Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos
Episodes
The Hidden Cost of Indecision
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Indecision isn’t neutral, it’s expensive. In this episode, Karen breaks down how hesitation shows up in leadership and why waiting for certainty i...
3 Steps to Convert Self-Doubt into Strategic Momentum
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Self-doubt isn’t something to eliminate—it’s something to use. In this episode, Karen shares how high-performing leaders turn doubt into forward...
The Power of Possibility: Expanding What You Believe Is Available to You
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if the real limitation isn’t your ability—but what you believe is possible? In this episode of Ignite Your Confidence, Karen explores how exp...
The Language Shift That Instantly Elevates Your Presence
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The words you choose shape more than your message—they shape your confidence, influence, and leadership presence. In this episode, Karen explores ho...
Self-Trust: The Secret to Commanding Any Room
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You can be experienced, prepared, and highly capable—and still find yourself second-guessing your decisions, replaying conversations, or looking to ...
Why Smart Women Still Shrink in High-Stakes Rooms and How to Stop
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You can be smart, experienced, and successful—and still find yourself shrinking in high-stakes conversations. In this episode, we unpack why this ha...
What Confident Leaders Do Before They Speak
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Karen shares 6 tips on what confident leaders do before they speak and how you can, too. These are things to do before even walking i...
How to Speak up for Yourself in Tense Moments
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Karen shares practical, real-world phrases and mindset shifts to help you hold your ground in conversations, redirect when needed, an...
Create Your Best Year Yet: 2026
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Here are the questions:What did I accomplish in 2025?What fun things happened?What were my greatest disappointments?What did I learn?What intention wi...
5 Micro-Behaviors That Instantly Boost Your Credibility
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
These 5 micro-behaviors are small, but they have an outsized impact on how others perceive your confidence, clarity, and leadership. When you start us...
Grant Yourself Permission - Stop Waiting
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re ready to own the room, speak up, command respect and project authority, this episode lights the spark. Tune in to step into your voice—n...
Negotiation Strategies to Get Paid What You Want
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode makes asking simple and seamless. Discover practical negotiation strategies, language techniques, and mindset shifts to help you advocate...
Stand out with Your Digital Presence
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're cutting through the noise to reveal the counterintuitive truth about building a magnetic personal brand: You don't need to do m...
Stop Informing. Start Influencing.
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Here are 6 tips you’ll learn:Start with why it matters.Don’t just explain what something is — connect it to why it matters to your audience. Inf...
Handling Q&A with Confidence
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome Questions – Treat them as a sign of engagement, not challenge. Smile, thank the person, and show openness. Pause Before Responding – Take...
Turning a “no” into a “yes”
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Here are some strategies you can use:Listen First, Understand the “No”Show genuine curiosity about their perspective. Ask questions, listen withou...
Dealing with Difficult People (successfully!)
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Newsflash - we are all difficult at times!Be mindful of the four types (the controller, the people pleasers, the pessimists, and the victims). Do you ...
5 Power Phrases to Boost Your Confidence and Authority Instantly
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Karen shares 5 simple phrase swaps that:✅ Remove hesitation from your speech✅ Boost your executive presence✅ Build instant cred...
Open More Doors and Unlock Opportunity
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you want more opportunity, but you think it’s going to find you, think again! You have to recognize that doors you think might be locked, are not...
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Here are 6 tips:Recognize the thoughts and feelings as separate from facts. When you catch yourself thinking "I don't belong here" or "I'm going to be...
The Cost of Silence and What to Do About it
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Compensation Gaps: Research market rates and come prepared to meetings with your boss. Frame requests around value delivered rather than personal need...
How to Be Memorable at Work
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you wonder how you can stand out, be remembered and get more opportunities, listen to these 5 tips that you can immediately apply! Be genuinely cu...
Say Goodbye to People Pleasing
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder how you’ll ever stop people-pleasing and say yes to yourself instead? This episode is for you! Set small boundaries first. Start with l...
