Transform yourself, transform the world

Hi, I’m Karen

An empathetic, non-judgmental certified
empowerment and business coach

You can do it
– you just haven’t done it yet

This quote by Robert G. Allen often pops up whenever we talk about personal development: “Everything you want is on the other side of your comfort zone”. But I don’t believe it’s as simple as that – especially for women. 

More often than not, you're running subconscious programs and behaviours you inherited as a woman that you’re expected to conform to.

Woman on her phone ready to move outside her comfort zone

But that doesn’t mean you have to lie down and accept your fate.

Many of us burn with deep desires we struggle to speak about, let alone fulfil, because we live in a world designed to keep us small. 

And if you’re a woman in business dedicated to being a change-maker – either as an employee or an entrepreneur – you’ll know exactly how this feels.

Certified Woman Entrepreneur sitting at her desk ready to coach

Despite the gender pay gap being at an all-time low, women still get paid less than men by around 29.2% each year. Even in entrepreneurial circles, there are less women Founders and not much venture capital backing women-run start-ups. 

I don’t say this to scare you off, but to show you the reality. It’s what we must face and overcome if anything is going to change. 

And I believe, wholeheartedly, that empowered women are the key to revolutionising the future of work.

So, where do you start?

Woman standing in front of her colleagues speaking after coaching

First, you develop self-awareness 

Here in Australia, we’ve got the 4th highest level of tertiary educated women in the OECD and still, many women struggle with paralysing perfectionism. It’s a similar story for my clients in other parts of the world, too. Highly critical self-talk meets ridiculously high standards, keeping many of us frozen or unable to go after what we truly dream and desire.

Certified transformational coach walking with note pad and pen

You don’t have to live like this.

Developing self-awareness is the first step in becoming the woman you know you are destined to be. Part of my process as a certified transformational coach is creating a safe environment for you to ‘do the work’ on yourself so you can reap the benefits of self-discovery. Understanding where you’ve come from, who you are and where you want to go is just the beginning.

Woman with hands on her head experiencing imposter syndrome

Next, cultivate self-belief.

One of the most crippling experiences for women at work is imposter syndrome. It’s the voice inside your head that’s trying to convince you that you’re not ready. 

It often arrives right before you’re about to try something new, take a big leap or accept a huge opportunity to step up. 

Imposter syndrome doesn’t have to be your kryptonite.

Woman speaking about psychology with a certified life coach

Together, we’ll get to the root cause of your self-doubt and find those pesky limited beliefs.

As well as my background in psychology, I’ve completed training and certification in a number of key modalities that we’ll use, such as:

  • Transformational coaching, hypnotherapy and NLP

  • Trauma, shame and deep-seated resentment

  • Time Line Therapy®, and

  • EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). 

I’ll show you how to identify and dissolve your old beliefs so you can recognise new opportunities and shift your mindset towards future growth. Breaking free of the things that’ve been holding you back is not only possible, it’s inevitable. 

Build self-worth

People-pleasing is the urge to put others' needs first (often at the expense of your own). It’s common among women, particularly those who’ve suffered trauma, and can stem from a fear of rejection, insecurities or the need for external validation. 

The path towards a life free from people-pleasing can be bumpy, but I can walk alongside you, every step of the way.

I take a holistic approach to quieting the need to people-please. I can support your capacity to develop boundaries, help you uncover your personal values, give you tools for how to ask for help from others and hold the space you may need to build your self-worth.

Nurture self-love

When you’re self-aware, believe in yourself and know that you have value, you’ve laid the foundations for true self-love to arrive. Self-love isn’t just a bubble bath and glass of wine on a Friday night – it’s the process of learning to accept yourself just as you are and taking time to celebrate every part of you! 

Right now, you might not be able to see yourself clearly, but when we work together, I’ll make sure you not only come to terms with your strengths, but also learn how to harness them.

Woman with self-empowerment

MY ULTIMATE GOAL FOR YOU

To live in self-empowerment

As a woman in business, when you’re empowered, you can empower others. Your life becomes a living example of what’s possible. 

While self-doubt, fear and imposter syndrome might not ever fully go away, your capacity to deal with it all will grow – but only if you invest in yourself and your future.

Values I live by

  • Self-direction

    INDEPENDENCE
    FREEDOM
    EXPLORATION

    Defined by creativity, self-direction is about autonomy, imaginative solutions and discovering new things.

  • Universalism

    COMPASSION
    TOLERANCE
    COOPERATION

    Universalism is a deep-seated belief in equality for all. It’s about working towards positive change and social justice.

  • Stimulation

    NOVELTY
    CREATIVITY
    EXPERIMENTATION

    At its heart, stimulation has an adventurous spirit. It’s a hunger for excitement and unique experiences, fearlessly opening new doors.

  • Leadership

    GUIDANCE
    RESOURCEFULNESS
    COLLABORATION

    A great leader inspires others to grow and achieve their goals. Leadership is about mutual success, working together and offering the right support.

  • Benevolence

    KINDNESS
    HONESTY
    ENRICHMENT

    The embodiment of generosity and goodwill, benevolence paves the way for strong connections and meaningful positive impact

  • How things can change?

    If you told me a year ago that I could rewrite the stories that were keeping me trapped in the cycle of stress and anxiety, I would never have believed it. But here I am today, living proof that you can change your mindset and the way you feel about yourself. Karen helped me do this, I went from doubting and questioning myself to confidence and loving being me. She’s not only very talented at what she does, but she’s compassionate, fun, and easy to work with.

    — Sophie T

  • Each time I speak with Karen, I find greater clarity and confidence within myself.

    She has this uncanny knack of getting to the heart of the real problem buried deep below the surface of the drama in my life. Before I know it, she has helped me understand where it has come from and how to resolve it.

    I’m forever grateful for her wisdom and the kindness she brings to our sessions.

    — Sarah W

  • If it wasn't for Karen, I am not sure what I would have done. I was going through a pretty nasty time when someone suggested I see her. Hesitant at airing my dirty laundry with a stranger, I met with her and never looked back. She is calm and wise and helped me be the power force in my life again, as a result my life is so much better. Thank you, Karen

    — Meg C

  • When I first started seeing Karen I was going through a separation and felt very anxious and guilty. I found Karen to be encouraging, supportive and non-judgmental. She is easy to speak with and communication always flowed freely. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking self-improvement, especially self-confidence and self-esteem.

    — Jenny H

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

Are you ready to take action?

Investing in your own growth can feel scary. It’s why every life coaching session with me is custom-designed, fluid and creative. We’ll open up the space you need to dive deeply into the parts of you that hold you back, all while keeping you safe and supported. To see how we can work together, explore what’s on offer.

Karen Barnes - certified life and business coach