Advertise on podcast: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos

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 presentation.   Listen for examples and use these practical tips: Tip #1: They get clear on the outcome. Tip #2: They decide how they want to show up. Tip #3: They regulate their body (breath and posture) Tip #4: They choose simplicity over impressing Tip #5: They trust their experience Tip #6: Preparation creates presence (record yourself on video and watch it back!) Listen for more stories and examples to help you be more confident in your next conversation and be seen as the influential leader that you are.   Favor to AskIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.   Some resources for you: Come to my first-ever retreat! If you’re an executive woman looking to become a more confident communicator and uplevel your presence and ability to command any room, join us HERE. It’s April 30-May 3. Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.   Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos   About me: Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).  Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did." Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission? That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom. I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins. Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™. This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career! 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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

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 go off the rails. What You’ll LearnWhy “Here’s what will work for me” is a powerful, confident phrase that moves conversations forward   How to redirect conversations gracefully without offending or over-explaining  Simple ways to include others and avoid being dominated by one voice  Why silence can be one of your strongest communication tools  How to share a differing perspective without sounding argumentative  The mindset shift behind choosing relationship over being right  Why clarity is kindness — to yourself and to others  How confident communication is about being clear, not loud  Key Phrases to Practice“Here’s what will work for me.”  “Let’s change gears.”  “I’d like to hear what others think.”  “I see it differently.”  “I have another perspective I’d like to share.”  Big TakeawayConfidence isn’t about overpowering others — it’s about clarity, self-respect, and presence. You are allowed to take up space, set boundaries, and communicate your perspective with calm authority. Coaching & PracticeThese are skills that get stronger with practice. Inside Karen’s coaching and group programs, including The Powerhouse, leaders practice these exact conversations in a safe, supportive environment — because senior leaders rarely have space to rehearse real-life communication. Final ReminderYou are worthy of taking up space simply because you exist. Confidence isn’t being loud. Confidence is being clear. Favor to AskIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease. Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos 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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

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 accomplish in 2025?What fun things happened?What were my greatest disappointments?What did I learn?What intention will make me most successful in 2026?What one word will be my focus in 2026?How do I limit myself and how can I stop?What inner qualities would I like to nurture?What external outcomes will demonstrate that these inner qualities are deepening?What’s my “why”?Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial    Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos   About me: Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).  Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did." Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission? That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom. I’m now on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins. Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™. This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career! 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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

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 shifts that help you show up as the most powerful, grounded version of yourself. Your presence matters, and these micro-skills help you walk into any room like you belong there — because you do. Listen in for how to pause effectively, get your message heard quickly, show how to be grounded in your tone, what to do with your shoulders, and how to truly connect with your audience.   Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos 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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

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 declarationTo trust your competenceHow to set internal criteria, not external validation To use boundaries as your backbonePhrases that instantly boost credibilityWhy micro-bravery creates macro-confidence  Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/   Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos   About me: Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).  Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did." Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission? That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom. I’m now on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins. Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™. This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career! 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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

This episode makes asking simple and seamless. Discover practical negotiation strategies, language techniques, and mindset shifts to help you advocate for yourself while maintaining strong professional relationships. You’ll Learn How To:Silence self-doubt and reframe your mindset so it works for you, not against you  Use language and positioning strategies that increase your chances of hearing “yes”  Negotiate with confidence and assertiveness—without damaging relationships  Build your case in advance so you’re fully prepared when it’s time to ask  Tune In If You Want To:Finally stop second-guessing yourself when talking about money  Learn what to say (and not say) when asking for more  Get paid what you’re worth—without the guilt  Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos 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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

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 more. You need to be known for ONE thing. Forget the polished perfection you see online. Discover why messy beats perfect, why people buy you before they ever buy what you're selling, and how showing up authentically (flaws and all) creates the kind of trust that turns followers into clients. You'll learn: The single question that clarifies your entire brand identityWhy vulnerability is your secret weapon for connectionHow to give generously without giving yourself awayThe 15-minute daily habit that multiplies your visibilityWhy consistency matters more than virality (and how to make it easy)If you're tired of shouting into the void and ready to build a brand people actually remember, this episode is your blueprint. Press play and discover what happens when you stop performing and start connecting.   Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos 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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

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. Influence begins with meaning.Lead with stories, not stats. Facts tell, but stories sell. You’ll discover how to use stories that make your message memorable and magnetic.No more data dumping. Too much information overwhelms and disconnects your audience. I’ll show you how to simplify your message so it’s clear, compelling, and easy to act on.Speak to emotion before logic. Emotion drives action. Learn how to tap into what people feel before you show them the data.Invite participation. Influence isn’t one-way. I’ll share how asking the right questions draws people in and helps them take ownership.End with a clear next step. Information informs. Influence inspires action. You’ll walk away knowing how to guide your audience toward what’s next.  ✨ Tune in to learn how to shift from sharing facts to sparking change — and make every message count.   Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos 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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

