Ladies, let’s get real. As women leaders, we give so much of ourselves—to our teams, families, and everyone who needs us. But how often do we pause, reflect, and ask, What do I truly want? What do I need to thrive? In this heartfelt episode, I open up about my own journey of rediscovery—a journey fueled by holiday reflections, personal breakthroughs, and a commitment to finally rewrite the story I’ve been telling myself for decades.

From facing imposter syndrome and self-doubt to overcoming habits that didn’t serve me, I share the raw, unfiltered truth of what it takes to reclaim your confidence and step into the powerful woman you were always meant to be. If you’ve ever felt stuck, criticized, or like you’re playing small just to keep the peace, this episode is for you.

💡 Here’s what you’ll take away:

✨ This holiday season, let’s unwrap the greatest gift of all: the gift of rediscovering you. You are good enough, brilliant enough, and worthy of stepping into your power. And if you need a reminder, just look to my book, Blue Rose Bookstore: Sanctuary for Your Soul. It’s a guide to transforming your story and finding your way back to the confident, courageous, and unstoppable woman you were born to be.

Tune in, get inspired, and remember: the power to change your life starts with the decision to take that first step. Let’s take it together.

🔗 Listen now and let’s make 2025 your most transformative year yet. 💙

Welcome to ‘She Leads Confidently’ the podcast dedicated to guiding women leaders on a transformational journey of reclaiming their confidence, power, and potential. I’m your host, Karen Barno, and in today’s episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most transformative personal development practices: Shadow Work.

What if I told you that the qualities you suppress, deny, or fear could hold the key to unlocking your next level of success and fulfillment? Shadow Work is the courageous process of exploring these hidden parts of ourselves—the traits we disown, the emotions we suppress, and the stories we hide behind. Today, we’ll explore how embracing this work can elevate your leadership, relationships, and personal power.

Shadow Work originates from the psychological theories of Carl Jung, who described the shadow as the parts of ourselves we reject because they feel unacceptable or uncomfortable. These can be traits like anger, selfishness, vulnerability, or even power and ambition—especially for women leaders raised to “play nice.”

In leadership, unresolved shadow aspects can manifest as imposter syndrome, perfectionism, overworking, and even self-sabotage. When left unchecked, the shadow limits our potential. But when we face it, we can transform our deepest wounds into our greatest strengths.

Key Takeaways:

Women leaders often face societal expectations that make embracing their full selves challenging. Society conditions women to be nurturing, agreeable, and accommodating while suppressing assertiveness, ambition, and even anger. These qualities, when disowned, create inner conflict that manifests as burnout, resentment, or feeling “not enough.”

Let’s face it—many women fear being labeled as “too much” or “not likable.” In leadership roles, this pressure to conform can cause them to downplay their power, stay silent, or overwork to prove their worth. These dynamics make Shadow Work not just helpful, but essential.

Personal Insight:

Reflection Questions:

When women leaders integrate their shadows, they become unstoppable. Reclaiming disowned traits like assertiveness, ambition, and even vulnerability allows them to lead with authenticity and impact. Here’s how Shadow Work enhances leadership:

Real-Life Example:

Ready to begin your Shadow Work journey? Here are practical exercises to explore and integrate your hidden potential:

Pro Tip:

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Shadow Work is uncomfortable. It asks you to face your deepest fears, shame, and past failures. But avoiding the shadow keeps you stuck in patterns of self-sabotage, burnout, and underachievement.

Here’s how to overcome resistance:

Shadow Work is not just personal growth—it’s leadership development at its deepest level. When women leaders reclaim their hidden potential, they step into a new era of personal power, authenticity, and impact.

Remember: The qualities you hide are often your greatest strengths waiting to be unleashed. By integrating your shadow, you become a leader who leads from wholeness, not perfection—a leader who transforms lives, starting with your own.

If this episode resonated with you, I invite you to:

Thank you for being on this journey with me. Until next time, remember: Your power isn’t found by being perfect—it’s found in embracing all that you are. Reclaim your Blue Rose and step into your greatness.