How to Think on Your Feet
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In an ideal world, everything goes as planned. Everyone asks the questions you expect and nothing throws you. You and I both know this is not the case...
6 Tips to Influence Up & Advocate for Yourself at Work
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Influencing up is a critical skill to moving up in our careers. We need to be intentional and strategic if we want to be more visible for a new role, ...
5 Communication Strategies for Handling Someone Who Talks Over You
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
5 Communication Strategies for Handling Someone Who Interrupts or Talks Over YouHold your ground calmly but firmly. When interrupted, pause briefly, t...
5 Tips for Empathy at Work
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to build relationships, increase trust and be seen as an influential leader, you’ll want to practice empathy. Sometimes it escapes us, a...
5 Ways to Advance Your Career
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are strategic things we can do to advance - the key is to be intentional and make a plan! See below for 5 ways to do it!Build a strategic skills...
Your Communication Blind Spots
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are many habits we don’t even realize may be getting in our way and hindering our ability to advance. But what are they? Being confusing inste...
10 Tips to Calm Your Nerves
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know how you get those butterflies before speaking in a meeting or making a presentation? Listen to these 10 tips to reduce your anxiety and calm ...
Career Advancement Success Stories
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some people who advance make it look so easy, and yet successful people are strategic. You can be, too. Karen shares both strategies and lessons we ca...
5 Tips to Build Confidence
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up or doubted how you come across, you’re not alone. Building confidence doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a...
3 Ways You're Giving Away Your Power at Work (and How to Take it Back)
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You may not even realize that you're giving your power away. Listen in to hear three common mistakes women make and how to do something about it!What ...
How to Advocate for Yourself at Work
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the phone with a distraught client last week, I was reminded of the assumptions we make and how doing this holds us back. The stress from these ass...
The Confidence Cocktail™
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to show up with confidence, use these communication tips from The Confidence Cocktail™ that will help you get there. Take a walk through...
Your Best Year Yet
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by the book Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler, join me as I walk through 10 questions to help you reflect back on 2024 and look ahead to 20...
3 Strategies to Speak Up and Be Heard in Meetings
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For too long I didn’t speak up when I wanted to, even though I was in a leadership role in my company, working for industry leaders like Google, Net...
How to become a Clear, Compelling and Credible Communicator
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is the best way to influence and get buy-in when you’re speaking to others, be it a big audience or small, conference room or boardroom, peer m...
How to Stand Out when Introducing Yourself at Work
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Never be stuck with what to say when someone asks you to introduce yourself! Listen to this episode for my PPU formula so you’re never thrown off gu...
How to Eliminate um’s
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Want to eliminate your “um’s” once and for all? You’ll find 6 tips to do it on this episode! We’ll talk about what gets in the way and how t...
3 Ways We Give Away Our Power (and How To Take it Back!)
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Or people pleasing, fear of judgment, and trying to be all things to all people. You might be giving your power ...
5 Tips to Command Any Room
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever been tongue-tied in a meeting, or simply wanted to project more credibility? Don’t let self-doubt silence you. Learn concrete communication str...
How To Ask For A Raise At Work (And Finally Get It!)
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most women don’t ask. It’s time for you. If you’ve been hesitant or nervous about asking for a raise but know you want to land that pay increase...
How To Stop Rambling Once And For All!
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary: If you’ve ever caught yourself rambling and wondered, “how do I get out of this?!” this episode is for you. Here’s a sneak peek:Leve...
How to Ask For & Get ANYTHING You Want! (Even If It’s Not Yet An Option!)
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You might not think that getting anything you want is possible for you, but I’m living proof that directly and strategically asking for what you wan...
The 3 Most Important Elements of Building Your Personal Brand
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Who are you? It’s not a question we think about a lot, but we’re always creating our brand based on how we’re coming across in the world. Do you...
7 HUGE Mistakes Presenters Make (And What To Do Instead) | Public Speaking Tips You NEED To Know!
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all experienced bad presenters and it’s sometimes impossible to sit through those talks. We never want to BE that person, and I want to help...
