ownyourstory

Have you ever done something and thought, “that wasn’t it.” For Karen Haller this phrase came back over and over as she explored new things throughout her life. Until one day it hit her: it's color!

Karen dove deep into all things color and now sheds light on the psychology behind color. Karen’s book, “The Little Book of Colour”, and one-on-one consultations teach others to select colors that reflect them and give confidence.

Listen to how her adventurous spirit led her on some crazy adventures and the value of never giving up - even when things scare you.
 

Tangible Takeaways:

• Embrace the freedom to use color to express yourself authentically.
• Avoid dressing to fit in: dress to reflect who you truly are.
• Don’t waste time worrying about what other people think of you - they don’t have the power to make you happy.
• Take colors and hold them under your chin: notice the impact on your complexion. If it lights you up, wear it and be your radiant self!
• Embrace the journey of discovery. Try new things in your career and experiences. One day something will feel like coming home.
• Remember: finding your place in this world takes time. Give yourself grace on your own journey.

About Karen Haller:

Based in the UK (originally from Sydney, Australia) Karen Haller FRSA, is the leading global expert in the field of Behavioural Design & Colour Psychology. She helps businesses and design professionals to use colour and design to improve well-being, support mental health and create positive change in the world.

Karen consults and collaborates with companies looking for innovative solutions to social problems who seek new ways of improving the human experience in balance with nature. Her clients have included Rockfon, Samsung, Dove, M&S, Salt of the Earth, Huawei and Fiat.

She has also helped hundreds of design professionals around the world to deepen their knowledge of colour through her sought-after colour and design psychology courses.

Karen is the bestselling author of The Little Book of Colour, translated to date in 14 languages and a contributing author for the Colour Design Theories and Applications as well as being an in-demand media commentator and international speaker.

Her mission is to raise awareness of how colour can transform our lives, allowing us to connect back to our authentic self, where did that as a person a brand or the spaces where we live and work.

In her free time, Karen enjoys adventure travels, exploring new cultures and being in nature. 

Connect with Karen Haller:

Website: https://karenhaller.com/  

Free design industry e-book: https://karenhaller.com/free-10-myths-ebook/

Colour & Design courses: https://karenhaller.com/courses/

Little Book of Colour: https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/

Free first chapter: https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/free-chapter/

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial 

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

After listening to this episode you will have 3 tangible ways to step into more opportunities. When practiced consistently, you will be amazed by the doors that open.

In many ways, these tips aren’t revolutionary, but rather subtle power moves that will transform you from a hard-working individual to a leader. Step into the awkward spaces, share your thoughts, and be direct!
 

Tangible Takeaways

• You know those few seconds of awkward silence in a meeting? Everyone is waiting for someone to go first. Let that be you! Speak up first.
• A diplomatic way to share your opinion is to start off with, “here’s my vote” or “here’s what I think”. This will establish you as a leader.
• Ask directly. Be very clear on what you’re asking. Use a direct ask such as: “I have a goal to be ______. My next step is ______. What do I need to do to get there?”

You will find more advice in my book, “Trust Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

Kendel is on a mission to empower women to find their strength and live the life they deserve. As a certified life and career coach, Kendel empowers women to boldly look at their fears, name them, and avoid letting them control their future success.

As a past client of Karen Laos, Kendel shares how she learned to communicate effectively and speak up with boldness. She also explains her own journey of growing up in a male-dominated military family and how she came to find her own voice. Listen and be inspired to step out and speak up in all circumstances.

Tangible Takeaways:

• People can’t read your mind!! Learn how to effectively communicate in order to express what you need.
• Communicate with intention: be clear on WHAT you want to say and HOW you want to say it.
• Avoid waiting for the perfect moment to speak up: instead, create your moment.
• When speaking, imagine you’re having a coffee with a friend! That’s how you want to communicate.
• Resist the urge to speak quickly to get it over with: pause instead! 
• Don’t do this alone. Find your tribe to journey with you.
• Be willing to be rejected so you can be accepted.

About Kendel:

Kendel Paulsen is a Certified Life and Career coach and speaker. She helps women at all stages of life and career to define success on their own terms, discover their life’s purpose, and to lead a life with vision and strategy. With more than 30 years of experience in corporate, non-profit, and Kendel brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his/her coaching work. 