In today’s episode, Karen dives deep into the transformative power of rewriting your story, drawing inspiration from her book, Blue Rose Bookstore: Sanctuary for Your Soul. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how transformation begins the moment you decide to let go of the narrative that no longer serves you and step into the life you were always meant to lead.

Karen unpacks the concept of transformation as both a challenging and empowering process, using the journey of Annie, the protagonist of her book, as a guide. Through Annie’s story, listeners will see how even the most painful setbacks and self-doubts can become the foundation for incredible growth and rediscovery.

In this episode, Karen shares actionable insights to help you:

Karen also shares her personal experiences of resilience and growth, proving that transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of choosing courage, clarity, and self-love every day.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration to overcome a current challenge or seeking guidance on how to take the next step toward the life you desire, this episode will empower you to see transformation as a gift—a chance to become the person you’ve always been meant to be.

Tune in and let this episode remind you that your story is yours to write, and the power of transformation is already within you. 🌹

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of Blue Rose Bookstore: Sanctuary for Your Soul, sharing the deeply personal story of how and why this book came to life. I reveal the genesis of the idea, tracing it back to 2018, when I felt called to write something that could truly inspire and help others who, like me, have felt stuck, lost, or uncertain about their future. This book was born out of my own journey of self-discovery and healing, and it reflects the resilience, courage, and transformation I’ve experienced along the way.

I also open up about the challenges I faced during the writing process—the doubts, fears, and moments of vulnerability that often accompany creating something so personal. But it was in those struggles that I found the core message of this book: that turning pain into power is not only possible but transformative.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of what Blue Rose Bookstore means to me and what I hope it will mean to you. If you’ve ever wondered how to rewrite your story, reclaim your power, and step into the life you were meant to live, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear the vision behind the book and discover how it can be a sanctuary for your soul.

In this episode, we’re going to dive into something that I know will resonate with many of you, especially if you’re someone who’s always on the go, always juggling a million things at once: the idea of “Busyness as a Trauma Response.”

Now, I know what you’re thinking. We live in a world where being busy is often seen as a sign of productivity and success. How many times have you heard someone say, “Oh, I’m just so busy,” almost like it’s a badge of honor? It’s like we’re competing to see who can cram the most into their day, as if that somehow makes us more accomplished, more valuable.

But here’s the thing: What if this constant drive to stay busy isn’t really about getting things done or achieving our goals? What if, deep down, it’s a way to avoid confronting something much more uncomfortable? Something like unresolved trauma that we’ve been carrying around, sometimes for years, without even realizing it.

Think about it. When was the last time you sat still and did nothing? I mean, did nothing—no phone, no TV, no to-do list running through your mind. For many of us, the thought of being still, of not being busy, is almost terrifying. It’s like we’re afraid that if we stop moving, stop doing, all the emotions and memories we’ve been trying to keep at bay will come rushing in.

In this episode, we’re going to explore the psychology behind using busyness as a coping mechanism. We’ll talk about how past experiences, especially traumatic ones, can drive us to fill every moment of our lives with activity. Because let’s face it, when we’re constantly on the go, we don’t have time to sit with our thoughts, our feelings, or our memories. We don’t have time to process what’s going on inside.

And while staying busy might seem like a good short-term solution, there are hidden costs to this behavior. Costs that show up in our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Maybe it’s that persistent feeling of anxiety or that sense of being overwhelmed that you just can’t shake. Or maybe it’s that nagging voice in the back of your mind telling you that something isn’t quite right, even when everything on the surface seems fine.

But here’s the good news: We’re not just going to talk about the problem. I’m also going to share some practical strategies to help you recognize when busyness is becoming detrimental and offer tips on how to break free from this cycle. Because the truth is, you don’t have to live in a constant state of busyness. You don’t have to keep running from one thing to the next, hoping that if you just stay busy enough, you won’t have to face what’s going on.

Whether you’re a business leader, an entrepreneur, or someone who simply finds themselves constantly on the go, this episode is for you. We’re going to dig deep, get real, and hopefully, by the end of it, you’ll have some new insights into how you can start living a more balanced and fulfilling life.

So, grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let’s get into it. Trust me, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Hey there, it’s Karen Barno, and welcome to another episode of ‘She Leads Confidently’! Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into one of the most powerful and transformative topics I know – vulnerability. This episode is not just another talk about being open and honest; it’s a journey into my own life, the raw and real moments that have shaped who I am today, and how these experiences inspired me to write my latest book, “Blue Rose Bookstore: Sanctuary for Your Soul.”

When we talk about vulnerability, we’re often talking about the willingness to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. It’s about letting people see the real us, the flawed, imperfect, beautiful selves that we often hide away. But why do we hide? Why do we feel the need to present a curated version of ourselves to the world? For me, it all started in my childhood, where I faced numerous challenges and traumas that left deep scars. These experiences taught me to build walls, to protect myself from further hurt, but they also kept me from truly connecting with others and, more importantly, with myself.

Growing up, I had a lot of responsibilities on my shoulders, and I learned early on to be self-reliant. But this self-reliance came at a cost. I became so good at hiding my vulnerabilities that I forgot how to be open and honest with myself. I carried this guardedness into my adult life, through my career in the Air Force, and even as I became the CEO of an association. It wasn’t until a near-death accident that I started to confront my vulnerabilities head-on. This pivotal moment forced me to look at my life differently, to see the value in being vulnerable, and to understand that true strength comes from embracing our weaknesses and turning them into our greatest assets.

In today’s episode, I’m going to share some of the most personal stories from my own life – the moments that broke me and the moments that built me back up. You’ll hear about the time I was alone in the ER after an accident, the motorcycle crash that changed my perspective, and the countless times I’ve felt like giving up but found the strength to keep going. These stories are not just anecdotes; they’re lessons in resilience, courage, and the transformative power of vulnerability.

We’ll also talk about practical ways you can embrace vulnerability in your own life. I believe that everyone has a ‘Blue Rose’ within them – a unique gift or purpose that they are meant to share with the world. But often, this gift is hidden under layers of fear, doubt, and past traumas. By embracing vulnerability, we can peel back these layers and uncover our true selves. I’ll share tips on how to start this journey, from journaling and self-reflection to seeking support from a trusted friend or mentor.

One of the key messages I want to convey in this episode is that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. It’s about being brave enough to be yourself, to show your true colors, and to live authentically. When we embrace vulnerability, we open ourselves up to deeper connections, greater creativity, and a more fulfilling life. We stop hiding behind masks and start living from a place of authenticity and power.

As we journey through this episode, I encourage you to think about your own experiences with vulnerability. What are the moments that have shaped you? What are the parts of yourself that you keep hidden? How can you start to embrace these parts and integrate them into your life? Remember, it’s a process, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.

Before we dive in, I want to remind you that you are not alone on this journey. There is a community of women out there who are also seeking to embrace their vulnerabilities and live their best lives. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #SheLeadsConfidently and share your own stories of vulnerability and strength. Let’s support each other and create a movement of empowered, authentic women leaders.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

So, grab a Diet Coke, cup of coffee, get comfortable, and join me for an honest and heartfelt conversation about vulnerability, transformation, and the power of the Blue Rose. Let’s dive in!

Welcome to “She Leads Confidently,” the podcast dedicated to empowering women to reclaim their identity, embrace their true selves, and lead with confidence. Join me, Karen Barno, as we dive deep into the transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

In each episode, we tackle the life-changing questions that shape our paths:

These questions are more than just reflections; they are the foundation of a journey that leads to profound personal and professional transformation.

Who am I? We explore the essence of your identity, peeling back the layers of societal expectations and self-doubt to uncover your true self. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, we help you connect with your authentic self and recognize your unique strengths and passions.

Who do I want to be? This question is about envisioning your future and setting bold, inspiring goals. We discuss how to dream big, identify your aspirations, and create a clear vision for the life you want to lead. Our episodes are filled with practical advice and motivational insights to help you map out your journey.

How do I get there? Once you have a clear sense of who you are and who you want to be, the next step is creating a roadmap to achieve your goals. We provide actionable strategies, tools, and tips to help you overcome obstacles, build resilience, and stay focused on your path. From developing new skills to cultivating a growth mindset, we cover the essential elements of successful, confident leadership.

