Karen Patwa is an executive coach and strategist with a mission to help women strengthen their voice and power in the workplace. After running her own fashion label in New York for a decade, Karen transitioned into leadership roles where she witnessed the subtle yet systemic challenges women face—especially women of color. Today, she channels her entrepreneurial experience into empowering women to protect their positioning, claim their independence, and thrive authentically in leadership. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Karen’s inspiring journey to remind our 5 million-strong community that true empowerment begins with self-awareness and collective support—because we believe in He for She and She for She.
Q: Karen, tell us about your journey and what inspired your current work as an executive coach.
A: I have a long history in entrepreneurship—I ran my own fashion label in New York for about ten years. When I returned to the corporate world, I began noticing the unique challenges women face in professional settings. As I moved into leadership roles, I realized that women often encounter biases that make their positions feel precarious, even when they’re doing excellent work. I wanted to change that by helping women understand their power, navigate the interpersonal dynamics at work, and protect their space while staying authentic.
Q: What do you think are some of the biggest challenges women face in leadership today?
A: Many women still face invisible barriers—biases that question their approach or authority simply because they do things differently. There’s also this expectation that women should always appear strong and in control, even when they’re struggling. That mindset prevents women from seeking help or acknowledging that solutions exist. My goal is to help them realize that they can be powerful and authentic at the same time. True empowerment comes from knowing how to protect and express that power effectively.
Q: You describe yourself as both an executive coach and an executive strategist. What’s the difference?
A: Executive coaching is about growth and guidance, but executive strategy—at least the way I approach it—is about equipping women with the tools to get what they want in their careers. That could be recognition, compensation, impact, or peace of mind. I work with women to define their goals clearly and then strategize ways to achieve them while maintaining their authenticity and self-respect.
Q: How do you connect with and reach women who might benefit from your work?
A: Much of my work happens through referrals and trusted professional communities because these are sensitive conversations. Women often don’t feel comfortable talking publicly about workplace challenges, so my network has grown through personal connections. I also use LinkedIn to share insights and sometimes move those discussions into private spaces where women feel safer to open up.
Q: You mentioned creating a unique framework for women in leadership. Can you tell us about it?
A: Yes, I developed a holistic framework designed to help women fortify and promote themselves in the workplace. It’s not sequential like most leadership models—it focuses on five core leadership competencies that operate together to help women protect their positioning, reduce overwhelm, and thrive. The framework is something I guide women through in my coaching program, and it’s been transformative for many who’ve struggled with confidence or workplace bias.
Q: What are your aspirations for the future of your work?
A: I’d like to expand my consulting arm and work more with women’s professional organizations globally. My vision is to build a stronger network of empowered women who understand that solutions exist—and that change is possible. I want to bring more workshops, small-group talks, and strategy sessions to women across industries, including corporate and nonprofit sectors. Ultimately, I want women everywhere to know that no matter how difficult a situation seems, they can empower themselves through the right tools and mindset.
Q: What kind of challenges do you personally face as an entrepreneur and coach?
A: One challenge is communicating to women who believe their problems are unsolvable. Many have internalized the idea that “this is just how it is.” Helping them shift that mindset is critical. Another challenge is maintaining authenticity in an increasingly automated world. As AI tools become more common, I think it’s important to use them thoughtfully—to boost productivity without losing the human connection that defines meaningful work.
Q: What message would you like to share with women who are trying to find their strength and balance in the workplace?
A: I truly believe we can own our independence and achieve whatever we want, wherever we are. The most difficult step is changing our mindset. Once we do that, there’s nothing women can’t handle. Women across the world are incredibly strong, capable, and smart—we just need to remind ourselves of that power.
“Change starts with us. The moment we shift our mindset, we unlock the strength that’s always been within us.” — Karen Patwa
Connect with Karen Patwa:
You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn or visit her website at www.karenpatwaconsulting.com.
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