We were lucky to catch up with Karen Braveheart recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, thanks for joining us today. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?

I’ve been fortunate to have a varied career- as an attorney, a real estate broker, college professor, and entrepreneur. My biggest teacher and mentor is life itself because I learned so much by just getting out there and taking action toward my career and dreams.

As I look back on my career, there are three mentors that have positively impacted me.

1) First, was the managing attorney at Travelers Insurance in New York who when interviewing me- challenged me more than any other interview I ever had. He believed in me as a trial attorney. There are certain traits that I trial attorney has that need to be cultivated- thinking quickly on my feet, courage, ability to process large amounts of information and keep them organized in my brain- to keep track of the forest, the trees, and the leaves always. So, 8 days into my job, he threw me into my 1st deposition and it was a sink or swim situation. I stayed up late the night before preparing, and I remember during the deposition that this is really hard- I felt like I was going under, but something inside of me fought back and I remember saying to myself- it’s either sink or swim and I’m not EVER gonna sink. So, I treaded water and got threw it. Eventually, with more experience, I became really good at them. He helped me to exercise my bravery muscle and taught me that comes with experience- you have to be in it to win it

He also told me to start dictating all my motions and all documents for my secretary to transcribe. This was before AI haha. I’m talking about 30 page documents, and I thought he was crazy. How was I ever going to do this? After 6 months of struggling, I got really good at it. Then, I noticed that my trial skills went through the roof. He as teaching me to process large amounts of information and how to keep them organized in my brain- a key skill to being a good trial attorney. And to get to the conclusion quickly! I’m thankful to this day for learning these skills because I use them everyday in my busy life as a business owner and mom of three.

2) My 2nd amazing mentor was at this job. He was assigned to me and I can’t say enough great things about this man. He was a father of two young kids at the time and would take my calls at 10pm at night on the eve of a case I had headed to trial the next day and helped with prepare my opening, telling me where to stand when selecting a jury, helping me with strategy. He was amazing. Every day, I’d come back to the office @2:30pm after a full day in court or depositions and sit in his office telling him about what I’d done and he was always helping me to be the best attorney I could be. I’ll never forget him. He also taught me a valuable personal lesson when i confided in him some problems I was having with my dad at the time He said to forgive him- that forgiveness is for me and not the other person and I deserved not to be tied to my past. I’ll never forget that advice.

3) My 3rd mentor was at a local real estate brokerage when I had my real estate broker’s license. I had just moved to San Diego from NY and while I could have opened up my own business, I chose to work with an experienced broker so I could ask him any questions I had. I interviewed a bunch of brokers who all wanted me to work with them, but I chose this one because he stood out. He walked the walk- humble as can be, wealthy from investment deals, and was an all around honest, hard working, great guy. He challenged me to to be the best version of myself and taught me something valuable in life. Its not what you know- it’s who you know. I’ve always been a relationship builder, and I didn’t realize how important my network- of connecting with others was until he told me one day in his office. And, I was like- you’re right.

Karen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In an era where mental well-being plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of our children, Prodigi Kids has emerged as a transformative force, redefining parenting with an unwavering focus on raising kids with self-worth. Under the visionary leadership of Karen Braveheart is revolutionizing how we raise the next generation by nurturing resilience and self-assurance. With a compelling blend of expertly curated products, educational content, and a supportive community, Prodigi Kids empowers parents to instill a strong sense of self-esteem in their children.

Building a Positive Foundation:
Prodigi Kids’ journey to empowering children begins with the fundamental belief that every child deserves to grow up with a positive self-worth. Recognizing that early childhood experiences shape future emotional well-being, Karen Braveheart set out to create a platform that empowers parents to foster resilience and self-assurance in their kids.
The core of Prodigi Kids’ approach lies in neuro-emotional loving moments. These meaningful connections between parents and children lay the groundwork for building a strong foundation of self-esteem. By celebrating each child’s unique qualities and encouraging self-expression, Prodigi Kids enables children to develop a strong sense of identity and self-worth from an early age.

