Send us a text

In this conversation, Karen Kelly, founder and CEO of K2 Performance Consulting and the K2 Sales Academy shares how she found her way into sales and why the pushy salesperson stereotype still holds so many people back. We talk about mindset as the real driver of performance, how emotional intelligence builds trust without weakening the close, and why so-called soft skills often lead to stronger results.

Karen walks through her three-part approach to getting stalled deals moving again, starting with how salespeople show up mentally before applying tactics or tools.

This episode takes a practical, straightforward look at selling in a way that feels human, confident, and sustainable.

About Karen Kelly:

Karen Kelly is a seasoned sales professional with a passion for empowering sales professionals and business owners to achieve sales excellence. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Karen has honed her skills as a dynamic sales trainer, coach and speaker to help sales professionals unlock their full potential. Karen brings a unique blend of expertise, energy, and practicality to her clients. She understands the challenges faced by sales and business owners firsthand. Her sessions are known to rehumanize the sales process. Instilling belief, actions and confidence that drive tangible results for her clients.

Reach Kelly:

Website

LinkedIn

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama,") interview superstar women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to enjoy Uncopyable success. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world, and I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Apply for a free 20 minute call

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com
linkedin.com/in/millerkay

Send us a text

In this episode, Leslie Lautenslager takes on my five signature “fun fact questions,” giving us a peek at the heart behind her incredible journey:

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
• What’s something you still want to do?
• What do you love most about yourself?
• What’s one thing you’d like to change?
• And… your favorite vacation spot?

See the person behind the protocol in this quick, candid conversation. You won’t want to miss it!

About Leslie Lautenslager:

Leslie Lautenslager is a distinguished protocol expert with a career spanning over three decades of high-level diplomacy and international relations. Beginning her journey in 1986 at Blair House, she managed state visits and led presidential delegations before transitioning to the private sector as the event manager for General Colin L. Powell. She served as a trusted advisor and liaison to the General for 25 years, including his tenure as U.S. Secretary of State, where she was the Assistant Chief of Protocol for Ceremonials.

Beyond her government service, Lautenslager is a global leader in her field, having served as President of Protocol & Diplomacy – Protocol Officers Association from 2016 to 2020. An accomplished author and trainer, she penned the memoir "My Time with General Colin Powell" and has contributed to several academic texts on international etiquette. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, she is now an internationally recognized speaker who trains prestigious organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Peace Corps in the art of diplomatic and corporate relations.

Connect with Leslie:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama,") interview superstar women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to enjoy Uncopyable success. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world, and I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Apply for a free 20 minute call

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com
linkedin.com/in/millerkay

Send us a text

This episode is Part 2 of my delightful conversation with Leslie Lautenslager. She gives more behind-the-scenes examples that show who General Powell was away from the spotlight. She shares insights on respect, trust, HUMOR (!), and the quiet moments that defined their working relationship.

Leslie also reflects on fear, responsibility, and what it means to serve at the highest levels of leadership. She shares the moments that scared her, the lessons she learned by being “thrown into the deep end,” and why protocol work is never about being seen, but about making others feel respected and safe.

Our conversation closes with reflections on General Powell’s friendships, legacy, and why Leslie ultimately felt called to write the book she once believed she never could.

About Leslie Lautenslager:

Leslie Lautenslager is a distinguished protocol expert with a career spanning over three decades of high-level diplomacy and international relations. Beginning her journey in 1986 at Blair House, she managed state visits and led presidential delegations before transitioning to the private sector as the event manager for General Colin L. Powell. She served as a trusted advisor and liaison to the General for 25 years, including his tenure as U.S. Secretary of State, where she was the Assistant Chief of Protocol for Ceremonials.

Beyond her government service, Lautenslager is a global leader in her field, having served as President of Protocol & Diplomacy – Protocol Officers Association from 2016 to 2020. An accomplished author and trainer, she penned the memoir "My Time with General Colin Powell" and has contributed to several academic texts on international etiquette. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, she is now an internationally recognized speaker who trains prestigious organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Peace Corps in the art of diplomatic and corporate relations.

Connect with Leslie:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama,") interview superstar women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to enjoy Uncopyable success. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world, and I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Apply for a free 20 minute call

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com
linkedin.com/in/millerkay

Send us a text

In this episode, Leslie Lautenslager shares personal insights from her 25 years serving as a trusted advisor and protocol expert for General Colin L. Powell. Leslie discusses the "art and science" of protocol, explaining how formal rules provide a framework for building international relationships while kindness dictates when those rules should be finessed. We explore her unique journey from a double major in psychology and fine arts to the U.S. State Department, and eventually to her pivotal role managing General Powell’s international speaking circuit and his office during his tenure as Secretary of State.

The conversation dives into the General’s "love note" system—a rigorous training method he used to ensure his staff remained "in harmonic" with his high standards and expectations. Leslie also highlights the simple but profound power of the handwritten thank-you note, a practice both she and the General credited for opening doors and maintaining deep professional respect. You will learn how to prepare for high-stakes leadership, why treating everyone with respect is the ultimate diplomatic tool, and what it was like to work alongside a leader who was a constant student of the world.

About Leslie Lautenslager:

Leslie Lautenslager is a distinguished protocol expert with a career spanning over three decades of high-level diplomacy and international relations. Beginning her journey in 1986 at Blair House, she managed state visits and led presidential delegations before transitioning to the private sector as the event manager for General Colin L. Powell. She served as a trusted advisor and liaison to the General for 25 years, including his tenure as U.S. Secretary of State, where she was the Assistant Chief of Protocol for Ceremonials. In this role, she organized functions for foreign dignitaries and coordinated major national events, such as the UN General Assembly and state funerals, remaining with the General until his passing in 2021.

Beyond her government service, Lautenslager is a global leader in her field, having served as President of Protocol & Diplomacy – Protocol Officers Association from 2016 to 2020. An accomplished author and trainer, she penned the memoir "My Time with General Colin Powell" and has contributed to several academic texts on international etiquette. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, she is now an internationally recognized speaker who trains prestigious organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Peace Corps in the

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama,") interview superstar women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to enjoy Uncopyable success. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world, and I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Apply for a free 20 minute call

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com
linkedin.com/in/millerkay

Send us a text

In this short solo episode, I share a story about how one small change at my annual mammogram appointment wrecked the experience right at the finish line.

For years, the place I go to has made an uncomfortable procedure feel as pleasant as possible — warm robes, kind technicians, and a smooth checkout. I’ve recommended them to other women because they always made things easy.

But this time, it was different. They made a small change - and detracted from the entire experience.

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama,") interview superstar women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to enjoy Uncopyable success. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world, and I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Apply for a free 20 minute call

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com
linkedin.com/in/millerkay

Send us a text

In this episode, Kendra Corman takes on my five signature “fun fact questions,” giving us a peek at the heart behind her incredible journey:

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
• What’s something you still want to do?
• What do you love most about yourself?
• What’s one thing you’d like to change?
• And… your favorite vacation spot?

Step behind the scenes in this candid and insightful conversation. Learn more about the founder of Imperfect Marketing and author of Mastering AI in Communications — and you’ll see the person behind the progress. You won’t want to miss it!

About Kendra Corman:

Kendra Corman is a marketing strategist who spent years managing marketing and advertising for many brands including Jeep before starting her own agency. Now she helps businesses cut through the noise with email marketing, AI tools, and podcasting. She's the author of "Mastering AI In Communications" and loves turning complicated marketing stuff into strategies people can actually use.

Connect with Kendra:

Linkedin

Website

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama,") interview superstar women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to enjoy Uncopyable success. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world, and I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Apply for a free 20 minute call

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com
linkedin.com/in/millerkay

Send us a text

In this conversation, Kendra Corman, a marketing strategist, joins the show to share her remarkable journey from starting in a Jeep call center to becoming the Jeep Advertising Manager for North America before successfully launching her own agency, Imperfect Marketing.

She is also the author of Mastering AI in Communications. Kendra explains that her agency's philosophy of "imperfect marketing" means focusing on progress, not perfection, which is the key to accelerating growth and avoiding the paralysis caused by the fear of needing to do everything right. She encourages listeners to move forward, knowing that mistakes can always be fixed, and "nobody died" in the making of a minor marketing error.

About Kendra Corman:

Kendra Corman is a marketing strategist who spent years managing marketing and advertising for many brands including Jeep before starting her own agency. Now she helps businesses cut through the noise with email marketing, AI tools, and podcasting. She's the author of "Mastering AI In Communications" and loves turning complicated marketing stuff into strategies people can actually use.

Connect with Kendra:

Linkedin

Website

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama,") interview superstar women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to enjoy Uncopyable success. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world, and I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Apply for a free 20 minute call

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com
linkedin.com/in/millerkay

In this episode, Annette Richmond takes on my five signature “fun fact questions,” giving us a peek at the heart behind her incredible journey:

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
• What’s something you still want to do?
• What do you love most about yourself?
• What’s one thing you’d like to change?
• And… your favorite vacation spot?

Step behind the scenes in this candid and insightful conversation. Learn more about the founder of Black Dog Marketing Strategies and career‑branding specialist — and you’ll see the person behind the purpose. You won’t want to miss it!

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama,") interview superstar women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to enjoy Uncopyable success. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world, and I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Apply for a free 20 minute call

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com
linkedin.com/in/millerkay