-based nonprofits.
Laurie graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a BS in business and held a position as a corporate recruiter before she stayed home to raise her children. She lives in Manhattan Beach with her adopted husky, Lu. When she is not walking her dog, volunteering, promoting her book or coaching, she can be found skiing, sailing, hiking, doing yoga, spending time with my girlfriends or planning her next adventure.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.james.79219754
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.james/
Website: https://www.laurieejames.com/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
To be most effective, your elevator pitch needs to be short, concise, and start with the problem or pain point your potential listener is experiencing. Alternatively, your listener can immediately identify what problem you solve and who you serve.
The most common mistake? Starting with you and not the audience.
The once shy and quiet girl that avoided being seen or heard, is now appearing center stage to help you overcome your hurdles to become the person you want to be! Angela can help you change your programming, break your negative thought patterns so you too can live the life of your dreams! Angela believes that we all can overcome adversity to live a life of abundance and erase all negative thought patterns that keep us stuck. Using her 30 years of experience as a spiritual and Shamanic teacher and healer, and hypnotherapy work, she has developed methods to help those stuck in negative belief systems to become unstuck. Over the years Angela has taught classes and workshops in-person across Canada and online to students around the world. She has been a guest on radio shows in Canada, the US and UK and a speaker at a variety of venues, sharing her life's experiences of overcoming adversity to manifest the life she wants.
www.angelajeffreys.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/AngelaJeffreys333
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelaBlueCrow
Instagram: www.instagram.com/angelajeffreys33
Clubhouse: @angelajeffreys
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Vocal inflection, upspeak, flow, warmth and pace are just a few of the things we talk about in this podcast episode. Your communication style is so important. Awareness is key. We have so many blind spots we don’t even realize it!
Listen as I coach Dara on how she comes across with her voice and her message. Because we’re always our own worst critic, note that we look at the things to celebrate in her style, as well as my suggested improvements for her.
Dara Goldberg is a Life Transitions Expert dedicated to helping women in midlife manage the emotions that naturally arise during life transitions, use this period as a time for immense growth, and design a next chapter that brings them a renewed sense of purpose, value and fulfillment.
Dara holds an MSW in Social Welfare Policy, spent over 15 years advising and raising millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations as a founding partner in a consulting firm and has since helped thousands of women through coaching, courses, writing and public speaking since launching her own business in 2012. She is a frequent contributor to HuffPost, Thrive Global and Forbes. She lives in Philadelphia with 2 stepdaughters, 2 cats, 1 husband, and a super silly dog named Chumley.
Connect with Dara:
Website: http://www.daragoldberg.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daragoldberg/
Instagram: @daradoesmidlife
Email: dara@daragoldberg.com
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos:
Dr. Shawn Horn, also known as The Shame-Busting Psychologist, has 28 years of experience in the mental health field. In today’s podcast, she talks about her experiences growing up, how she flourished in her career, and some of the ways she let go of shame and found success.
- Was there a time when you didn’t feel so confident? As a young child, Dr. Shawn was placed in special education classes and was not given high expectations. However, the moment she was given the opportunity to demonstrate her potential, she ran with it. In community college, she found a passion for learning, and this pushed her to pursue her doctorate degree.
- Reimagining her career: As Dr. Shawn settled into her career, she began to feel that she was using her career as a shame shield. Just when she began feeling burned out, she attended a women’s conference where she had the insight that she was meant to serve the world with her gifts and be her true, outgoing self.
- What would you say to your younger self? Dr. Shawn wouldn’t change anything about her past because she feels like she needed to go through all of those experiences to be the person she is today. Instead, she would comfort her younger self and ease her anxiety by saying: It’s all going to be okay.