5 Ways To Increase Your Visibility At Work: Stand Out & Get Promoted!
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Karen Laos dives into essential strategies for increasing your visibility at work. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful advice, ...
How To Get Selected For A TED Talk! 7 Strategies You NEED To Know!
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The secrets are finally revealed, directly by yours truly, a TEDx talk speaker coach! We are uncovering 7 essential strategies to help you land a cove...
3 Words and Phrases That Are DESTROYING Your Credibility (& What To Say Instead!)
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I know it sounds crazy...but just using these phrases (even by accident) can be undermining your credibility, making people second-guess you and your ...
3 Ways to Leave a Legacy
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Pay attention to the experiences you create for others, whether it's in person, over the phone, or via email. Consider how you want...
Coping with Kidney Failure
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Recognize what you can control and that you can’t control the actions or health of other people. Especially those suffering from ...
Ask For What You Want With Sarah Johnson
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Try implementing "20 seconds of courage." For 20 seconds take those initial steps, whether it's asking for a raise, starting a conv...
5 Tips to Be Memorable
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Actively engage in conversations by asking open-ended questions and pausing to listen attentively.Imagine that everyone has a sign ...
Break the Rules On Purpose with Heather Whelpley
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Look at all the rules that you’ve been handed, and ask: which of these do I want to keep carrying with me and which ones do I wan...
How to Communicate with Clarity
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Communicating with clarity takes intention!Your audiences need structure to know where you're headed and what you're doing. Otherwi...
Spiral Up with Karen Fullerton
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:You’re a spiritual being on a human journey, and that intersection between the two requires emotional learning. It's learning how...
Stop Leaving Money on the Table
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Remember: people want to be pursued!Follow up beyond your comfort level. With high ticket offers, you need to follow up a minimum o...
Mindset for Success with Riana Milne
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When you work on your mindset, teach your children along the way! You can transform both your life and the lives of your children.Research shows eight...
4 Qualities of an Influential Communicator Part 1
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:The goal is to project the image that you want to project.Have a point, and stick to it! You can do this by deciding your point in ...
Fearlessly Build a Business with Nicole Grinnell
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:When fear starts to creep in, ask yourself. “what’s the worst that can happen?” Uncovering this helps you take a chance and l...
Let Your “Why” Guide You with Ashley Russo
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Often when we are stuck, it’s because we’re not making a decision. It is better to decide and move forward than stay stagnant! ...
Behind the Scenes of Tedx with Roya Bashier
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
TEDXMinneapolis will be on August 12, 2023. Click HERE to purchase your tickets!Tangible Takeaways:Remember the power of teachers and leaders - they h...
5 Secrets to Business Success
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Expect good things to happen! This has been the #1 contributor to my success, it transforms your posture and energy, and you see th...
Resist the Urge to Give Your Power Away with Jennifer Hill
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Resist the urge to give your power away. Step into your power.It can be common to fall into the trap of taking a backseat to strong...
Body Language Do's & Don'ts
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Think about expanding your presence. We’ve been culturally conditioned to make ourselves physically smaller, and this needs to st...
See Yourself in Brilliant Light with Ivy Slater
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:See your brilliance and own it sooner. This does not mean you should be arrogant, but rather embrace your expertise now. Don’t wa...
3 Things to Say Instead of "I'm Sorry"
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Women are culturally conditioned to apologize! Even though I teach this, I have to catch myself from apologizing, as well. Habits a...
Get Out of Your Head and Into the World with Kelli Thompson
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Women often don’t speak up because we think we need more experience, education, seniority, or fill-in-the-blank before we share o...
How to Be an Inclusive Leader
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Imagine people walking around with this sign on their forehead that says, “Make me feel important,” and you’ll find yoursel...
The Discipline of Showing Up with Teresa Rand
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Keep in mind: it's not personal. It’s about them and what they’re trying to say. This is why understanding communication styles...
Don't be Jealous. Be Inspired to Take Action
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There I was, in a yoga class, working hard to configure myself into the instructed pose. I glanced at the woman beside me in awe: how is she doing tha...
