SEASON ONE: EPISODE TWENTY

ERADICATING SELF-DOUBT FOR WOMEN

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Imagine a world where women belong and feel it too.

In today’s world, we often hear that to be successful, we need to be confident, fearless, and always have it together. But the truth is, confidence isn’t about eliminating self-doubt. In fact, self-doubt is something we all experience—it’s a natural part of the human condition. The key to success isn’t about never feeling unsure; it’s about not letting that doubt hold you back. It's about recognizing it when it arises and choosing to move forward anyway, despite the fear. This mindset is at the heart of Karen Laos's mission: to help women overcome self-doubt and trust their own voice.

Karen Laos, a public speaker, coach, and author of Trust Your Own Voice: Growing Your Influence Through Confident Communication, is on a mission to empower 10 million women in the next decade to trust themselves, their choices, and their voices. She believes that confidence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about knowing you have the strength to face uncertainty and still move forward with conviction. “It’s not about having all the answers,” Karen says, “It’s about knowing you have the ability to navigate the unknown.”

Karen’s work has already made a significant impact, helping women across the world find the courage to step into their full potential. She has worked with major brands like Netflix, Google, Starbucks, and NASA, helping individuals and leaders develop the communication skills and confidence needed to succeed in high-stakes environments. Through her coaching and speaking engagements, Karen has created a space for women to not only trust their voices but to feel safe and empowered to use them.

Her ultimate goal is to build a world where women no longer let self-doubt limit their opportunities. A world where every woman can walk into any room, knowing she belongs there and has a voice worth hearing. Karen’s vision is not about eliminating fear or doubt, but about learning how to move through those emotions and show up authentically.

In a world that often silences women, Karen Laos is creating a movement to amplify their voices and their influence. Through her work, she is teaching women to trust themselves and find the power within to face any challenge, both personally and professionally. Karen’s message is clear: Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Trust yourself, and move forward anyway.

Don’t miss future episodes of WAIT, HOLD UP… WHAT?, available on your favorite podcast platforms for the latest discussions on women, career journeys, storytelling, and more. Feel free to share your thoughts and join in on the conversation below or follow us on our social media platforms.

Guest: Karen Laos | IG: @karenlaosofficial | Website: Karen Laos | Podcast: Ignite Your Confidence

Host: Dawne Hanks | IG: @dawnehanks & @eliminate_girl_hate & @wait.holdup.what

Sound Editing & Mixing: Epiphany Recording Studio | IG: @epiphany_recording_studio