Dr. Shawn Horn is a psychologist, TEDx Speaker, author, columnist, educator, TV host, podcaster and founder of Instagram's Psychology Directory and INSPIRED LIVING SCHOOL. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in Washington State where she has a successful private practice and serves as faculty and clinical supervisor at the University of Washington's Medical School's Psychiatric Residency Program. With over two decades of experience in the mental health field she is now bringing the wisdom of the therapy room to larger audiences. You can find her on YouTube, listen to her podcast, Inspired Living, read her column, Connecting the Dots in TOI MAGAZINE, and follow her on social media. Dr. Shawn's mission is to bust through shame, ignite hope and inspire wholehearted living! Her moto is transform from the person you were programmed to be into the person you were designed to be.
Connect with Dr. Shawn
Website: www.drshawnhorn.com
Inspired Living Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inspired-living/id1409283742
Instagram: @drshawnhorn
Facebook: @drshawnhorn
Twitter: @drshawnhorn
Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/drshawnhorn
LinkedIn: @drshawnhorn
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos:
How do you say no to someone you don’t want to be friends with (when they do)? How do you say no to your boss? What’s the best way to do this and what do you need to know first?
Karen covers these highlights:
- Mindset: what’s getting in your way? What’s the “why” behind preventing you from saying no in the first place?
- Priorities: are you intentional about what you want your life to look like? How is that affecting your ability to say no?
- Examples: she gives specific scenarios that many of us face and shares what phrases and words to use to effectively set boundaries for yourself
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Although she grew up with confidence instilled in her as a child from her dad, when she got married she wasn’t allowed to be herself.
Aleta lived in an aura of criticism at home where her first husband actually said: “I’m trying to figure out what’s wrong with you” when she didn’t live up to the “ideal” wife he was expecting. She put on her fake smile and went about her way in the world.
So many women are looking for approval and give up themselves for someone else. Many of us don’t even think to ask, “Who am I?” or, “What do I want?”
We talk about…
- How, as women, we often lose ourselves “gradually, and then suddenly” and what to do about that.
- How she decided she would make good out of her situation and she became a better person through all of the hardship (and how you can, too).
- How the best tip is to choose ONE area of life to change and start there.
Aleta Norris, best-selling author of Women Who Spark and Women Who Spark After 50, loves helping women live their best lives, in spite of the daily overwhelming challenges and uncertainties. Inspired by her own experience as a single mother and busy professional for nearly two decades, Aleta will show you how to create a life you love.
Aleta is especially passionate about helping mid-life women lean into their amazing future selves with commitments to day-to-day extraordinary decisions, goals and habits, designed to help them live a long life of happiness, confidence and purpose.
As a certified Life Purpose® coach, she has been supporting and coaching women for nearly 20 years. She is also the co-founder of Living As A Leader, a national leadership training, coaching and consulting firm.
Connect with Aleta
Women Who Spark Website: www.aletanorris.com
Facebook Community: Women Who Spark Tribe
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WomenWhoSpark
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aletanorris/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/aletanorris
ClubHouse: @aletanorris
Media Page
https://aletanorris.com/about/media/
Women Who Spark Foundation
www.womenwhosparkfoundation.com
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos:
Karen shares two stories of where her confidence started back when she was 18 years old. It involves Mary Kay cosmetics and Arthur Murray dance studio.
Three highlights in this solo episode:
- You have to trick your brain (tune in for what anxious reappraisal is and how to leverage it for YOUR confidence!)
- Be kind to yourself. It takes time to change habits
- Feel the fear and do it anyway!
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos:
Most people aren’t ready when asked to introduce themselves. The one thing we should be ready to talk about is ourselves! Use Karen’s PPU method to be memorable and give structure to your message so you can stand out. In meetings, learn sentence prompts on exactly what to say when you want to interject. She talks about empathy and acknowledgement as a way to do that. Lastly, sometimes it’s hard to deal with difficult audience members. What are the words you could use to diffuse and deflect, and still get your point across.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos:
Highlights:
- After battling with illness for so many years and conquering it, Catherine asks herself: why am I here? She realized that illness can also manifest itself in your outlook on life, so one day she made the decision to put the illness aside and instead begin to be well, to think well, and to live well.
