ownyourstory

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/

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