Kendel received her BA degree from the University of Mary Washington and her MA from University of Phoenix. Kendel earned her Board-Certified Coach (BCC) certification from the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) and her Associate Coaching Certification (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She also holds a certification in Career Development Coaching Services (CDCS) from the Institute for Life Coach Training.

Kendel lives in Northern Virginia with her husband of 30 years, and she is the mother of 3 adult children. When Kendel is not working, you can find her hiking or planning for a visit to her children. Kendel can be reached at kendel@purposedrivenlc.com or www.kendelpaulsen.com.

Connect with Kendel:

Website: www.kendelpaulsen.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kendel-paulsen  

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

Ever been on the receiving end of a discovery call and it feels like a sales pitch? This has happened to me twice in the last two months. It’s painful.

In this episode I share my experience of what happened and what to do differently when you’re in the driver’s seat, leading the call. Commit to giving everyone an experience of care, connection and clarity - and transform your next opportunity! I provide specific sentences and questions you can use immediately.

Because the last thing I want for you is to miss an opportunity on your next one!

(Hint: it’s all about them, not you!)
 

Tangible Takeaways

• Start with them. Ask what they want to get from the conversation. This will give you an opportunity to frame the conversation. Address their goal instead of jumping straight into a canned pitch. Always come from a place of care and service.
• Avoid talking too much: focus instead on probing questions.
• Stay on time! If you’re going over, let them know and ask if they have a few more minutes.
• If you did not close the sale, take the opportunity to ask what you could have done better! So many people miss an opportunity to grow in this area.

You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

In this episode Francesca talks with highly respected Positive Psychologist, International Speaker & Best-Selling Author Kezia Luckett, who shares about her journey to reclaiming her voice and connection with the sisterhood after losing her voice - both physically and internally - at the age of 10 when her family moved to a different part of the country, and how this has lead her to be doing the powerful work she does today supporting others to rewrite their future stories by connecting to the truth of who they really are.

Access Kezia's gift here.

Learn more about Kezia's powerful work at her website or follow her on social media: FB, IG

To learn about working with Francesca with your own 1:1 personalised Reconnected Voice Journey program visit www.francescajlittmann.com/voice or book a Soul Voice Discovery Call.

For more inspiration and direct interaction to support you in building a loving and empowered relationship with your voice, join Francesca's Reconnected Voice Journey FB group, or connect with Francesca on Facebook & Instagram.

To learn more about working with Francesca visit www.francescajlittmann.com or contact her at reconnectedwoman@gmail.com to arrange a no-obligation call to see how she may be able to support you on your personal voice journey.

For inspiration and direct interaction to support you in building a loving and empowered relationship with your voice, connect with Francesca on Facebook & Instagram.

You’re standing in a room, surrounded by strangers. Whether it be a networking event, conference, or simply a new position, the fact is clear: it’s your job to make connections. 

If this situation triggers anxiety, listen and learn some tips to help you change strangers into connections. Find out how to insert yourself into a group and how to effectively communicate, even if you’re nervous. Walk into that room with confidence!
 

Tangible Takeaways

• Think of an AUTHENTIC compliment to start the conversation
• Step out of yourself and show interest in them, give them the gift of curiosity.
• LISTEN! Maintain eye contact and ask questions. People love talking about themselves - you will stand out for this skill alone!

You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

Sometimes, the biggest transformation comes from the smallest mental shifts - and Amy proves this to be true!  Amy applies the neuroscience and psychology of human behavior and lifts the veil to reveal what drives our reactions and how to become more intentional. You will be surprised how powerful these small perspective shifts can be.

Discover what drives your desires, why you must assess how you feel, and what it means to become intentional with what you stand for. After listening to this episode you will look at your vision board differently! 
 

Tangible Takeaways:

• Examine the perceptual models that you create for yourself - the beliefs that you hold and the relationship you have with yourself.
• Ask yourself, “what is the feeling I desire?” and identify it. 
• Grab hold of a focus point, something that is bigger than yourself, and intensely focus on that. Your confidence will grow!
• You’re always standing for something, make it a habit to check in and ask, “what am I standing for right now?” Are you standing to be liked, to be right or for something such as connection and generosity? 