Each episode of “She Leads Confidently” features inspiring interviews with experts, thought leaders, and women who have transformed their lives by answering these crucial questions. We share their stories of triumph, resilience, and leadership to motivate and guide you on your journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning to explore your potential, this podcast offers the support and inspiration you need to live your best life. Tune in to “She Leads Confidently” and take the first step towards a more authentic, empowered, and confident you. Let’s lead confidently, togetherr

In this captivating episode of ‘She Leads Confidently,’ host Karen Barno sits down with ShaRon Rae, a trailblazing leader in personal development and transformational leadership. ShaRon brings a wealth of experience and passion to the conversation, enriching it for all listeners.

ShaRon begins by sharing her personal journey, detailing the key experiences that have shaped her into the leader she is today. From early challenges to significant breakthroughs, her story is one of resilience and determination. She delves into the concept of transformational leadership, explaining how leaders can inspire and motivate their teams by being authentic and visionary. Through anecdotes and examples from her career, she illustrates the pivotal role transformational leadership has played in her success.

The conversation then shifts to overcoming obstacles and setbacks, with ShaRon emphasizing the importance of resilience and a positive mindset. She offers practical strategies for dealing with adversity, highlighting the power of persistence and the importance of learning from failures. Authenticity in leadership is another crucial topic ShaRon explores, explaining how being true to oneself can lead to more genuine and effective leadership. She provides tips on cultivating authenticity and building trust within teams.

Empowerment and motivation are also central themes in this interview. ShaRon shares insights on the importance of self-belief and vision in achieving goals, offering advice on staying motivated and inspired even in challenging times. The interview concludes with ShaRon providing actionable advice for aspiring leaders, guiding them on how to implement the discussed principles in their own lives and careers.

Listeners will walk away from this episode feeling inspired and equipped with practical tools to enhance their leadership journey. ShaRon Rae’s insights and experiences are sure to resonate with anyone looking to lead confidently and authentically.

Welcome back to “She Leads Confidently,” where we dive into the stories of incredible women who are making a difference in the world of leadership. I’m so excited about today’s episode because we have the amazing Lisa Jemus with us. Lisa’s journey is nothing short of inspirational, and I can’t wait for you to hear her story.

Lisa Jemus is a powerhouse when it comes to leadership and empowerment. Her story is a testament to the strength and resilience it takes to lead with confidence and authenticity. From her early life experiences to the pivotal moments that shaped her career, Lisa opens up about the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way.

We start by talking about Lisa’s early years and the influences that shaped her passion for leadership. It’s fascinating to hear how her experiences growing up laid the foundation for her future success. Lisa shares the challenges she faced and how these moments of adversity helped her build resilience and strength.

One of the most relatable parts of Lisa’s journey is her struggle with self-doubt. We’ve all been there, right? Lisa dives deep into how she overcame these feelings and learned to embrace her unique strengths. Her insights are incredibly valuable for anyone who’s ever doubted their abilities.

Balancing personal and professional life is a topic close to many of our hearts. Lisa gets real about the complexities of this balance and offers some fantastic advice for women leaders who are trying to juggle it all. Her tips are practical and come from a place of genuine experience.

Empowering other women is a huge part of Lisa’s mission. She talks about the initiatives and programs she’s been involved in to support women leaders. It’s truly inspiring to see how dedicated she is to lifting others up and creating a community of strong, empowered women.

Throughout our conversation, Lisa distills the key lessons she has learned in her career. These insights are gold for any woman looking to step into a leadership role or enhance her current skills. Lisa emphasizes the importance of embracing your authentic self, building confidence, and continuously learning and growing.

We also touch on the importance of having a supportive community. Lisa shares how building a network of like-minded women has been a source of strength and encouragement for her. It’s a great reminder that we’re stronger together and that supporting each other can create a powerful ripple effect.

This episode is packed with actionable advice. From boosting self-confidence and navigating gender bias to effective communication and goal setting, Lisa covers it all. She even shares her framework for setting and achieving goals, which is something I think you’ll find incredibly useful.

Lisa also talks about the importance of having a clear vision and aligning your actions with that vision. It’s all about staying true to your path and making sure every step you take gets you closer to where you want to be.