- Humans are born to create and creating can be immensely healing. Catherine reminds us that everyone can create, both physically and mentally, and also that you can create from a lot of different, amazing places. If you don’t feel like you’re in a place of inspiration, create that place for yourself!
- You can’t truly connect to others unless you’re connected to yourself. When it comes to confidence, it's all about what you believe, and you must believe in your own abilities. How do you begin to do this? Become a kid all over again and do the things that bring you joy! When you do the things that make you feel alive and light up inside, you become grounded. This is how you achieve confidence and connectivity with others, and most importantly, with yourself.
About Catherine:
I’m Catherine Grace O’Connell, an Ageism Positivist, An Empowerment Catalyst, the Founder of The Forever Fierce Revolution, a global Facebook Community dedicated to supporting and celebrating the Modern Midlife Woman, and the CEO of Forever Fierce Media, a female-focused message based digital media agency.
Four years ago, my life looked vastly different. I was a woman who almost lost her life to late stage Lyme Disease, disempowered from decades of trauma and abuse. I had no self-esteem, no passion, no purpose, and no future.
What changed?
I changed! My beliefs changed and my life began to dramatically transform. I let go of who I was told to be in order to become the woman I had always desired to be.
I’ve been on a deeply spiritual path for over 25 years. I have my Masters in Spiritual Psychology and a PhD from the University of Rise Like A Phoenix. I’m an energy worker trained in many different modalities. I’ve studied with some of the top spiritual teachers, mystics, and mentors who empowered me to understand true transformation happens from within. I didn’t have a Tribe so I created one! I found my Voice and have no inhibitions to using it.
Our attitudes, beliefs, energy, patterns, and behaviors in the present determine our future. What we think and believe directly affects how we age. Through my life experience, I’ve become an expert at Mastering Modern Midlife and it’s my passion to share what I’ve learned with others.
Connect With Catherine:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/catherinegraceo/?hl=en
FB: https://www.facebook.com/catherinegraceo
https://www.facebook.com/masteringmodernmidlife
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFierce50
Blog: https://catherinegraceo.com/about-cgo/
Confidence E Book: https://catherinegraceo.com/start-mastering-modern-midlife-today/
Forever Fierce Media: https://www.foreverfiercemedia.com/
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
:
Highlights:
- How do you overcome cultural norms that expect you to stay silent? Like many of us, Yon faced this question growing up amid two different cultures: one where you don’t share your opinion unless you’re asked to and another where speaking up and sharing your ideas is highly valued. Yon constantly challenged herself to speak up while balancing cultural peace.
- When trying to influence others, one of the best things to do is to put your ego aside and focus more on the message you’re providing to the group. Wondering about what others think of you and how you’re coming across takes away from the actual message you’re trying to send.
- If Yon could speak to her younger self, she would tell her to not second guess herself. You can begin to accomplish this by being aware of your personal values and feeling connected and grounded to these values. When you trust yourself, you’ll always make the right decision.
About Yon:
Yon Na, Ph.D. is a researcher, consultant, and professor. As an organizational effectiveness consultant, she helps companies enhance performance and employee engagement by applying a scholar-practitioner approach. She specializes in incorporating research, theory, and decades of experience in corporate America to develop solutions.
Yon's 20-year corporate career spans leadership development and organization effectiveness in high-growth companies, including Warner Bros., The New York Times, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, and Nordstrom.
In 2019, Yon founded Radiance HQ, an organization dedicated to the advancement of Asian women in the workplace. Yon developed the Radiance Leadership Development Program, which combines her research on Asian identity, organizational psychology, and her experience working in Fortune 100 companies.
Yon earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. Her dissertation study focused on the experiences of Asian immigrant women and their journeys into corporate leadership.
