Karen here.

In a survey of 200 professional women, 85% said they believed they would be more successful in their careers if they were more confident. And in the words of Demi Lovato, “What's wrong with being confident? Uh, huh, huh.”

I asked, and here’s what you said are your top 3 biggest challenges.

1. Inability to speak up powerfully or wished you shared your voice more boldly.

2. Feeling like you deserve more but being afraid to ask for it.

3. Wanting to be more confident but fearing bold actions.

Most people want to be self-confident. After all, who wouldn't want to feel like they can take on the world right? The problem is that self-confidence is often easier said than done. You may feel like you know all the answers, but when it comes time to act, you can be hesitant.

In my life, I've taken many courses and hired and worked with multiple coaches. And whenever I'm in the process of taking one of these classes or hiring a coach, I always ask, "Who is teaching me, who is coaching me, and am I able to trust them?"

So why me? Perhaps it's important to know that I'm a 1st generation immigrant, a woman of color; I did not grow up confident and did not speak my mind. Actually, during my 2nd and 3rd grades, I received the Best in Conduct award. Who gets an award like that? lol. Maybe my teachers were just being generous.

I am not perfect. I do not know everything. I do not have all of the answers. I make mistakes. Quite a few of them. But I'm bold and courageous. I consciously go for things even when I feel scared. I pushed myself to the limit by moving to the US when I was 20 and leaving behind my family in the Philippines. Yes, I have relatives here, but it’s still different having your immediate family with you. I did bungee jumping, sky diving, and zip lining, took a stand-up comedy class, wrote my own script, created my own punchlines, and performed a 15-minute set in front of 70 people (Watch out, Jokoy!). I joined Toastmasters to get better at public speaking. I’ve negotiated my salary and have asked to be considered for a promotion.

I constantly build my self-confidence muscle. I'm always learning, reading, taking courses, and listening to podcasts. I learn from my mistakes and do my best never to make the same mistake twice.

So, if you are ready, then let’s get started. I'm here to help. As they say, we teach best what we most need to learn.

It’s time to unleash your inner J. Lo or Jacinda Ardern. You may not feel like a leader. You may think you need a title or certain position to lead, but that simply isn't true. You can start leading exactly where you’re at, regardless of your title or position. That’s called self-leadership, and we need more of you.