Welcome, I’m Karen Retardo

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I coach Filipino immigrant nurses develop self-confidence and speak up to advocate for themselves—without fear of judgment—even if they’ve spent years staying quiet so they can confidently ask for what they want and create the career and life they truly desire.

As an ICF-certified Professional Coach and fellow Filipino immigrant nurse, I walk the path I guide others through.

And I’d like to tell you a little story…

Once upon a time,

when the Goddess had finished making the world, she wanted to leave behind a piece of Her own divinity, a spark of Her essence, a promise to humans of what they could become with effort. She looked for a place to hide this precious gift because, she explained, what humans could find too easily would never be valued by them.

"Then you must hide this gift on the highest mountain peak on earth," said one of her advisers.

The Goddess shook Her head, "No, for man is an adventuresome creature, and they will soon enough learn to climb the highest mountain peaks."

"Hide it then, in the depths of the earth."

"I think not," said the Goddess. "for man will one day discover that they can dig into the deepest parts of the earth."

"In the middle of the ocean then, your majesty?"

The goddess shook her head. "I've given humans a brain, you see, and one day they’ll learn to build ships and cross the mightiest oceans.”

"Where then?" cried her advisors.

The Goddess smiled, "I'll hide it where every man and woman will be able to find it if they look sincerely and deeply enough. I'll hide it in their hearts because that’s the least likely place they’ll look. They always look for gifts outside of themselves.

That’s the missing piece

The piece we search for in courses, advanced education, certifications, and fancy job titles. As a quietly ambitious Filipino immigrant nurse myself, I worked extra hard to receive external validation that I was doing everything right. I constantly looked outside of myself for someone to offer me what I wanted and waited to be given permission to take action.

Surely, if I was good enough, gave enough, cared for everyone else enough, worked hard enough — then I would be rewarded. But that story didn’t lead to success. It led straight to exhaustion and burnout. 

It wasn’t until I did the deep work — with very good coaches who urged me to follow my own Northstar — that I stopped looking ‘out there’ and began taking an honest look at myself. What I truly wanted. What I honestly needed. And what strengths I, alone, could bring to the table

That’s when the magic started.

I learned to speak my truth without fear, honor my needs without apology, and confidently embrace my unique path.

Confrontations became opportunities for “carefrontation,” where I could set healthy boundaries with love and clarity. My voice found its power not through aggression but through grounded conviction and authenticity. I began commanding respect.

What worked for me was a combination of understanding my strengths (Gallup CliftonStrengths is an incredible tool for this) and giving myself permission to experiment, try things, fail, create, and PLAY. Play and fun tend to be lacking in our lives, and also in coaching.

What also tends to be rare in coaching...immigrants and women of color.

It’s a very white world in coach land, and it’s rare to find a first-generation immigrant in this field who understands those struggles first-hand, so I’m here to support that community.

Because we feel more pressure to succeed. We live in an adopted culture set up to reinforce the message that we’re not enough. And the stakes of failure seem so high that it’s terrifying to step off of the well-beaten paths to success.

Then there are the messages and stories handed to us from our parents and our familial cultures that tend to discourage following our wild hearts.

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I saw a need for coaching that helps immigrant women of color listen to their wants and needs and feel strong enough, capable enough, and courageous enough to accept nothing less.

After the pandemic, it hit me that I didn’t want to regret how I lived my life. Did you know that the five regrets of the dying are:

1. I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.

3. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

5. I wish I had let myself be happier.

I don’t want anyone to leave this earth with unfulfilled dreams inside of them. Your gift is too precious not to share.

Today, I help women like you (and me) identify and harness your innate talents, own your strengths, get creative, feel safe and supported, and clear the beliefs and stories that keep you from a life aligned with your deepest values and wildest dreams.

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A Different Kind of Coaching:

My practice weaves together powerful modalities that speak to the whole person:

  • Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment- is like a roadmap to your superpowers and zone of genius. Discovering and leveraging your natural talents.

  • LEGO® Serious Play® - a hands-on, innovative process to facilitate creative thinking, problem-solving, and storytelling. Unlocking creativity and solutions through playful exploration

  • Clear Beliefs coaching - to identify, release, and dis-create limiting beliefs

  • Trauma-informed therapeutic coaching - acknowledges and addresses the effects of trauma, emphasizing safety and empowerment to facilitate healing and personal growth.

  • Inner Child Healing work involves reconnecting with and nurturing your inner child and taking responsibility for parenting it. This approach is deeply compassionate, acknowledging the presence and influence of your childhood self and offering pathways to healing and integration.

  • Spiritual psychology principles- focus on the soul’s resilience and the transformative power of viewing life’s challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Integrate spiritual insights for a holistic approach to personal development.

So, what’s my coaching style?

  • I bring a dynamic and multifaceted approach to coaching, grounded in a rich blend of methodologies that I've mastered over the years.

  • At the heart of my coaching philosophy lies a deep commitment to fostering a supportive and empathetic connection tailored to your unique journey. Together, we'll uncover and transform counterproductive thought patterns, harness your innate strengths, and unearth practical solutions.

  • My approach is deeply holistic, encompassing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of your being and addressing both your internal desires and external ambitions. Crafted to spark profound personal growth, our sessions will engage you in thought-provoking discussions and reflective exercises. My goal is to serve your best interests, not to please you. My focus is on nurturing your journey towards self-improvement, ensuring that every aspect of your life is aligned with your path to fulfillment.

  • I believe in the power of silence as a catalyst for transformation. In those moments of quiet reflection, I encourage you to delve deep, embracing the space where true clarity and insight reside. My questions prompt self-reflection, inviting you to discover the answers within at your own pace.

  • My commitment to you is complete—infusing every session with my unique energy, unwavering focus, and the magic of impactful coaching. With extensive experience in personal growth and development, I ensure transparency and dedication in our journey together.

  • I act as a mirror, reflecting your thoughts back to you, enhancing self-awareness, and magnifying the transformative power of coaching. My aim is to offer a comprehensive and personalized coaching experience, supporting you through personal evolution, professional growth, or any specific challenges you face. Paving the way to your most authentic and fulfilling life.

  • During our sessions, sometimes I’m here to help you trust your inner guidance and intuition, and other times, I’ll give you my take on what works and how to do it.

Results my clients have achieved:

I’ve seen my clients transform their quietness into a celebrated strength, achieving greater self-confidence, improved work-life balance, and enhanced emotional resilience. They have learned to set healthy boundaries, articulate their needs and goals more effectively, and have seen tangible improvements in their professional achievements and personal fulfillment. Many have also reported a deeper sense of connection with their inner selves, leading to more meaningful relationships and a clearer sense of purpose.

What My Clients Are Saying

  • "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."

    Nancy K.

  • "What stands out about this coaching relationship is the feeling of being genuinely heard. Karen's approach—non-judgmental, with a focus on active listening, self-reflective questions—has not only helped me regain focus but also redirected me towards my true goals whenever I veered off path. The sessions have been a safe space for me to gain clarity on the balanced life I desire, combining intentional actions with faith in a higher plan.It's this comprehensive approach that has positively impacted my mindset, confidence, and overall well-being."

    Kaye R.

  • "Karen is an exceptional mentor and truly a holistic coach. She has a unique ability to help align your goals with reality, empowering you to be ambitious while staying grounded. As a first generation immigrant, I faced emotional and mental challenges, but Karen helped me navigate my limiting beliefs that were holding me back. Thanks to her coaching, I was able to finish my Doctoral degree, a milestone I almost gave up on.

    Jessica B.

A few fun facts about me

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  • I was born and raised in the Philippines. I moved to the U.S. in 1994. Been living in SoCal ever since.

  • I’m a FRIENDS fanatic. I even had the “Rachel” haircut for three years & hosted a watch party for the series finale.

Small dog with scruffy fur resting on a couch.

  • I’m childfree by circumstance, not by choice. I’ve learned to accept it and actually love it. I’m a dog-momma, and my fur-baby’s name is Rocky. He’s a Jack Russell Schnauzer mix and looks more like a terrier than a schnauzer.

  • I’m an INFP, Enneagram 4, and Human Design Generator. These facets shape my empathetic and intuitive coaching methods.

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  • I have a partner/bf. I’m blessed to have him. He’s a fantastic man and truly gets me. He accepts me for who I am…all my quirks, flaws, and uniqueness. He’s my greatest fan and No. 1 cheerleader.

  • I’m also trained in Soul Memory Discovery, Classical Feng Shui, Date Selection, and Chinese astrology but more for personal use.

Want to work together?

  • 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. Learn More

  • 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, and trauma-informed therapeutic coaching Learn More