About Amy:

Amy Eliza Wong is the founder of Always On Purpose®. She is an executive leadership coach, author, speaker, and facilitator working with organizations such as Airbnb, Salesforce, Roku, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more. Amy offers transformative leadership development and cutting-edge communication strategies to executives and corporate teams around the world, as well as institutions including Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley. She pulls from various disciplines, studies, and practices to find a consilient approach to achieve flow and create profound impact through the three lenses of Self, Relationships, and Results.

As a Conversational Intelligence® certified executive coach with expertise in transpersonal psychology, design thinking, public speaking, and interpersonal neurobiology, Amy has catalyzed transformative growth for hundreds of executives and teams. She has a passion for helping leaders identify blind spots, reclaim precious time, energy and creative bandwidth, and create next level impact. Her new book, "Living On Purpose", released May 24th, 2022.

Connect with Amy:

Website :www.alwaysonpurpose.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyelizawong/

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

When you sit before that hiring manager, it’s common to come in with the perspective of simply answering the questions that are asked. What if you traded that passive role with something more powerful?

You have more control over the conversation than you may think! Listen and discover how you can stand out and showcase your brilliance.
 

Tangible Takeaways

• You’re not at the mercy of the interviewer: you can control the conversation (and sometimes, you need to!)
• Know in advance what you want them to know about you, and make a list of questions you want them to ask. Come prepared! 
• Practice your PPU formula (this stands for personal, professional, and unique.) This will set you apart from the rest right away.
• Show don’t tell: give a behavioral example. Stories of challenges you’ve overcome or examples from past experience help tremendously.

You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

As a recently published author myself, I am excited to celebrate with Rita about her newly published book, “Show Up Positive!” Rita’s career has been all about teams and organizations, helping people come together in the workplace to find common purpose and accomplishments. She wrote her book to help you do the same in your workplace, as well.

If you’ve been struggling to find common ground in your work community, this episode is for you. You will be challenged to be introspective and find the courage to step out and be the positive change you want to see. It starts with us!
 

Tangible Takeaways:

• Culture starts with you. Don’t wait for others to make the change. Be the change.
• Be the coworker you wish you had.
• Find three opportunities to say thank you to someone at work today.

About Rita:

Rita Ernst is an organizational effectiveness consultant, executive coach, and owner at Ignite Your Extraordinary and the author of Show Up Positive. She has consulted at Gap Inc., Humana, Surgical Care Affiliates, and numerous privately held companies to restore teamwork and positive culture, resulting in improved employee morale, reduced operating costs, and increased profit margins. She has been a speaker, trainer, and article contributor for the Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS) national organization and a recurring guest on iHeart Radio's Ask The Experts radio show on WHAS AM 840. Rita holds a Master's degree in Organizational Psychology from Clemson University. She is a former adjunct professor of undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology and business and currently lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Connect with Rita:

Website :https://www.igniteextraordinary.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/igniteextraordinary/?hl=en   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-ernst-positivity-influencer/

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

Captivating your audience is so important, and nothing will tune out your audience faster than a rambling session. Rambling comes in many forms - sometimes it’s too much detail, circling around a topic, or simply rephrasing things over and over. Whatever your rambling style may be, you want to learn how to stop it!


 

Tangible Takeaways

• Notice when you’re rambling, pause, and say out loud, “and my point is this.”
• Avoid the curse of knowledge and eliminate jargon. Speak in plain language.
• If you notice someone else is on a tangent, simply saying “Let’s get back to…” can redirect the conversation.

You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging, and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

In many ways Lisa describes finding her place in the world similar to goldilocks and the three bears: she had to bump around a bit until she settled with the fact she simply needs to be herself. It turns out, that YOU are exactly what the world needs, not someone else.

Lisa delivers many nuggets of truth that challenge you to try on new perspectives, be conscious of how you impact others, and chase after joy intentionally. Lisa also shares how she has created a joy calendar and explains how you can make one as well. Be sure to listen to the end and take Lisa up on her invitation: you’ll be happy you did!