Listening to Lisa’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and the right mindset, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve extraordinary success. Her journey is filled with ups and downs, but through it all, she has remained steadfast in her mission to empower and lead with confidence.

I invite you to listen to this episode and soak in all the wisdom and inspiration Lisa has to offer. Whether you’re just starting out in your leadership journey or looking to enhance your current skills, there’s something in this conversation for you.

So, grab your favorite drink, find a cozy spot, and tune in to this empowering conversation with Lisa Jemus. Let’s continue to support and uplift each other as we lead confidently in every aspect of our lives.

Subscribe to “She Leads Confidently” on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated with our latest episodes. If you found this episode inspiring, please leave us a review and share it with your network. Together, we can create a community of strong, empowered women leaders.

She Leads Confidently: Hanging Out with Heidi Royter

Hey everyone! Welcome back to **She Leads Confidently**. I’m Karen Barno and I’m super excited to share this episode with you because we have a fantastic guest today, Heidi Royter. Heidi’s an amazing leader, a total inspiration, and she has so much wisdom to share.

In this episode, we explore Heidi’s journey, her thoughts on leadership, and how she’s navigated her career and personal life. We cover a lot of ground, from overcoming challenges to embracing our true selves. Let’s jump in!

Getting Started: Heidi’s Journey

Heidi’s story is just incredible. She started her career with a burning desire to make a difference, and that fire has fueled her every step of the way. We talked about her early life, the people who influenced her, and how she found her path to becoming a leader.

Growing up, Heidi faced challenges, but she never let them hold her back. Instead, she used those experiences to push herself forward. Her journey is a perfect example of resilience and determination.

Facing Challenges Head-On

One of the most powerful parts of our chat was when Heidi opened up about her challenges. From personal setbacks to professional hurdles, she’s been through it all. But what really stood out was her never-give-up attitude and how she turns obstacles into opportunities.

Heidi shared some really moving stories about times when she had to dig deep and find the strength to keep going. Her experiences are inspiring and a reminder that we all have the power to overcome whatever life throws at us.

Being True to Yourself

We talked a lot about authenticity. Heidi believes being true to yourself is key to being a great leader. She shared her journey of embracing her authentic self and how it changed her leadership style.

In a world that often pressures us to fit in, staying true to who we are is so important. Heidi’s insights on this are relevant not just for leaders but for anyone who wants to live a fulfilling life.

Heidi’s Leadership Style

Heidi’s leadership style really resonated with me. She leads with empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of others. Her approach isn’t about bossing people around but inspiring and empowering them.

We discussed her strategies for building strong teams, creating a positive work environment, and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. Heidi’s leadership style is refreshing and something we can all learn from.

Tips for Aspiring Leaders

This episode is packed with great advice for those who want to step into leadership roles. Heidi shared some practical tips on building confidence, developing key skills, and more.

She stressed the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. For Heidi, leadership isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. It’s about constantly evolving and adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

Balancing Work and Life

Many people struggle with balancing work and personal life, and Heidi is no exception. She shared her experiences and strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s all about setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and staying connected with loved ones.

We also talked about the importance of having a strong support system. Heidi’s thoughts on this are relatable and offer a new perspective on juggling multiple responsibilities without burning out.

The Value of Mentorship

Heidi has a lot to say about mentorship. She talked about the mentors who have guided her and how they’ve impacted her journey. She also shared her experiences as a mentor and the joy she gets from helping others grow.

For Heidi, mentorship is a two-way street where both people learn and grow together. Her stories highlight the importance of building meaningful connections and supporting each other professionally and personally.

Looking Ahead

As we wrapped up, Heidi shared her future goals and dreams. She has some exciting plans, and her vision for the future is ambitious and inspiring. Heidi’s drive to make a positive impact is commendable, and I do not doubt she’ll achieve great things.

Wrapping Up

This episode with Heidi Royter is one of my favorites. Her wisdom, authenticity, and passion for leadership are so inspiring. I hope you found our conversation as enlightening and motivating as I did.

Thanks for tuning in to **She Leads Confidently**. If you enjoyed this chat, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from Heidi’s insights.

Stay tuned for more awesome conversations with amazing leaders. Until next time, keep leading confidently