Picture Your Success with Sharon Shannon
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Think bigger - we can always do better than where we are. It doesn't matter what we do or how much progress we made (or lack thereo...
Surviving Trauma Through Breathing with Tsikki Thau
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Remember, when communicating, we deliver a feeling behind our words. People can feel what we’re saying.Gratitude recognizes tha...
Hype Women Up with Erin Gallagher
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Confidence has so much to do with clarity: be clear about where you stand on things and who you are. With clarity in hand, confiden...
How to Get What you Want on Mother’s Day
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
1. How does a mom get what she wants on Mother’s Day? Ask! First, though you have to decide. What do you truly want? What would make it the best mot...
Uncover Your Potential Through Mentoring with Missy Chicre
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:You have just one life, how do you want to live it?Be intentional and design the life you want.Make choices unapologetically.Dictat...
The Power of Writing Down Your Goals with Maria Maldonado Smith
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Get out a piece of paper and write down the top three things that you want to do with your life: get it out of your head and on pap...
Master your Mindset: A Journey from Brain Dead to Fully Alive
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:What's the worst that could happen when you speak up versus when you don't speak up? Even if you’re rejected, it’s ok! A “no”...
A Resilient Journey to the C-suite with Lori Kiel
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Learning how to lead begins with the willingness and ability to follow. You learn the good and the bad by watching others, and that...
The Power of Eye Contact
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Eye contact is critical for connection. Every time we communicate we have a powerful opportunity to connect with a tool most of us ...
Tell Your Story with Strategy with Brielle Cotterman
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Be courageous and share your story. You have a story worth sharing even when you believe your life isn't interesting enough.The fir...
Rise Above the Blame Game
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Remember: we’re accountable for our own actions.When the blame game begins, pause and look at yourself and ask, “What do I need...
BOLD Leadership with Laura Barnard
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Part of becoming a great leader requires understanding your unique skills and experiences to help relate to others and create the m...
Recognizing and Escaping Abuse with Sabrina Victoria
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Never underestimate the power of research and knowledge. If you have a need or question, seek to find the answer! It may be your pa...
How to be Taken Seriously
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Assume you have permission to lead: step out and go for it!Speak with conviction, and have a declarative tone. People will take you...
How to Stop People Pleasing
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Remember where people pleasing often comes from - desiring for everything and everyone to be ok. First, acknowledge that you’re...
What to do When People Don't Understand You
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Speak louder - when we speak louder, it takes intention and attention to do this, forcing you to slow down and articulate. When yo...
Negotiate with Confidence
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do you accomplish this? Everything comes down to how you prepare and position yourself, from mindset, body posture, and the words you say. Listen ...
The Betrayal of Burnout with Kelley Bonner.
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kelley shares why burnout is a betrayal and how to recognize the symptoms in yourself and others. Listen to how businesses can protect employees from ...
Thinking On Your Feet
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Ask these two framing questions when something unexpected occurs: ask, “what’s needed here?” and secondly, “what’s requir...
Celebrating 100 Episodes with Heather Fison and Dani Ha
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
When Something Triggers You
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Remember my wise friend’s words: “Being triggered is an opportunity to grow and learn about yourself”Spend some time to know ...
Lead with Service with Terri Leckas
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Terri shares how she gave herself the freedom to be the boss in her own way. Listen and learn how Terri’s self-taught entrepre...
How to Give Feedback
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As you prepare to give feedback, remember that your perceived idea of potential conflict is fiction until it becomes fact. Not all potential conflicts...
The Importance of Celebrating Wins
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tangible Takeaways:Celebrating matters because it reinforces what we want to continue doing and brings in others as a witness to our strengths. It als...
Listening Tours to Transform Your Team with Hillary Miller
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hillary shares the logic behind “listening tours” and why she intentionally separates her identity from her profession. Leading a team is an art t...
Expanding Diversity to be Fully Inclusive With Ruth Rathblott
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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. R...
How to Engage People on Zoom
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 automat...
Tired of Hiding the Real You? With Erica Goode
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...