Tangible Takeaways:

• Everything you say and do has a ripple effect, and YOU get to choose what kind of ripple you’ll make.
• View the world from other people’s perspectives, and imagine physically putting on their glasses. It will transform the dynamics!
• Joy is also your job. Create a joy calendar and ensure your life is peppered with moments of joy.
• Celebrate your wins! Find someone in your life who can be your win-detector, or better yet: be someone else’s win-detector.
• Work hard but don’t forget to also play hard. 
•  

About Lisa:

Lisa Even is the Founder of Even Connection. She describes herself as a corporate-world junkie, turned entrepreneur, who is focused on helping people Have Good Ripple Effect through speaking, team workshops, and leadership coaching. Two fun facts are that she has a monthly joy calendar and is on a mission to meet 1 million people.

Connect with Lisa:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-even-have-good-ripple-effect-0778b112/   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evenconnection    

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/even.lisa/

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

We are conditioned to start our presentations with pleasantries because that’s exactly what most people do! Our impulse is to thank everyone and explain how excited we are to be here…avoid doing this!

In this episode, I share three different ways you can start your presentation that will engage your audience. You do not need to be a great storyteller or have funny jokes - in fact, I don’t recommend jokes when presenting. Every presentation has the potential to captivate with some intention and prep.

Tangible takeaways:

• Jump right in with a story, analogy, or statistic. You will stand out!
• You have to earn the right to get their attention. Skip the pleasantries to trigger your audience to think, “I want to listen to this person!”
• Prepare for your presentation by thinking of what you can start with, and practice it.
• Utilize the power of an example to illustrate your data.

You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

Elyse is nothing short of a warrior when it comes to running her business. She built Bloom Bras from the ground up, navigated a male-dominated investing industry, and has had to come back from major setbacks in her business. 

She’s passionate about providing the best bra you’ll ever own, but also reminding you to take care of yourself. It’s like putting money into BAD investments.. it’s not a way to run a business! This applies to our lives as well. Apply your time and energy to good investments, and you’ll reap the benefits.

Tangible Takeaways:

• Take your dream and create the next steps. Now actually take that first step. Confidence comes after you leap!
• Success isn’t linear. When you experience setbacks, grab your “why” and draw new energy to keep moving forward.
• Trust your gut, and go for it!
• Surround yourself with people who have done it already to inspire you
• Be direct, ask questions and be bold.

About Elyse:

Elyse Kaye is the Founder and CEO of Bloom Bras – a line of patented activewear designed to lift vs squish for curvy women.  When the pandemic hit, she pivoted and co-founded SF Pro-Tex mobilizing US- Based factories manufacturing PPE for government entities and corporations.  Elyse has spent her career leading innovation and marketing teams launching dozens of brands and hundreds of product lines.  Recent successes include the turnaround of the Four Paws® Brand for Central Garden & Pet, the launch from the ground up of the House of Marley Brand from HoMedics and the expansion of licensed brands for Black & Decker through her product development consultancy, AHA Product Solutions. Elyse holds several dozen patents.  Elyse was a contributing author in The Product Manager’s Handbook and gives talks around the globe regarding building a brand, bringing innovation to life and female mentorship.   

In her free time, she is a certified fitness teacher and enthusiast.

Connect with Elyse:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bloombras/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bloom.bras  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/bloombras

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

One thing I’ve discovered after coaching powerhouse women across industries, is that the feeling of not being enough is universal. 

Listen and explore four tips on how to remember you’re enough. I share the importance of moving behind passive asks, connecting with your tribe and learning how to let go.

Tangible Takeaways

• Before you ask for what you need, first KNOW what you need.
• If you're not feeling enough, call in your reinforcements! Make connections with those you trust and who can speak truth back to you.
• The comparison game isn’t one you want to play, nobody wins. Whenever it creeps in, take care of it quickly!
• Make a list of things you can control, and things you can’t control. When you’re done, release what you can’t control.

You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

Have you ever realized that you missed an opportunity to claim your worth? 

Maybe you accepted a salary too low or you missed out on getting promoted because you didn’t ask. Amy Valdivia and Rica Ruiz are two powerhouses who understand this deeply and share their stories and advice in today’s episode.

They will encourage you to do the deep work and invest in yourself because that’s where it all begins!

