Coaching for Filipino Immigrant Nurses Who’ve Stayed Quiet Too Long
From self-doubt to speaking up: Overcome imposter syndrome without changing who you are
You've worked tirelessly, cared deeply, and supported everyone around you. You take care of patients with compassion, lift up colleagues when they struggle, send money to your family in the Philippines, and ensure everyone's needs are met before your own.
But when it comes to speaking up—whether it's advocating for yourself in a meeting, setting boundaries with coworkers, saying 'no' without that crushing guilt, or simply asking for what you've rightfully earned—something stops you. The words catch in your throat. The confidence disappears. The cultural voices telling you to stay humble, avoid conflict, and never stand out too much grow louder than your own.
And you wonder if you'll always be the one who stays quiet, whose contributions go unnoticed, whose potential remains unseen.

Maybe it’s cultural conditioning. Maybe it’s personal. Perhaps it’s the fear of being seen as too much or not enough. So, you stay quiet, hoping your hard work will speak for itself.
Except… it doesn’t.
I see you. I was you. And I know this: Being kind doesn’t mean staying quiet. You can be both assertive and caring. You can speak up about your needs and wants with grace and love.
Imagine feeling as confident speaking up as you do when caring for a patient. I help Filipino immigrant nurses develop that confidence, navigate self-doubt, and find their voice—so they can ask for what they want, advocate for themselves without fear of judgment, and finally create the career and life they truly desire. No more waiting. No more playing small
Hi, I’m Karen Retardo, MA, BSN, RN
Professional Coach for Filipino Immigrant Nurses
I specialize in coaching Filipino immigrant nurses. Since 2021, I have been dedicated to helping these incredible professionals develop the confidence to speak up and advocate for themselves in their workplaces and beyond. My approach combines spiritual psychology principles, LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Coaching, and Gallup CliftonStrengths, blending deep understanding of Filipino culture with effective coaching techniques to provide you with the support and guidance you need to succeed. I'm passionate about transforming self-doubt into self-trust, making every act of self-advocacy an act of self-love.
I’d love to explore how I can help you be more confident, find your voice, and live the career and life you desire.
From Cultural Silence to Professional Confidence
Tailored Coaching for Filipino Nurses Ready to Speak Up, Embrace Their Power, and Advance Their Careers
My Services
My Services
Gallup CliftonStrengths with 1-hr debrief Session
As a Filipino immigrant nurse, do you ever feel like your true potential is just waiting to shine through? Balancing work, family, and the distinct challenges of being a Filipino nurse in a foreign country can be overwhelming.
You're not alone. We're strong, we're resilient, and deep down, you know you're capable of achieving great things, but sometimes, we need a little help to tap into our zone of genius.
With Gallup CliftonStrengths, you’ll discover your innate talents and learn to leverage them for professional success and personal fulfillment as you navigate life in a new country.
Tailor Your Journey 1:1 Coaching
You feel like you’re living in two worlds—you're driven, ambitious, and ready to conquer the world, but there’s a nagging voice holding you back. In these bespoke coaching sessions, we’ll address your specific challenges using strengths, play, inner child healing and trauma-informed therapeutic coaching.
Say YES to my newsletter, and I’ll teach you 8 scripts for saying “no” without feeling guilty.
What you get: “The Art of Saying No: How to Set Boundaries with Grace and Confidence.”
This guide is your first step towards mastering the delicate art of establishing healthy boundaries. Sample scripts to help you say “no” with confidence and grace.
Nancy K.