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 2025, starting with celebrating! And ending with a letter to yourself, written as if it’s December 2025.

Here are the questions:

1. What did I accomplish in 2024?
2. What fun things happened?
3. What were my greatest disappointments?
4. What did I learn?
5. What intention will make me most successful in 2025?
6. What one word will be my focus in 2025?
7. How do I limit myself and how can I stop?
8. What inner qualities would I like to nurture?
9. What external outcomes will demonstrate that these inner qualities are deepening?
10. What’s my “why”?

Some resources for you:

Want to be a clear, compelling and credible communicator?

Take The Confidence Cocktail Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/

Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/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: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/

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/

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 meetings or executive meetings? We all want to come across in a way that moves our listeners to action, show up with confidence, and get what we want. Use these tips to persuade in the best way possible.

1. Be Clear: Get to the point, use the BLUF principle: Bottom Line Up Front, and don’t ramble on and get off on tangents.
2. Be Compelling: Speak with authority, use vocal variety, tell stories, use examples and data points to grab your audience’s attention.
3. Be Credible: Avoid using filler words like “um” and “ah.” and pause to show control and calm. Avoid “upspeak,” which is when you speak with a question mark rather than a period. Make sure to use punctuation - exactly like you do in the written word.

Listen for examples and more stories to demonstrate these principles.

Some resources for you:

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: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/

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/

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 guard and you’re always prepared with what to say.

Talking about yourself is simply a chance to let people get to know you.

Here’s my PPU introduction formula:

1) Say something Personal

2) Share what you do Professionally

3) Offer something Unique about you

Here's how it might sound in conversation:

I'm originally from Minnesota and now live in San Francisco with my husband and two kitties, after packing my bags in the mid-90's to follow a dream of living in SF.

Professionally, I'm a keynote speaker helping women communicate with confidence so they can advance in their careers.

One unique thing about me is that I love adventure. An example of that is deciding to live in Manhattan for the whole month of October for my 50th birthday. I rented a place and lived like a local.

Try that out and let me know how it goes! You'll sound prepared and leave your audience with something memorable about you.

Some resources for you:

If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: Nov 22 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection

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: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/

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/

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 to tackle it, so those filler words don't decrease your credibility.

1. Self-talk (if you’re always thinking “I’m going to say “um” then you probably will. Change up your self-talk to focus on what you want to shift (for example, “I am a person who perfectly pauses”)
2. Pause (to think, to breathe, and show control) in place of a filler word
3. Record yourself (this will give you objective reality of how you’re coming across and you can find out how many times you use “um’s” OR maybe you don’t say them as much as you think)
4. Affirmations (Use a phrase that affirms how well you speak with perfectly timed pauses)
5. Practice (keep doing more reps and recording yourself and you’ll make progress)
6. Feedback (get input from others around you so you become more aware)

Some resources for you:

If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: Oct 25 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection

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: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/

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/

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 away and you don’t even know it! Want to find out and take your power back?

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. We downplay our strengths instead of celebrating and leveraging them.
2. We use minimizing language such as “I’m sorry, just, I think, maybe/kinda/sorta, and I’m not an expert, but…”
3. We doubt ourselves and use negative self-talk.

Instead, take your power back:

1. Create a celebration portfolio, which is a list of your accomplishments and your character strengths. Add to it regularly. Have a celebration practice where you celebrate weekly wins (even better: daily!) 🎉
2. Say “excuse me” or “thank you for your patience” instead of “I’m sorry.”
3. Sing your message of doubt to change up the neural pathways in your brain, which will then diffuse the power of that same message. Singing “I’m not good enough!” at the top of your lungs creates a completely different experience with that message! 🤩😂

Some resources for you:

Want to speak with confidence and get 3 tips to command any room? I’m hosting a free workshop on Zoom: Oct 15 from 12-1 PT / 3-4 ET. Sign up here: https://karenlaos.com/become-a-confident-communicator-free-workshop/

If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: Oct 27 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection

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: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/

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/

Ever been tongue-tied in a meeting, or simply wanted to project more credibility? Don’t let self-doubt silence you. Learn concrete communication strategies so you can speak with authority and be seen as the influential leader that you want to be.

Here’s what you’ll find in this episode, for those who like the Cliff Notes:

1. How to stop rambling and get to the point (stop, pause and say “my point is this” )
2. Be succinct (use fewer words to make your point or use quantifiable tips “I’ve got 3 things to discuss today)
3. Be likable (show interest in others, find common ground, be present and listen, smile)
4. Be assertive (speak with conviction - as a statement, not a question, use a strong handshake when meeting in person)
5. Be aware (read the room, notice how people are responding, adjust as needed and ask more questions of the audience to gain more engagement).

Some resources for you:

Want to speak with confidence and get 3 tips to command any room? I’ve got a free workshop on Zoom: Oct 15 from 12-1 PT / 3-4 ET. Sign up here: https://karenlaos.com/become-a-confident-communicator-free-workshop/

When women come together, magical things happen. If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: Oct 27 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection

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: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/

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/

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, this episode is for you! Learn 8 strategies to get a “yes” from your boss.

Here’s a sneak peek:

1. Tackle your self-doubt. Recognize that you are worthy of asking. This is a business deal. There’s no shame in asking.
2. List your accomplishments. Both tactical deliverables (the more specific, the better - numbers are best when possible) and character/personality strengths that make you likable and easy to work with. Support your case with why you deserve this.
3. Know your number and be specific. What do you want? Ideal number and also what you will settle for. Do your research and know what’s standard or typical for the company. 3% is generally standard. Some companies have both merit and standard of living increases.
4. Keep your boss’s and the company’s interests in mind. What matters to your boss? Where does your potential raise intersect with what they want?
5. Be confident and considerate. Be mindful of body language, tone, and words that can make you sound hesitant. Don’t waffle or waver.
6. Paint a positive picture. What will this enable you to do for the company and how will it help you be more engaged/dedicated, etc?
7. Practice in advance with a friend or coach. Anticipate questions and objections.
8. Be clear on next steps - if it’s a “no” ask why (what is the logic/help me understand) and use it as a learning. Ask what you can do going forward, ask if you have their support and be persistent with a timeline - can we revisit this in 3 months?

Some resources for you:

Want to speak with confidence and get 3 tips to command any room? I’ve got a free workshop on Zoom: Sept 18 from 12-1 PT / 3-4 ET. Sign up here: https://karenlaos.com/become-a-confident-communicator-free-workshop/

When women come together, magical things happen. If you’re looking for connection and community, join us on a free Zoom call: Sept 27 from 8-9am PT/11-12 ET to talk about what gets in the way of asking for what we want. It’s a safe and supportive place where we share resources and encourage one another. You can sign up here: https://karenlaos.ac-page.com/conversation-connection

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: https://karenlaos.lpages.co/words-to-avoid/

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/