Tangible takeaways from today’s episode:

• Find the root cause of your actions with someone you trust. You can change the narrative!
• Stop making your life harder by believing the lie you have to always “work harder”. Work hard, but fight easy. Meaning: be excellent at what you do, so it is easy to speak up!
• There’s no failure, only feedback
• Write down everything you’re good at, and really look at it. Own your skills!
• Remember, it does not have to be “all or nothing.” Rather, let it be “all or something”
  
   

About Amy:

Amy Valdivia is a California native. She enjoys life with her husband and two children. She’s a businesswoman with over 32 years in the mortgage industry. Today, Amy is an entrepreneur, speaker and author while running a branch for a nationwide lender supporting individuals and families to realize the American Dream of homeownership. Amy’s calling is to serve the community and wanted to do more than attending charity events.  She and found the answer when she became a Certified Divorce Lending Professional. Amy supports divorcing couples and their attorneys alleviating one of the greatest areas of contention: the home financing.  

Amy is a Board member of the Upland Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hospital Foundation. She’s also an active member of Rotary International and Toastmasters International.  As the 2019 Businessperson of the Year for the Upland Chamber of Commerce, Amy is credentialed as a FHA Direct Endorsement Underwriter, Certified Mortgage Advisor, Certified NLP Practitioner and a Certified Divorce Lending Professional.

Connect with Amy:

Website: http://www.homeloanclosing.com  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_valdivia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.valdivia.52

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-valdivia-cdlp-215b6854

About Rica:

The business of real estate utilizes many of Rica's gifts in her mission to serve others. Rica’s client-centered approach delivers unparalleled service, whether you’re a first-time home buyer, a downsizing retiree, a move-up buyer or an investor. Her knowledge, experience, and thoroughness help clients think strategically and holistically about real estate decisions. Rica is an expert contract negotiator. Problems are just roadblocks, and through hard work, expertise and perseverance, Rica finds routes around to help arrive at the end goal.

Rica enjoys helping and giving to others. Professionally, she enjoys her work as an Ambassador for the San Mateo Area and Danville Areas Chamber of Commerce. She is the Chairman of the Board for Generations United, a local non-profit that helps the under-resourced community in Redwood City and loves volunteering in her community. Her favorite pastime, however, is hanging out with her husband, Rob, and watching their son play baseball.

Connect with Rica:

Website: https://www.meraki-realestate.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meraki_realestate/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerakiRealEstate1 - https://www.facebook.com/ricamruiz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricaruiz/  

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

I love talking about how to ask for what you want! This is one area if you get right, will transform everything. When you know how to ask for what you want effectively everyone involved receives clarity and the power to move forward.

In today’s episode I unpack the differences between passive and direct asks. I offer three examples of questions that FEEL direct, but are actually passive. In this episode I share with you moments in my past where I got this wrong and was caught up in the ring-around of passive asks, and I don’t want this for you!

 

Tangible Takeaways

• Ask directly: make it super clear! Passive asks only confuse the matter.
• Let them know what you want, and ask what steps are needed to get there.
• Before you make a direct ask, figure out the W.I.I.F.M - what's in it for me? What’s in it for them?
• A “no” can often be dealt with by asking, “what concerns do you have?” Maybe that “NO” can simply be repackaged as a “YES”

You will find more tips and tricks in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” If you’re interested in joining the launch party to help promote my book, please click here to signup! https://karenlaos.com/book/

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

The words we use matter and can have a huge impact! In my upcoming book, “Trust Your Own Voice” I provide an entire chapter on sentence prompts that you can put in your back pocket and use as needed.

If you want to read the rest, you can purchase my book on June 3, 2022

You always want to be ready with questions or responses that can elevate your influence! 

Tangible Takeaways

• When introducing yourself, have a lead to your story.
• Start your calls by asking, “How can I best support you?”
• When you present an idea or plan, ask, “How does that land for you?”
• When confronted with a rambler or someone giving a lot of unorganized detail, you can ask, “I want to check in, do you want my opinion or do you just want me to listen?”
• Instead of asking, “Why did you do that?” say “What was your logic behind that?” or “Help me understand your reasoning behind that.”
• The most powerful thing you can ask someone is, “tell me more?”

