We had the good fortune of connecting with Kara Duffy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kara, how do you think about risk?
People often exaggerate risk. We’re afraid of what other people will think. We’re afraid of it all going wrong. We’re afraid that if the first domino falls, they’ll all fall before we can stop them. Most of my experience as a business coach (if not all of it) is in recognizing that what we’re afraid of doesn’t typically happen. While it’s proper planning to evaluate the risks in our business plans, where we should be really focusing our energy is in the opportunity we uniquely see. Plan to mitigate risks, and then spend your time thinking about and acting upon all the possibilities before you.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
After 20 years working in footwear and apparel, I jumped full time into my own businesses. Kara Duffy Coaching & Consulting provides business coaching, education, advising and consulting to small and medium businesses. I’m a thrive-based business coach, meaning that I help business owners and leaders learn to create a business that allows themselves to thrive and have the life they want, too. I select clients based on value niching. My dream clients are heart-led, open to coaching, ready to implement new processes and do the hard work to have breakthroughs, plus are people I would enjoy spending time with. I often help clients double their revenue, quit their day job, and be in awe of the business and life they have created for themselves. Business is never easy, but there are a lot of ways that we can simplify it so that we can focus on our goals, our values, and the life that we want to be building. This allows us to scale quicker and cultivate more satisfaction in the long run. I often help clients cut out 80% of their to-do list while doubling their business. When we are focused and in alignment with ourselves, business becomes so much easier! And, just like I tell everyone, I also have my own business coach and I couldn’t imagine doing business without one.
I love helping people make money doing what they love and helping businesses keep their heart & soul as they grow.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
An ideal day in LA includes: Pick up a Taro Latte at Hotel Figueroa.
Pop over to Closed Gallery to check out a new installation by artist KOLA DPW.
Grab a burrito at Sonoratown.
Pick up some new books at The Last Bookstore.
Walk through the Broad Museum.
Sunset cocktails on the roof of the Ace Hotel.
Dinner at Sparrow Italia next to the coffin shaped swimming pool.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout is to my Fancy Fraus. When I lived in Germany I had a group of female friends who completely changed my confidence. We supported each other, laughed together, and really drove home that you can have it all if you’re unique in all that you’re creating.

Website: karaduffy.com / thepowerfulladies.com

Instagram: @kara_duffy / @powerfulladies

Linkedin: linkedin.com/karawduffy

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.