Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos

Are you giving away your power without even realizing it? From downplaying your accomplishments to over-apologizing and saying yes when you really want to say no, seemingly small habits can quietly undermine your confidence, credibility, and influence. In this episode of Ignite Your Confidence , Karen Laos reveals seven common ways women give away their power and, more importantly, how to take it...

Executive presence isn't something you're born with. It's a skill you can develop. Yet careers are being decided by subjective qualities like charisma, gravitas, and confidence. What if you could break executive presence down into tangible behaviors that build trust, credibility, and influence? In this episode of Ignite Your Confidence , Karen challenges the myths around executive presence and sha...

What do you want that you haven’t asked for? A promotion. More money. More flexibility. A bigger opportunity. Too often, we talk ourselves out of asking before anyone else even has the chance to say yes. We worry about being judged, rocking the boat, or hearing no. But here’s the thing: if you don’t ask, the answer is already no. In this episode, I’m sharing five ways to ask for what you want with...

After my RunningMan experience, I walked away with lessons that went far beyond physical endurance. It reminded me that confidence isn’t about knowing you can do something before you begin. It’s about taking the first step, surrounding yourself with people who expand what you believe is possible, and discovering what you’re capable of along the way. In this episode, I’m sharing five lessons about...

Rejection is part of business, leadership, and life. Whether you didn’t get the promotion, the client said no, your idea wasn’t chosen, or an opportunity went to someone else, it can sting. But a “no” doesn’t have to shake your confidence or make you question your value. In this episode, I share practical ways to bounce back from rejection, learn from it, and keep moving forward. Because rejection...

People decide whether to trust you before they’ve had time to fully evaluate your expertise. Before they process your words, they’re reading your energy, pace, posture, eye contact, and certainty. The question is: Does the way you show up match the brilliance you bring? In this milestone 200th episode, I’m sharing seven practical ways to build trust quickly, strengthen your credibility, and influe...

Respect isn't something your title automatically earns. It's something people decide through every interaction they have with you. In this episode, Karen shares seven practical communication habits that help you command respect, build credibility, and strengthen your executive presence, without changing who you are. In this episode, we cover: 1. Speak First Don't wait until everyone else has share...

Many people don't miss out on opportunities because they aren't qualified, they miss them because they don't ask effectively. In this episode, you'll learn how to strengthen every request you make. In this episode you’ll get five tips: Be discerning, not pushy. Confidence isn't demanding or entitled. It's knowing when an ask is appropriate, respecting the other person's perspective, and being will...

In Part 2 of The Courage to Be Disliked , we're moving from mindset to action. If you've ever said yes when you meant no, over-explained a decision, or worried about disappointing someone, this episode is for you. I'm sharing five practical communication habits that will help you stop seeking approval, trust yourself more, and show up with greater confidence and clarity. In this episode, you'll le...

How much of your life is driven by the need to be liked? In this episode, I'm sharing why the courage to be disliked is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. When you stop seeking everyone's approval, you make room for confidence, authenticity, and the kind of leadership that earns respect. You'll walk away with five practical strategies to help you speak up, set boundaries, and trust y...

While it can feel awkward for some, it doesn’t have to! In my book, networking is about building meaningful relationships. Listen for six simple, powerful networking strategies to help you connect authentically, deepen relationships, and create opportunities that actually lead somewhere. Whether you're attending a conference, industry event, or meeting someone new over coffee, these practical tips...

Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, "I wish I had said something" ? Whether it's a condescending remark, an inappropriate comment, or a socially awkward moment that catches you off guard, knowing what to say in the moment can feel impossible. In this episode, I share practical, powerful responses you can use to navigate uncomfortable conversations with confidence, without becom...

Ever been trapped in the meeting that never ends, or the person who can’t seem to land the plane? In this episode, Karen unpacks the hidden cost of talking too much, and why even smart, successful people do it. You’ll learn how overexplaining and overtalking can unintentionally weaken your authority, dilute your message, and cost you influence. Whether you’re leading meetings, speaking on stage, o...

What happens when life doesn’t just challenge you, but it completely upends you? In this episode, Karen and her husband Chris share their five-year journey through kidney failure, dialysis, and ultimately a life-saving transplant (through a chapter they wrote in the book Unshakeable). What began as a medical crisis became a profound lesson in resilience, faith, and the power of community. This con...

Indecision isn’t neutral, it’s expensive. In this episode, Karen breaks down how hesitation shows up in leadership and why waiting for certainty is often the very thing costing you opportunities, confidence, and influence. If you’ve ever overthought a decision, delayed action, or stayed quiet when you knew you had something to say, this episode will challenge you to move differently. Karen shares...

Self-doubt isn’t something to eliminate—it’s something to use. In this episode, Karen shares how high-performing leaders turn doubt into forward movement by breaking it down and taking intentional action. Key Takeaways Self-doubt is a signal, not a stop sign Clarity comes from naming the fear behind the doubt Confidence builds through evidence and action, not waiting Simple Framework Label the dou...

What if the real limitation isn’t your ability—but what you believe is possible? In this episode of Ignite Your Confidence , Karen explores how expanding your sense of possibility transforms the way you think, speak, and lead. Many high-achieving professionals unknowingly operate within self-imposed limits that shape their decisions and hold them back from bigger opportunities. You’ll learn how to...

The words you choose shape more than your message—they shape your confidence, influence, and leadership presence. In this episode, Karen explores how positive language strengthens communication and leadership impact. Many accomplished professionals unintentionally weaken their message by focusing on problems, hesitation, or what could go wrong. You’ll learn simple shifts to speak toward outcomes,...

You can be experienced, prepared, and highly capable—and still find yourself second-guessing your decisions, replaying conversations, or looking to others for validation. In this episode, we unpack what self-trust really is, why so many accomplished leaders struggle with it, and how it directly impacts your executive presence and influence. You’ll learn practical shifts to strengthen self-trust so...

You can be smart, experienced, and successful—and still find yourself shrinking in high-stakes conversations. In this episode, we unpack why this happens to so many accomplished women and why it has little to do with competence. You’ll learn the subtle communication habits that quietly give away authority—and practical shifts you can use immediately to show up with calm certainty, clarity, and pre...

In this episode, Karen shares 6 tips on what confident leaders do before they speak and how you can, too. These are things to do before even walking in the room to present or have a conversation. Learn how Karen’s failure in one of her first corporate training presentations was the catalyst to put a fire in her to realize the value of preparation, changing her behavior and results in her next pres...

In this episode, Karen shares practical, real-world phrases and mindset shifts to help you hold your ground in conversations, redirect when needed, and communicate with calm confidence — without being confrontational or shutting others down. You’ll learn how to protect your time, set boundaries gracefully, and stay grounded even when dealing with over-talkers, poor listeners, or conversations that...

Inspired by the book Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler, join me as I walk through 10 questions to help you reflect back on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, starting with celebrating! And ending with a letter to yourself, written as if it’s December 2026. *** Note: this is a replay from 2024 so that’s why I’m referencing different years - the info is still solid! Here are the questions: What did I ac...

These 5 micro-behaviors are small, but they have an outsized impact on how others perceive your confidence, clarity, and leadership. When you start using them consistently, people don’t just hear you… They trust you. They follow you. They feel influenced by you. The best part? You can start practicing them today! No extra time, no extra preparation, no extra talent required. Just a few intentional...

If you’re ready to own the room, speak up, command respect and project authority, this episode lights the spark. Tune in to step into your voice—no permission required from anyone else but you. You’ll learn: How to swap permission with declaration To trust your competence How to set internal criteria, not external validation  To use boundaries as your backbone Phrases that instantly boost credibil...