Connect with Yon:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yon_the_doc/
Radiance HQ - Advancing Asian women at work IG: https://www.instagram.com/radiancehq.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonnaphd/
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
When reflecting on her past, Patricia acknowledges that for the first two years of her consulting career, the desire to always come across the right way and to say the right things actually constrained her from contributing to conversations as much as she would have liked.
Patricia believes that this habit of biting her tongue stemmed from the fear of rejection, but once she was able to overcome this fear, she has learned to be more of a risk-taker.
Ultimately, opening up more opportunities for herself. Patricia is also an advocate for self-awareness and self-knowledge. By being aware that she’s an introvert, Patricia has been able to organize her schedule in a way that’s optimal for her personality.
Five years ago, she left her corporate job to become the founder of Silver Lining Psychology where she teaches businesses how to use the science of positive psychology to achieve greater outcomes. Fun fact: she had two wedding ceremonies!
About Patricia:
Patricia Thompson is an award-winning corporate psychologist, executive coach, and speaker who has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., and many other sites. For almost 15 years, she has advised CEOs and senior leaders to achieve greater success. Five years ago, she left her corporate job to become the founder of Silver Lining Psychology, to teach businesses how to use the science of positive psychology to achieve greater outcomes. Her online courses on emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and leadership have been taken by over 13,000 students in 136 countries.
Connect with Patricia:
Twitter: @Patricia_Atl
Instagram: @psychologysilverlining
www.silverliningpsychology.com
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Succeeding in the film industry was no easy feat. Ashley and Erica reflect on ingrained biases against women and recount difficult interactions with male colleagues. When you're in an uncomfortable situation, communicating and using your voice is key. Knowing what you want and then articulating it in a way that the audience hears you is am entire art. If only we didn't have to expend so much mental energy!
We talk about how sometimes not everyone will like you, but when you are your authentic self, you will find that there is always an abundance of opportunities coming your way. Listen to us speak about how placing yourself outside your comfort zone can help you grow and learn tremendously about increasing your confidence!
About Ashley:
Pioneers in Skirts Director, Ashley Maria, is a filmmaker located in Los Angeles, CA. Ashley received her MFA from the USC School of Cinematic Arts and is known for her work on many feature & short films, new media, and television commercials. When not on set, Ashley is a directing instructor at UCLA’s Film School and a sound instructor at the American Film Institute’s Young Women in Film program.
She is the recipient of the prestigious Directors Guild of America award, and most recently, she was recognized as the “Best New Director” at the DTLA Film Festival.
Connect with Ashley:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsashleymaria/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymaria/
About Erica:
Coming from Philadelphia with no connections to the entertainment industry, Erica booked her first TV show just two weeks after moving to Los Angeles. Over the past decade, Erica has lived her dream, designing graphics for television and film. You can see her work on hit shows like Glee, The Office, Superstore, and most recently Top Chef. After fulfilling her own dream, Erica felt called to help other Hollywood creatives with their dreams, and started a coaching business. Since then, Erica has developed a reputation as Hollywood's Leading Success Coach, and between herself and her clients, they've booked work on over 60 television shows and films on every major network, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more.
Connect with Erica:
Instagram: @hollywoodsuccesscoach
Facebook: facebook.com/hollywoodsuccesscoach
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erica-wernick
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
As a young person, Jessica spread her wings and left home to pursue her dreams with no financial support. Though it took her attending seven colleges to get her bachelor's degree, she did it. With a commitment to perseverance, she bootstrapped her way to success even after several failed businesses. She's a true inspiration and encourages us to do the same.
She encourages us to have a "no cancellation policy" after prioritizing what you want to show up for. Success looks differently for all of us, and she shares that "you can learn it". Listen for her big mistake with a client when she was doing everything behind the scenes at one of the businesses she built with zero experience in the industry.
Check out her new book: I Almost Cancelled: Showing Up when Fear Tells You to Stay Home!
About Jessica:
Jessica is a successful entrepreneur. She has built two multi-million dollar businesses. She leads and coaches over 10,000 female entrepreneurs. Through business, she found a passion to encourage women to pursue their dreams. She has walked out her faith through a 17 year prayer journey to adopt and advocate for orphans. She believes average can be great when you allow God to lead.
