Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos
Are you a leader holding back? What is that costing you? What if you could channel your fear and self-doubt? It’s actually possible. I know, because that’s my story. That’s what the Ignite Your Confidence podcast is all about. It’s for women in leadership who want to speak up and stand out. You’ll find both solo and candid conversations with real people sharing vulnerable stories to inspire you with simple tips to step into your confidence.
7 Ways Women Give Away Their Power (and how to take it back)
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 back.
In this episode, you'll discover how to:
Trust your own voice: Stop undervaluing yourself and speak up for what you want and need.Own your accomplishments: Promote yourself without...Executive Presence is a Skill, Not a Personality Trait
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 shares five practical ways to develop Powerhouse Presence™ so your communication matches your expertise.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Confidence is a behavior, not just a feeling. Why you don't have to feel confident to show up...Stop Waiting. Start Asking. 5 Ways to Get What You Want.
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 confidence:
Make the ask. Stop waiting to be invited.Speak with confidence. Conviction changes how peop...Before You Feel Ready: 5 Lessons from Runningman
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 doing hard things, building courage, and the power of community:
1. Do it before you feel ready.
Waiting until you feel completely confident can keep you waiting forever...
How to Bounce Back After Rejection
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 is information, not a verdict on who you are. And remember: you’re not for everyone, and you’re not supposed to be.
You’ll learn how to...
How to Build Trust in Seconds and Influence the Room with Powerhouse Presence™
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 influence the room with Powerhouse Presence™.
1. The Handshake Moment: Trust Starts Before Your Content Does
People experience you before they process what you’re saying. Your posture, f...
How to Command Respect at Work (Without Being the Loudest Person in the Room)
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 shared their opinion. Contributing early positions you as someone who helps shape the conversation rather than simply reacting to it.
2. Stop Over-Explaining
Lengthy explanations often sound like you're seeking permission. Learn how...
How NOT to Ask for What you Want
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 willing to hear either yes or no with grace. Discernment is what separates confidence from pressure. Don't bury the ask. Stop spending minutes explaining the backstory before you get to what you actually want. Le...The Courage to Be Disliked (Part 2)
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 learn how to:
Pause before saying yes. Give yourself time to respond instead of reacting from guilt or people-pleasing. Stop explaining your decisions. A clear, respectful answer is enough, you don't owe...The Courage to Be Disliked (Part 1)
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 yourself—even when not everyone agrees.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Ask yourself, "What's the cost of being liked?" Before staying silent or saying yes when yo...How to Build Relationships Through Networking
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 will help you network with confidence and intention.
The truth is, the best networkers aren’t the people working the room or talking the most, they're the people building real relationships.
In this episode, I’m sharing 6 practi...
The Perfect Comeback: What to Say to Condescending or Awkward Comments
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 becoming defensive, escalating the situation, or shrinking yourself.
You'll learn simple phrases that help you maintain your authority, set boundaries, and protect your peace when someone says something that leaves you speechless.
...
The Cost of Talking Too Much (and how to fix it)
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, or communicating in everyday conversations, this episode will help you say less and make a bigger impact.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✨ Why more words often equal less...
Unshakable in Life’s Storms: The Power of Hope through Community
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 conversation will shift how you think about hope. Because hope isn’t always something you feel, it’s something that can be carried for you until you’re strong enough to hold it again...
The Hidden Cost of Indecision
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 a powerful reframe: decisive leaders aren’t always right, but they are trusted. And trust is built through movement, not perfection.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why indecision doesn’t pr...3 Steps to Convert Self-Doubt into Strategic Momentum
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 waitingSimple Framework
Label the doubtWhat fear is driving it? Challenge it with evidence
What past wins prove this isn’t true? Take one small step forward
What’s the next simplest action you...
The Power of Possibility: Expanding What You Believe Is Available to You
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 shift out of default thinking, speak with greater authority, and open new pathways for growth, influence, and impact.
✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How to recognize where you’re unin...The Language Shift That Instantly Elevates Your Presence
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, replace problem-focused language with solutions, and build stronger self-trust through the words you use every day—elevating both your executive presence and leadership communication.
Speak toward what you want, not what you fear.
Direct your la...
Self-Trust: The Secret to Commanding Any Room
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 show up with calm certainty, clear thinking, and authority.
5 Practical Ways to Strengthen Self-Trust
1. Make Decisions Without Over-Collecting Opinions
2. Stop Replaying Conversations After They’re Over
3. Speak Before You Feel 100% Ready
...
Why Smart Women Still Shrink in High-Stakes Rooms and How to Stop
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 presence when it matters most.
You’ll learn the three most common ways accomplished women unintentionally diminish their impact: over-explaining, softening the ask, and waiting to be invited into the conversation. More importantly, you’ll d...
What Confident Leaders Do Before They Speak
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...
How to Speak up for Yourself in Tense Moments
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 Learn
Why “Here’s what will work for me” is a powerful, confident phrase that moves conversations forwardHow to redirect conversations gracefully without offending or over-explaining
Simple ways to...
Create Your Best Year Yet: 2026
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 202...5 Micro-Behaviors That Instantly Boost Your Credibility
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...
Grant Yourself Permission - Stop Waiting
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
...Negotiation Strategies to Get Paid What You Want
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 youUse 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-gues...Stand out with Your Digital Presence
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...Stop Informing. Start Influencing.
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...
Handling Q&A with Confidence
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 questio...
Turning a “no” into a “yes”
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 you...
Dealing with Difficult People (successfully!)
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 & W...
5 Power Phrases to Boost Your Confidence and Authority Instantly
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://ww...
Open More Doors and Unlock Opportunity
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 tip...
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
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...The Cost of Silence and What to Do About it
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 V...
How to Be Memorable at Work
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 curious about others. Ask thoughtful follow-up questions and remember details from previous conversations. When you show real interest in someone's work, hobbies, or challenges, they'll remember how you made them feel heard. People forget what you said but remember how you made them feel.
Be fully present when you're with people. In a world of distraction, giving someone your complete attention is increasingly rare and powerful. Put away devices, l...
Say Goodbye to People Pleasing
Ever wonder how you’ll ever stop people-pleasing and say yes to yourself instead? This episode is for you!
How to Think on Your Feet
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. Even for the most well-prepared moment, someone will ask a question or comment that derails your entire thought process, and you’re left with only one option: to think on your feet. Listen to this episode for tips on handling these circumstances with confidence.
Tangible Takeaways:
Ask these two framing questions when something unexpected occurs: ask, “what’s needed here?” and secondly, “what’s required of me.”The key to thin...6 Tips to Influence Up & Advocate for Yourself at Work
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, promotion or to attract any new opportunity. These six tips will help you get there faster.
Build credibility with consistent excellenceDeliver exceptional results consistently to establish yourself as reliable and valuable. When leaders trust your work quality and judgment, they're more likely to consider your ideas and recommendations. Recognize that you have specialized knowledge or frontline insights that leadership lacks. Share these perspectives confidently.Understand your...
5 Communication Strategies for Handling Someone Who Talks Over You
5 Communication Strategies for Handling Someone Who Interrupts or Talks Over You
Hold your ground calmly but firmly. When interrupted, pause briefly, then say something like, "I'd like to finish my thought before moving on" or "I wasn't quite done with my point." Use a neutral tone that's assertive without being confrontational.Have a private conversation. Address the pattern outside of group settings: "I've noticed that I'm often interrupted during our discussions, and I'd appreciate the chance to fully express my ideas. Could we work together on this?" This approach avoids public embarrassment while addressing the issue directly.Use...