Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos

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

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,

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 pr

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 strengt

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 disap

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. W

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 stra

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 awkwa

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

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 kidne

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 c

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 d

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 po

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 s

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.

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 accom

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 presen

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 c

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 ce

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 consistentl