Innovative Products for Empowerment:
Prodigi Kids offers a thoughtfully curated range of products that transcend traditional baby/child items. The Adi Plate, their flagship product, is not just a feeding plate; it represents a symbol of independence and empowerment. As children use the Adi Plate to feed themselves, they develop essential skills and a sense of achievement, bolstering their self-confidence. All our products have the message that every child is capable and deserving of self worth: believing in themselves, their dreams, and their right to a happy life.

Transformative Educational Content:
Prodigi Kids’ commitment to empowering parents goes beyond products. Their recently launched e-book, “Prodigi Kids Self Worth Parenting Paradigm,” serves as a comprehensive guide for parents seeking to raise resilient and self-assured children. Filled with insights, research, and practical strategies, the e-book equips parents with the tools to create neuro-emotional connections and instill a lasting sense of self-worth.
Through their blog and engaging educational content on social media platforms, Prodigi Kids ensures that parents have ongoing support and guidance in their parenting journey. By providing valuable resources, Prodigi Kids empowers parents to navigate the challenges of parenthood with confidence and raise mentally well children.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Sure- There have been many. I’m thinking of one that can provide the most value to your audience. I’ll tell the story of how I decided to go all in on my dream. Several years ago, I was separating from my husband, We had three young children at the time, and I worked FT as an associate college professor and hated it. I was given classed in law, business law, and real estate to teach because I had degrees in them, but my real passion was entrepreneurship and I wasn’t given those courses b/c I didn’t have an MBA. I made the argument that I have what I call and “on the ground MBA” which I would take any day because it’s based upon real practical experience of doing it day after day, but that didn’t work.

I wanted my kids to have stability and emotional security at this time in their life and chose to keep them in the house for one year following our divorce. My ex husband wasn’t making a lot of money and I was bringing in 50% of our income so I knew I had to find another way to support myself and my kids. At this time, I had invented the Adi plate and my dream was to bring it to market after my Kickstarter campaign. I loved everything about it and wanted to pursue this FT but the product wasn’t ready to sell and I wasn’t making any money at it.

So, after 4 rounds of interviews, I landed a job as a real estate advisor to other investors. The company and owners were as nice as can be and well organized. It was FT and would pay my bills. It required working FT hours at the office for the 1st year and then remotely as a coach in year 2. I quit my teaching jobs and thought to myself- I can work FT, put in all the hours needed to bring the Adi plate to market and be a FT mom to three kids too. Sleep wasn’t in the equation!

I showed up on the first day of work and reported to my boss. She showed me around and introduced me to my coworkers. After the tour, as I was about to enter her office, I felt this sinking feeling inside my soul that whispered to me: “If you stay at this job, you won’t be able to pursue your dreams of Prodigi Kids and you might as well be 6 feet under.”

I sat down in her office and started balling crying- I’m talking full on sobbing. I had never done this before professionally- being a former tough trial attorney and all, but I couldn’t help myself. She knew I was getting divorced and had young children and was so empathetic. She asked me if I was ok and I blurted out that if I stay here and not pursue my dreams, you might as well put me 6 feet under.

I’ll never forget her kindness after hearing this. She told me to go for it and that she liked me so much that she’d hold the job open for me for 3 months if I needed it or changed my mind. How nice was that! She said she never did this for anyone else before.

I thanked her, gave her a hug and walked out to my car. I had no idea how I was going to support my kids and me and manifest my dreams. I sat in the driver’s seat, shaking uncontrollably and was scared shitless. (please edit if I can’t say this)

It was one of those life changing moments. Best decision ever!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I don’t have a cofounder or business partner, but I do have someone I work with on a regular basis and our work compliments one another very well. He does graphic design and all things technical when it comes to the website.

The story of how we met is cute. I’m pretty tech savvy, but a few years ago, I was having this weird problem with my gmail that no one could figure out. I went threw through computer experts and none could help me.

I was frustrated, but kept on going and came across a man who’s profile picture showed him sitting in a lotus meditation position that was so different from how everyone else looked.

I reached out and the rest is history, as they say. I learned that he is tenacious when it comes to solving a tech problem. He will always figure it out and enjoys the challenge. I can’t say enough great things about his dedication to Prodigi Kids and his work ethic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prodigikids.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prodigikids/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=prodigi%20kids
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-braveheart-0b78b3/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQc0l7vhHjTUyCR3rg8gAkA