“Act like a man!” and Break the Glass Ceiling with Dr. Kasi Lacey

My conversation with Dr. Kasi Lacey speaks to a common experience among many; a woman and leader confronting the glass ceiling in an organization.

Kasi was passed over more than once for positions she was eminently qualified for “because they were instructed to hire a man…” Her encounter with gender bias became an inflection point; she did a new thing and made the decision to walk in and “act like a man” and demand the job she had more than earned. Kasi deliberately mimicked the hubris and assertion of a man who once came to her office demanding a promotion of his own. It worked.

As a bi-racial woman who presents “white” - Dr. Lacey shares her experiences with racism as well as toxic leadership and hustle culture. We also discuss the complexities of a “fake it til you make it” mentality and the significance of listening to one's inner voice as a means of empowerment and self-trust. Join the conversation!

Guest Bio:

I’m Kasi—a, psychologist, confidence coach, bi-racial woman, mother, and former C-suite leader who left the structured world of higher education to pursue a bigger mission: helping women step into unshakable confidence and unapologetic leadership.

For years, I played by the rules—earning my Ph.D. at 26, climbing the leadership ranks, and breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces. I fought to get my seat at the table, only to realize my ladder was leaning against the wrong building. I had checked all the boxes of success, yet I still felt like I was playing small.

That no longer works for me.

I built my own business, H & L Legacy Consulting, to help high-achieving women overcome imposter syndrome, advocate for themselves, and lead with confidence. Whether it's navigating workplace challenges, negotiating salaries, or owning their worth, I believe that when women stop doubting themselves, they change industries, organizations, and lives—including their own.

Website: https://www.kasilacey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkasilacey/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkasilacey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kasi-lacey-207815110/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drkasilacey

Oh, and fun fact? I once avoided public speaking at all costs—now I travel the country as a keynote speaker. Turns out, fear is just another challenge waiting to be conquered.

About Jen Oliver:

Jen Oliver is a speaker, podcaster, and communications coach - equipping people to speak with greater impact and presence. Whether you are speaking on stage, promoting your brand, or voicing your needs in a relationship - communicating with your truest voice and cultivating human connection with your audience is the key to influence. Jen coaches individuals privately and within her Signature group programs - in addition to delivering workshops as a guest expert in a variety of settings.

Jen serves as a 4-season Executive Producer, Director of Curation, and Speaker Coach for TEDxFolsom. She is a committed force behind WomanSpeak™ - an internationally recognized body of work teaching the art and soul of public speaking. Jen is on a mission to support 1 million women as they speak with uncommon levels of freedom and confidence. Tap into more at

REALjenoliver.com

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