Connect with Jessica:
Facebook (personal): https://www.facebook.com/jessica.bettencourt.121
Facebook (business): https://www.facebook.com/jbettencourtspeaker
Instagram: @jbettencourt1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalynnbettencourt/
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Take the plunge at any age! We talk about how we're always evolving and to find the inner flavor of yourself. You can turn your passion into purpose on social media. Just like a recipe, every chef has her hand on it and makes it her own. Find yours and take baby steps to build your confidence. Do it with no expectations and a lot of love. Have fun, be a positive soul and a free spirit!
About Parisa:
Parisa Mirza-Khan is your Social Media “Reading BFF” Book Blogger. Her style is eccentric and avante-garde. It will leave a lasting impression with you.
Parisa joined Instagram in 2019 to share her passion with the world. She shares her thoughts on book selections with her viewers on Instagram and TikTok using the latest trends. She partakes in IGTV, IG Lives, Reels and trends when creating content for her weekly flash book reviews. She empowers her audience and enriches their lives by positivity and the quest to always learn new things.
She has been featured in publications such as Buzz Feed, Bay Area Woman Magazine and Blogs: GlitzandGlossy.com and Stylefav.com. She is also a fashion brand affiliate for LIKEtoKNOW.it
She is a team player and supports her reading community by participating in partnership and collaborations. She has done IG Lives and interviews of authors and supported their books.
CEO/Founder of Enchant by Parisa. In 2020, Parisa launched her company. An online e-commerce shop selling book novelties such as mugs, home decor and exclusive designs that bring awareness to social causes. Partial proceeds of each purchase are donated to social causes. Website: www.enchant.store
Instagram Handle: @enchant_by_parisa
Parisa resides in Silicon Valley with her husband, 3 kids and dog. She is on the board of Development in Literacy. A non-profit organization to help educate Girls in Pakistan.
Connect with Parisa:
Instagram:@bookswithparisa
TikTok: @parisa.mk
LinkedIn: Parisa Mirza-Khan
Twitter: @ParisaMirzaKhan
YouTube: Books and Everything Nice Mirza-Khan
Facebook: Parisa Mirza-Khan
Liketoknow.it App: @ParisaMK
Amazon Affiliate Page:
www.amazon.com/shop/parisamk
📩email: parisa@parisamk.us
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Listen as we exchange stories from being raised in the midwest around conflict. Jenn shares a little about the Enneagram and three conflict styles to notice. We talk about the importance of vulnerability and how that affects culture and how everything comes back to what the real problem is.
Listen to her story about a moment during a speaking engagement when she realized she's really able to help people.
About Jenn:
Jenn Whitmer helps teams and leaders solve conflict and personality clashes. She speaks, writes, and coaches about hard topics with infectious joy. Through working with Jenn, people improve communication, work through conflict, and build self-awareness with the Enneagram. She asks big questions that lead to big dreams and big ideas and big living. Usually, that means laughing.
Specializing in interpersonal conflict resolution, leadership, and the Enneagram, Jenn helps others communicate through difficulty so they can do powerful and connected work.
Jenn has graduate certificates in music education, theology, and leadership along with a Master of Arts in communication and culture from Webster University and certification as an Enneagram coach. Jenn lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, Michael, their four kids, and a cat that puts up with them all.
Connect with Jenn:
jennwhitmer.com
FB: @jennwhitmerspeaks https://www.facebook.com/jennwhitmerspeaks/
IG: @jenn_whitmer https://www.instagram.com/jenn_whitmer/
Twitter: @jenn_whitmer https://twitter.com/jenn_whitmer
LinkedIn: Jenn Whitmer https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer
Medium: Jenn Whitmer https://medium.com/@jenn_whitmer
Clubhouse: @jenn_whitmer
Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacepowerlead/
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Clubhouse: @karenlaos
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Learn from this doctor turned anti-diet wellness expert! There's a social system that's been created that's pressured us to want to get smaller. It's defined us and has played into the guilt and doubt we feel as women about our bodies. "I should be this, I should be that". Toss out the narrative of societal expectations and shame and give yourself permission to just BE. When we let that go we can actually free up the mental space to allow our bodies to do what they were meant to do: function properly.
About Maggie:
Maggie Landes is a board-certified physician, public health nutritionist, and anti-diet wellness expert. She created her signature getEATfluenced® coaching program to help women who are exasperated with chronic dieting, be able to fix their food overwhelm and live a full and unrestricted life pursuing their personal passions without the distraction of rigid eating behavior. She is also the creator and host of “The Eatfluencer Podcast” where she and her guests dig into the mindset work required to construct a healthy, complete, and high-quality life unlimited by the oppression of diet culture.
Maggie’s overt passion to teach about eating, and its relationship to complete health came not from her extensive didactic training, but from the blank space at the intersection of those things.
After decades of subscribing to diet culture, both personally and professionally, a personal battle with cancer at the age of 40 caused her to reframe her perspective, and she now practices and teaches others that the wisdom of the human body and the power of positive thinking are the gateway to healing our relationship with food.
Maggie believes that every woman is influential and worthy, and by empowering ourselves to have confidence and control of our thinking and leaving behind our obsession with dieting, we can show that value to the world.
All of her personal coaching and programs support the Health at Every Size philosophy, the framework of Intuitive Eating, and a weight-inclusive, body neutral approach to health and wellness.
Connect with Maggie:
Website: https://www.maggielandesmd.com
Social media:
https://www.facebook.com/maggielandesmd
https://www.instagram.com/maggielandesmd/
https://twitter.com/maggielandesmd
https://www.pinterest.com/maggielandesmd/
Also newly on Clubhouse moderating “The Anti Diet Collaborative”
Make sure to follow @maggielandesmd on Clubhouse for notifications when Maggie speaks!
Podcast Feed for “The Eatfluencer Podcast” with Maggie Landes MD:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-eatfluencer-podcast/id1537284754?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Jeanne shares that every feeling is valid and speaks to the importance of compassion and communication, especially with yourself.
She talks about how she decided to lean into a sense of self-worth vs. having to prove herself. Her in-the-moment-decision in her early 20's (when faced with a question from a woman almost 30 years older than her) is powerful. Listen to her response!
She tells us: success is liking what you do and how you do it.
About Jeanne:
Jeanne Grabowski is a Career & Brand Strategist helping leaders clarify who they are, what they really want, and supports them in growing their brand profile and platform.
For the past 10 years, she’s supported female founders, creative entrepreneurs and corporate executives bring more clarity, structure, and focus to their vision and leadership methods. Whether career transitions, fast growing small business owners or influencers across industries — one thing remains — she helps them stay true to their most authentic vision and unapologetically execute it.
Fun Facts
- Her major commitment in life is with coffee
- Won Travelocities 65K Trip Around The World in 2012 with a former client
- She was nicknamed J-Oprah since 6th grade
Connect with Jeanne:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannegrabowski/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-grabowski/
Website: www.jeannegrabowski.com
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Christine also suggests you evaluate what you can compromise on and what you can't. Set boundaries and empower yourself. Listen for her two pieces of advice for finding your voice.
She’s the CEO of Sleep Like a Boss where she helps CEO’s, high achievers and miserable insomniacs get a full night’s rest. Who doesn’t want that?
About Christine:
Christine Hansen is a business coach for online coaches who won’t shove another blueprint down your throat. She understands that you want to make a BIG impact, with integrity and making tons of money while you are at it.
Having built a successful online business herself, Christine found out the hard way (i.e. after tons of investments, moon dances and ruined “put your laptop away” vacations) that you have to first do the groundwork and figure out who you are, what your numbers are and then work strategically in order to succeed whilst staying in integrity with your values all along.
She is now a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured in numerous media outlets, such as Forbes, Business Insider, National Geographic, Entrepreneur on Fire and many more.
Connect with Christine:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleeplikeaboss_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleeplikeaboss
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Trust has everything to do with connection. Sue gives us the #1 "secret" to sharing your faith. Listen in for that! Hint: it has everything to do with being focused on your audience! She also talks about how she shared her faith at work for the first time and what it was like to come out of hiding.
About Sue:
Sue Warnke is the Senior Director of Content & Communications Experience at Salesforce, and President of Faithforce San Francisco and Christians@Salesforce networks. After a lifetime as a proud agnostic, Sue began following Jesus in 2017. Now Sue is helping spark a movement of authentic faith in the workplace. She shares best practices for integrating faith and work in her blog, Leanership, which you can subscribe to at: www.leanership.org/subscribe.
Connect with Sue:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanwarnke/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swarnke01/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suewarnke/
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Your voice is the best instrument you have to influence others. There are three common mistakes we make that take away from our presence and credibility:
- Upspeak
- Being soft-spoken
- Using a scripted tone
Listen in to learn how to move beyond these so you can leverage all the power in that beautiful instrument of yours! I'll talk about how to get rid of upspeak, how to project your voice, and how being conversational makes you relatable and allows you to connect with your audience.
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
What are the ways we do this?
1) We let other people define us
2) We hesitate to self-promote
3) We use minimizing language
Listen in to learn strategies on how to build credibility by being clear on the value you bring to an organization, strategically promoting yourself, and how to eliminate words that bring doubt.
I'll share my top tips with stories that show the value of communicating who you are and how to own your value, plus something critical: how word choice plays a HUGE role in your leadership presence. You'll want to eliminate these three from your vocabulary!
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Katy and Melanie (co-owners of Chic Influencer) talk about the power of collaboration over competition and how perfectionism gets in the way of success. They share why their own course, “No More Failure to Launch,” failed (can you say “ironic?!”) and what they learned from that experience.
They help business owners take their business ideas and unique story and effectively market to their ideal client (their book: #MakeChicHappen 52 Week Social Media Game Plan is jam-packed with tools on how to boost your brand!).
About Chic Influencer:
Melanie Mitro and Katy Ursta are the Co-Owners of Chic Influencer. A company that helps business owners take their business ideas and unique story and effectively market to their ideal client. They provide services through their online community, private and small group mentorships, their Make Chic Happen Podcast, live events and their Amazon best seller the #MakeChicHappen 52 week social media game plan.
They come with over 8 years experience in launching, growing and scaling their own network marketing businesses and all of the life and leadership experiences that go with it.
Katy is a busy hockey mom to her boys Nick (9) and Dom (6). She is married to her college sweetheart Mike.
Melanie is a busy baseball and basketball mom to her boys Landon (11) and Bryce (9). She is married to her husband Matt.
Connect with Chic Influencer:
Website: https://chicinfluencer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicinfluencer/
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
I've been in leadership for a long time and have made a lot of mistakes. I'm also celebrating all of the things I did right that made a positive difference in people's lives.
How about you? What are you celebrating and what have you learned? Think about your leadership journey as you listen to my stories today.
Here's a glimpse::
- Stop looking for permission to speak up
- Ask directly for what you want
- Just say "yes"
I'll talk about ways to move past your self-doubt, getting clear on what you want so you can ask for it, and how to seize opportunities that come your way.
About me:
Karen Laos s a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
Are you a leader holding back? What is that costing you? What if you could channel your fear and self-doubt? It’s actually possible. I know, because that’s my story.
That’s what the Ignite Your Confidence podcast is all about.
It’s for women in leadership who want to speak up and stand out. You’ll find both solo and candid conversations with real people sharing vulnerable stories to inspire you with simple tips to step into your confidence.
About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.
Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting
Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting
Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos