Episode #211: Negotiating and Living Bigger with Dr. Karen Leitner

Summary 

This episode is a powerful conversation about what changes when you stop trying to do everything alone. I’m joined by Dr. Karen Leitner for an honest, layered discussion about community, self-advocacy, and the invisible ways so many high-achieving women hold themselves back without even realizing it.

We talk about the thoughts that keep women playing small, why asking for more can feel so uncomfortable, and how one simple conversation can create the kind of spark that changes everything. If you’ve ever felt yourself overthinking, waiting for permission, or staying quiet when you know you want more, this episode will give you plenty to sit with.

About Dr. Karen Leitner:

Dr. Karen Leitner is the founder of Karen Leitner MD Coaching. Since 2021, she has coached full time and worked with over 500 women physicians. Her work focuses on strategies that enhance well-being, reduce burnout, support leadership and career development, improve negotiation skills, and foster self-exploration and growth.

She received her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her medical degree from the University of Rochester before completing a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. She later held a community primary care role and a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School before transitioning into digital medical patient advocacy until 2021.

Karen is also an international speaker, and an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of healthcare professionals. She is the proud mom of 3 school age daughters and lives in Newton with her husband and mini golden doodle Oscar.

Get The Body Reset Mini Course: https://burnstressloseweight.com/bodyreset

Take the Stress Quiz: https://burnstressloseweight.com/stress  

Follow Karen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenleitnermd/ 

Karen’s Program How to Feel Better for Women Physicians: https://go.karenleitnermd.com/how-to-feel-better-page

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

• Why community can challenge limiting beliefs you didn’t even realize you were carrying
• The hidden thought patterns that make self-advocacy and negotiation feel harder for women
• How overachievers talk themselves out of asking for more at work, at home, and in life
• Why learning to tolerate discomfort is often the price of becoming the person you want to be
• How one small step, one email, or one bold ask can start changing your trajectory

Listen to the Full Episode:

Enjoy the Show?

• Follow: Get new episodes in your feed every single week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or search “Burn Stress, Lose Weight” on your favorite platform.
• Rate & Review: Take a few seconds and leave your review in the stars and comments of this show.
• Instagram: Come hang out with me on Instagram, you’ll find me in your daily feed @burnstressloseweight 

Featured on the Show:

• Get the Body Reset Mini Course by clicking here.
• Take the Stress Quiz by clicking here.
• Follow Dr. Karen Leitner on Instagram by clicking here.
• Want to work with me? Learn about The Burn Stress, Lose Weight Group by clicking here.

Download the full transcript here.