If you’re interested in joining the launch party to help promote my book, please click here to signup! https://karenlaos.com/book/

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

Are you holding back from sharing your ideas? Maybe it’s self-doubt due to fear of judgment, not wanting to rock the boat, or you’re worried about what others will think.

I’ve been there! I struggled with trusting my own voice due to self-doubt–even as a senior leader in the corporate world.

I wanted to be free.

In this episode, I read the first chapter of my book: Trust Your Own Voice: Growing Your Influence through Confident Communication. 

You’ll hear about the meeting I was supposed to be running, but my boss shut it down because I was frozen in my internal conflict. You’ll get a glimpse into my past when my dad taught me to negotiate at flea markets when I was six years old.

I share about the mixed messages I received as a kid: “Speak up! Stay quiet.” Super confusing, right?

I open up about my journey into unshakable confidence - how I got to a point where I didn’t need people’s permission or approval to speak up.. 

My hope is that this inspires you to trust your own voice and be free. The world is waiting for you!

Tangible Takeaways:

• You do not need permission from others to speak!
• “Act as if!” Step into the confidence you want to have.
• You can learn to trust your own voice and empower yourself to do it
• You can heal from whatever is holding you back. It will take time, intention and support, but it’s possible.
• Even when someone disagrees, your ideas remain valid and you are still worthy.

If you want to join the launch team to help promote my book, please click here to sign up! https://karenlaos.com/book/

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

Struggling with a difficult manager may not be new for Kristen, but shrinking back and allowing him to run her over was. Kristen talks about the mindset she lived with for months and how she began the journey of turning the tables and taking back her power.

When reflecting on a season when Kristen gave up her voice and defaulted her power to others, she realized she was taking a child’s posture in an adult role. Defining who she is became the foundation for stepping out and speaking up.

Tangible Takeaways:

• It’s ok to name your RIQ (reason I quit) and put action behind it.
• When someone confronts you with power-play tactics, remember: you are not in competition with them
• Avoid waiting for someone older to come in and rescue you, it is up to you to take action.
• Remember: you are an adult in an adult role! Avoid taking the child’s posture.
• Define who you are and what you want to project in the world. 
   

About Kristen:

Kristen Grant-Evuleocha, also known as Kristen Geez, is the creator of Advising Generation Z. 

Kristen is an Author, TEDx Speaker, Freelance Reporter for the National Diversity & Leadership Conference, and Brand Ambassador for Women That Soar. Kristen holds a BS. in Ethical Leadership, MEd in Leadership & Development, and will begin pursuing her Doctoral Degree in degree in  Leadership and Learning Specialization in Organizational Leadership fall of 2020. 

Kristen is dedicated to building confidence, developing leadership, inspiring unity, and setting high standards for people of all ages.  Her philosophy of creating context and covering events that help develop and empower people, has inspired thousands of adults and children to pursue their personal and professional goals. 

Connect with Kristen:

Website: https://www.advisinggenerationz.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advising-generation-z/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advisinggenz_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agzmentors/

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

What do you do when someone steals the credit for your success?

How do you respond when someone literally closes the door in your face?

Mary Snyder shares these experiences and what she learned about herself through her journey in the corporate world. She had to fight against her Southern gal upbringing and claim her voice, and it was a process.

Mary stopped holding back and continues to be a powerhouse of solutions. She will inspire you to embrace who you are and have the confidence to step up to the table - not silently taking up space, but powerfully contributing!

Tangible Takeaways:

• You don’t need to make yourself feel badly in order to save someone else from feeling badly. 
• Put your foot down (graciously and kindly), don’t be bulldozed by those who are intimidated. 
• Be brave! Ask your boss, “What is the one thing you’d like me to stop doing, to grow?”
• Shift your mindset. You matter. Your voice matters in the conversation.
   

About Mary:

Mary is a podcast host, speaker coach, event planner and tour producer.  She uses her unique skills to help speakers craft a message that matters and take it to the stage.

Connect with Mary:

Website: www.maryrsnyder.com 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryrsnyder/

Podcast: Take the Stage for speakers

About me:
Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.

Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients).

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsulting

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Clubhouse: @karenlaos

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos