ownyourstory

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

1. 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.

2. 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!

3. 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?”

4. 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.

5. 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!

6. 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