From Abandonment to Impact: How Karen Holliday Turned Heartbreak into Hope and Hard Work

“Just one person who believes in you can change everything.”

What if the very thing that once broke you could become the reason you lead with love? In this unforgettable episode, Steve Ramona sits down with Karen Holliday, a woman whose story moves from abandonment to unshakable purpose. From raising her siblings alone after losing her father and being left behind by her mother, to serving in the military, to becoming a transformational leader and founder of NYAK Consulting (Not Your Average Karen), Karen’s journey is a raw, real, and radiant testament to the power of faith, mentorship, and heart work.

She takes us deep into a moment that changed everything—a Christmas Eve, a desk full of wrapped presents, and a handwritten note that simply said, “This comes from a group of people who believe in you.” That note would ignite her lifelong mission: to believe in others the way no one once believed in her.

Karen shares the heartbeat of “Connection Capital,” why your network is your heart work, and how to recognize the divine nudges that tell you when someone needs you most. Her voice is calm yet fierce, her spirit grounded in servant leadership, and her message crystal clear: You don’t need a title to be a leader, you need a purpose.

Listeners will walk away with tangible ways to lead with service, choose courage over comfort, and infuse every interaction with genuine connection. Whether you’re under 40 and searching for your path, or a seasoned entrepreneur wondering what’s next, Karen’s story will stir your soul and give you the push you didn’t know you needed.

P.S. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded they matter, they belong, and they can rise.