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.

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 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

In this conversation, Kendra Corman, a marketing strategist, joins the show to share her remarkable journey from starting in a Jeep call center to becoming the Jeep Advertising Manager for North America before successfully launching her own agency, Imperfect Marketing.

She is also the author of Mastering AI in Communications. Kendra explains that her agency's philosophy of "imperfect marketing" means focusing on progress, not perfection, which is the key to accelerating growth and avoiding the paralysis caused by the fear of needing to do everything right. She encourages listeners to move forward, knowing that mistakes can always be fixed, and "nobody died" in the making of a minor marketing error.

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

In this episode, Annette Richmond 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 Black Dog Marketing Strategies and career‑branding specialist — and you’ll see the person behind the purpose. You won’t want to miss it!

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, I talk with Annette Richmond about why video feels so intimidating for so many of us—and how to make the whole process less overwhelming. Annette and I address the self-criticism that shows up the moment a camera turns on, and how to get over ourselves!

Annette provides some simple ways to ease into video without the pressure of perfection, and shares her 14-day method for reducing on-camera anxiety and - and explain why recording one short line at a time keeps the energy natural and the process manageable.

Learn how to simplify your video process, create content that feels "real," and build confidence through small, consistent steps. Because imperfect video always beats waiting for perfect!

About Annette Richmond:

Annette Richmond, MA, founder of Black Dog Marketing Strategies, is a video-first social media strategist who helps consultants, entrepreneurs, and teams stop dreading video so they can show up confidently online and grow their visibility and business. A former magazine writer who studied media in college, Annette has long been drawn to broadcasting and video. Over the past five years, she has launched two podcasts, most recently Content Marketing School, a mix of solo episodes and interviews with industry experts. A frequent podcast guest and speaker, Annette has presented at the ATD New England Regional Conference, the SOCT SHRM HR Professional Development Summit, and Podfest Masterclass: AI & Creator Tools (virtual). She holds a BA in English from Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT) and an MA in Psychology from Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT).

Reach Annette:

LinkedIn

Website

TikTok

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, Noelle Robinson takes on my five signature fun fact questions, giving us a peek at the heart behind her impressive career and leadership style:

• 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?

This brief conversation reveals the gentle curiosity and grounded presence that shape Noelle’s work in sound therapy. It’s a chance to meet the heart behind the healing.

About Noelle J. Robinson:

Noelle Jae Robinson is the founder of The Sound Spa and a holistic wellness practitioner specializing in sound therapy for nervous-system regulation, emotional healing, and physical restoration. A former teacher, Noelle blends evidence-based practices with immersive sound to help women release stress, reset their physiology, and lead with grounded confidence. Through studio experiences, memberships, and on-demand content in sleep, meditation, and self-care practices, Noelle makes cultivating inner peace practical and repeatable. She’s on a mission to be a warrior for peace—showing why regulated rhythm is the secret to being uncopyable in work, relationships, and life.

Reach Noelle:

The Sound Spa

Facebook

LinkedIn

On-Demand Membership: The Sound Spa App

Download on Google Play

Download on App Store

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 fascinating conversation, Noelle shares her bold transition from teaching for ten years, including the difficult COVID era, to entrepreneurship, driven by her own challenging health journey.

Noelle demystifies therapeutic sound therapy and discusses the critical lesson she learned about protecting her own well-being while building a successful business around her passion.

She details how sound, specifically the vibrations from gongs and crystal bowls, healed her chronic pain and led her off long-term medications, giving her a powerful "why" for her business...and a natural health remedy for her customers.

About Noelle J. Robinson:

Noelle Jae Robinson is the founder of The Sound Spa and a holistic wellness practitioner specializing in sound therapy for nervous-system regulation, emotional healing, and physical restoration. A former teacher, Noelle blends evidence-based practices with immersive sound to help women release stress, reset their physiology, and lead with grounded confidence. Through studio experiences, memberships, and on-demand content in sleep, meditation, and self-care practices, Noelle makes cultivating inner peace practical and repeatable. She’s on a mission to be a warrior for peace—showing why regulated rhythm is the secret to being uncopyable in work, relationships, and life.

Reach Noelle:

The Sound Spa

Facebook

LinkedIn

On-Demand Membership: The Sound Spa App

Download on Google Play

Download on App Store

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