You Know You Can Help People. But Where Are They?
You’ve got the skills to change lives.
But turning that into paying clients?
That’s where it gets quiet and personal.
I help AAPI nurse entrepreneurs create consistent client flow, price their services with confidence, and stop second-guessing every move—using business energetics, a step-by-step strategy and deep cultural understanding.
Let’s Be Honest: This Isn’t What You Signed Up For
You’ve spent years learning how to care for others.
You’ve built a career around empathy, precision, showing up when it matters most.
But when it comes to building your business?
It feels like you’re just…guessing.
You’re Not “Too Quiet.” You’re Navigating Two Cultures at Once
What They Say (in trainings, on Zoom calls…)
“You need to speak up more.”
“Be more assertive.”
“Why are you so reserved?”
What You Feel (but rarely say out loud)
“I was taught to listen, not self-promote.”
“If I speak up, I’ll sound arrogant.”
“If I shine too bright, will I still belong?”
Western world and our society rewards bold voices and self-promotion.
Many AAPI cultures prize humility, harmony, and quiet strength.
So you’re stuck—quietly shrinking in places and in rooms you should be leading.
But here's the truth:
You don’t have to betray your values to be visible.
You can grow a business that honors your culture and your power.
“Most Coaches Want You to Charge More. I Help You Lead From the Inside Out.”
I bring together strategy, somatic support, and cultural awareness—so you can grow your business without burning out, dimmining yourself, or pretending to be someone else.
Strategy That Works
The business world is full of complex funnels.
What I bring you is distilled strategy—from top-level training—reworked to feel personal, aligned, and actually doable as a nurse entrepreneur.
Nervous System Work
You can’t “mindset” your way through a frozen voice or tight chest. We use somatic tools so your body feels sale showing up.
Cultural Bridge Work
You’re not just learning how to sell—you’re unlearning silence. We unpack cultural messages about money, visibility and belonging, so you can lead without guilt.
Strategy + Nervous System Healing + Cultural Understanding = Sustainable Transformation
Hi, I’m Karen Retardo, MA, BSN, RN
After 25+ years in nursing, I know what it’s like to have deep expertise—But learning how to care for my “business self”—how to charge, be visible, and trust my own voice—was a whole different ball game.
When I started coaching, I found myself doing what many AAPI women do: over-delivering, undercharging, and second-guessing every move.
Not because I didn’t know what I was doing… but because I’d been conditioned to put others first, stay quiet, and not make waves.
That’s when I realized: the business world doesn’t account for our culture, our trauma, or our nervous systems.
And most coaching doesn’t help us bridge that gap—it just piles on more pressure to “show up,” “get visible,” or “charge your worth.”
So I decided to do things differently.
I earned a Master’s in Spiritual Psychology to support the emotional and energetic side of growth.
And I combined that with my training in business coaching, CliftonStrengths®, cultural bridge work, and nervous system regulation to build a coaching practice that’s not just strategic—but deeply human.
Now, I help AAPI nurse entrepreneurs build client flow, charge confidently, and show up in a way that honors both their business and their background.
Because I believe visibility shouldn’t feel like betrayal.
It should feel like coming home to yourself.
Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, SLU Baguio City, Philippines
Yale School of Management — Women's Leadership Certification Program Graduate
MA in Spiritual Psychology, University of Santa Monica
Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach
LEGO® Serious Play® Coach
My Approach:
Evidence-based frameworks + somatic practices + cultural bridge work= Transformation that lasts
You Don’t Need More Advice — You Need a Plan That Fits You.
Whether you’re just starting your business or you’ve been at it for awhile—it’s easy to second-guess yourself when no one around you “gets it”
Let’s change that.
In this free strategy session, we’ll look at where you’re stuck, what’s holding you back, and what your next move could look like—with cultural understanding built in from rhe start.
Ready to Start Speaking Up?
Get my free guide: “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.
“Before starting the coaching program, I was struggling with a lack of confidence and direction in my life. The sessions provided me with a newfound sense of confidence, teaching me the importance of listening to my body and embracing my right to make decisions that truly reflect my needs and aspirations. What I valued most was the ability to be my authentic self in every session, supported by a coaching style that was engaging, interactive, and nurturing.
A significant milestone for me was gaining the courage to pursue what I desired, even when it meant declining a job offer that didn't meet my expectations, illustrating the confidence and clarity I've gained. The coaching exceeded my expectations through exceptional availability and support, making me feel heard, seen, and valued. This experience has been transformative, and I wholeheartedly recommend Karen’s coaching services to anyone looking to make a profound change in their life.”
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