My guest today is an internationally recognized expert in diplomacy and protocol and the author of My Time with General Colin Powell.

This is Part 1 of our fascinating conversation. Leslie and I talk about how she found her way into protocol (largely by being the right person at the right time), what protocol really means beyond rules and titles, and why kindness and respect aren’t “soft skills”—they’re leadership skills.

Leslie shares insights into General Powell’s leadership style, his high standards, and why she came to call one of America’s leading statesmen “my general.”

This is part one of our conversation. In the next episode, we’ll talk more about Leslie—how she handled the pressure, earned trust at the highest levels, and built a career around doing things the right way.

About Leslie Lautenslager:

Leslie Lautenslager is a distinguished protocol expert with a career spanning over three decades of high-level diplomacy and international relations. Beginning her journey in 1986 at Blair House, she managed state visits and led presidential delegations before transitioning to the private sector as the event manager for General Colin L. Powell. She served as a trusted advisor and liaison to the General for 25 years, including his tenure as U.S. Secretary of State, where she was the Assistant Chief of Protocol for Ceremonials. In this role, she organized functions for foreign dignitaries and coordinated major national events, such as the UN General Assembly and state funerals, remaining with the General until his passing in 2021.

Beyond her government service, Lautenslager is a global leader in her field, having served as President of Protocol & Diplomacy – Protocol Officers Association from 2016 to 2020. An accomplished author and trainer, she penned the memoir "My Time with General Colin Powell" and has contributed to several academic texts on international etiquette. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, she is now an internationally recognized speaker who trains prestigious organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Peace Corps in the art of diplomatic and corporate relations.

Connect with Leslie:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama,") interview superstar women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to enjoy Uncopyable success. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world, and I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

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Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

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Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com
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In this short solo episode, I share a story about how one small change at my annual mammogram appointment wrecked the experience right at the finish line.

For years, the place I go to has made an uncomfortable procedure feel as pleasant as possible — warm robes, kind technicians, and a smooth checkout. I’ve recommended them to other women because they always made things easy.

But this time, it was different. They made a small change - and detracted from the entire experience.

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama,") interview superstar women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to enjoy Uncopyable success. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world, and I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Apply for a free 20 minute call

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com
linkedin.com/in/millerkay

In this episode, Kendra Corman takes on my five signature “fun fact questions,” giving us a peek at the heart behind her incredible journey:

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
• What’s something you still want to do?
• What do you love most about yourself?
• What’s one thing you’d like to change?
• And… your favorite vacation spot?

Step behind the scenes in this candid and insightful conversation. Learn more about the founder of Imperfect Marketing and author of Mastering AI in Communications — and you’ll see the person behind the progress. You won’t want to miss it!

About Kendra Corman:

Kendra Corman is a marketing strategist who spent years managing marketing and advertising for many brands including Jeep before starting her own agency. Now she helps businesses cut through the noise with email marketing, AI tools, and podcasting. She's the author of "Mastering AI In Communications" and loves turning complicated marketing stuff into strategies people can actually use.

Connect with Kendra:

Linkedin

Website

Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama,") interview superstar women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to enjoy Uncopyable success. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world, and I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.

Order my Products!

Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)

Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)

Apply for a free 20 minute call

Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com
linkedin.com/in/millerkay