Welcome Questions – Treat them as a sign of engagement, not challenge. Smile, thank the person, and show openness.  Pause Before Responding – Take a beat to think. It signals confidence and helps you avoid rambling.  Clarify if Needed – If a question is unclear, repeat or reframe it: “So you’re asking about…”  Be Concise and Focused – Give clear, to-the-point answers—don’t drift into a second presentation.  Bridge Back to Your Key Message – Even if the question is off-track, connect your response to your main theme.  Handle Tough Questions Calmly – If you don’t know, be honest: “That’s a great question—I’ll follow up.”  Engage the Whole Room – Repeat the question (briefly) so everyone hears, then answer to the audience, not just the asker.  Set Boundaries – If time is short, let people know you’ll follow up offline for longer discussions.End with a Strong Close after Q&A is over so you wrap it all up in a bow instead of it trailing off, plus you want to remind people what you talked about so it ends with YOUR strong point, not the energy from the last question asked.   Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://portal.karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos 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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

Here are some strategies you can use: Listen First, Understand the “No” Show genuine curiosity about their perspective. Ask questions, listen without interrupting, and validate their concerns to build trust.  Reframe as Collaboration Shift the conversation from your request to a shared solution. Position it as: “How can we make this work together?” instead of “Why won’t you do this?”  Offer Flexible Paths Forward Instead of pushing for one outcome, propose options or smaller steps. This shows respect for their needs while keeping the door open to agreement.  👉 Quick Example: If your boss says “No budget for this project”, you might respond: “I understand. If we could do a scaled-down version that fits within the current budget, would you be open to that?”  Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://portal.karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos 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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

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 identify as one of these?Know your triggers (most difficult people trigger us because of a past situation, not the current one - be aware of what and who triggers you).Respond vs. react - learn the mantra of a client of mine who needed help responding instead of reacting with her team.  Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos About me: Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).  Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did." Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission? That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom. I’m now on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins. Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™. This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!   Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

In this episode, Karen shares 5 simple phrase swaps that: ✅ Remove hesitation from your speech ✅ Boost your executive presence ✅ Build instant credibility with your audience These are quick, actionable, and perfect for meetings, presentations, or interviews. Some resources for you: Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos   Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

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 locked - they just need to be opened. Here are 5 tips: Your mindset - you have to believe that anything is possiblePaint the vision for othersShare the benefits to your audience - how will this help them?Position yourself as the expertPractice in lower stakes situations to build your confidence  Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos   Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

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 found out," pause and remind yourself that these are anxious thoughts, not objective truths. Just because you feel like a fraud doesn't mean you actually are one.Keep a record of your accomplishments. Write down positive feedback, successful projects, and skills you've developed. When imposter syndrome hits, review this evidence of your competence. It's hard to argue with concrete examples of your contributions and growth.Reframe "failure" as learning. Imposters fear being exposed through mistakes, but everyone makes them. Instead of seeing errors as proof you don't belong, view them as normal parts of growth. The most successful people fail regularly—they just learn from it and keep going.Talk to others about it. You'll often discover that people you admire have felt exactly the same way. Sharing these feelings reduces their power and helps you realize how common they are, especially among high achievers who set demanding standards for themselves.Focus on contribution over perfection. Instead of trying to prove you deserve to be somewhere, concentrate on how you can help or add value. When you're genuinely focused on contributing to your team or field, there's less mental energy available for self-doubt and comparison.Reframe your internal dialogue. Instead of "I don't know what I'm doing," try "I'm learning as I go." Replace "I got lucky" with "I was prepared when opportunity came." This shift from fixed self-criticism to growth-oriented thinking can reduce the power of imposter thoughts.  Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos   Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/

Compensation Gaps: Research market rates and come prepared to meetings with your boss. Frame requests around value delivered rather than personal needs. Career Advancement Costs: Document your achievements regularly and present them confidently in your meetings with your boss. Show this value by using examples and metrics. Workplace Dynamics and Respect: Balance warmth and assertiveness with your voice and your expressions. Idea Ownership and Credit: When your idea is overlooked, use the amplification strategy. Ask allies to repeat and credit your ideas in meetings. Avoid hedging when you speak.  Build Your Voice: Speak with conviction, authority, and volume. Add vocal variety to sound more interesting and avoid upspeak (where you say a statement as a question mark).   Some resources for you: Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos About me: Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).  Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did." Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission? That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom. I’m now on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins. Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™. This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!   Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  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 Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.   Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos   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/ Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”:  https://karenlaos.com/book/