We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karli Auble. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karli below.
Karli, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As a woman in engineering, being the only one in the room that looks like me is something I’ve encountered often. In meetings or discussions where I’m the only woman, or sometimes the only person from a diverse background, it’s easy to feel out of place. But over time, I’ve learned to see these moments as opportunities rather than challenges.
One of the key lessons I’ve embraced is that my unique background and experiences often bring a different, valuable perspective to the table. There have been countless times when my voice, as the only woman or person with a different viewpoint, has shifted the conversation in a new direction. For example, working in defense, I’ve seen how having a diverse voice can uncover things others may not have thought about. Diversity, whether in gender or background, often brings creative problem-solving, and I’ve realized how important it is to speak up because silence, in those moments, is a missed opportunity for everyone.
One tip that has helped me is staying mindful of the importance of my presence. If I’m in the room, I deserve to be there. That mindset shift has been huge. Early in my career, I might have held back my thoughts, worried they wouldn’t resonate with my colleagues. But I’ve learned that what I bring—my perspective, my approach to problem-solving, even my communication style—can be exactly what’s needed to move the discussion forward or solve a problem from a new angle.
I also remind myself that I don’t have to blend in. Being the only woman means I’m naturally different from others in the room, and that can be an asset. I’ve seen the value of leaning into that, whether it’s by bringing empathy to the table or being able to look at a project from a systems-level perspective that others may not consider. My experience as both an engineer and someone who is deeply involved in empowering women through my Life & Labor work gives me a unique lens on teamwork, leadership, and communication. I’m comfortable now speaking up about things that matter to me and the business because I know the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making.
Another piece of advice I hold onto is the importance of preparation. It’s easier to confidently contribute when I know my material inside out. Preparation gives me the foundation to not just speak up but to speak with authority, regardless of who else is in the room. It also allows me to ask thoughtful questions and challenge assumptions when necessary, which often leads to deeper discussions.
Finally, I’ve learned the value of connecting with allies in the room. It helps to identify those who are willing to support diverse voices, and I’ve built relationships with people who understand and appreciate the strength of having different perspectives in the workplace. Those allies can amplify your voice, and together, we can create a more inclusive environment.
What I’m most proud of is how these experiences have not only shaped my career but also the way I approach leadership and community-building. Whether I’m the only one in the room or not, I know that the voice I bring—shaped by my experiences as an engineer, a mother, and an advocate for women—is one that matters.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I wear a few different hats, but at the heart of everything I do is a passion for supporting women, especially in their transitions into motherhood and beyond. Professionally, I’m an engineering manager in the defense industry, where I’ve spent years leading teams and developing innovative solutions. But outside of that, I’m deeply involved in creating spaces for women to thrive, both through my Life & Labor work and my Positive Childbirth Course.
One of the most exciting things I’ve developed recently is an online Positive Childbirth Course that blends positive psychology with hypnobirthing and mindfulness. As someone who’s been certified in hypnobirthing and has seen firsthand how powerful these tools can be—not just in labor, but in postpartum and everyday life—I wanted to create a course that empowers women to approach childbirth with confidence and calm. It’s more than just a birth preparation course; it’s designed to help women step into motherhood with positivity and resilience, building skills that can carry them through birth and into all aspects of life.
What makes the course special is the integration of positive psychology, a field that’s really shaped the way I approach coaching and teaching. It’s all about helping people thrive by focusing on thoughts, habits, relationships, and values that foster well-being. I’ve taken the scientific principles of positive psychology and combined them with the spiritual and mindfulness practices of hypnobirthing, creating a truly holistic approach to childbirth.
In addition to the childbirth course, I also host bi-monthly Life & Labor Women’s Meetups. These are free community events where women come together in a safe, supportive environment to learn from expert speakers. We’ve had discussions on everything from finances to sex coaching, and it’s been incredible to see the connections and growth that come from these gatherings. The meetups are a chance for women to share their experiences and get real, actionable advice in an open, non-judgmental space.
Looking ahead, I’m expanding the Life & Labor brand by offering 1:1 coaching, where I use my THRIVE framework to help women navigate the transitions of life and labor. I’m also planning more meetups with a fantastic lineup of guest speakers who will cover a wide range of topics, including pelvic floor health, relationship dynamics, and even gut health. I’m really excited about the way the community is growing and how it’s impacting the women who participate.
Ultimately, my mission is to empower women to take charge of their well-being—whether they’re preparing for childbirth or navigating the challenges of everyday life. The work I do through Life & Labor is all about providing the tools, support, and community women need to feel confident and strong in whatever phase they’re in.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities that I believe have been most impactful: asking for help, having a deep thirst for knowledge, and learning to follow the flow. These have been crucial in both my career in engineering and my work in positive psychology and coaching.
The first, asking for help, has been a game-changer for me. I learned early on, through my experience as a collegiate athlete, that perfection isn’t the goal—it’s improvement. Whether it’s reaching out to a coach, seeking honest feedback on performance, or simply asking for advice, opening yourself up to others’ perspectives is key. Leaning into that discomfort, especially when you’re unsure or feeling vulnerable, can lead to tremendous growth. It’s not about always having the answers, but about being willing to admit when you need support and being open to opinions that might challenge your own. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to be brave enough to ask for help and to see it as a sign of strength, not weakness.
The second is a deep thirst for knowledge. I’ve always loved learning—whether it’s in the context of engineering, positive psychology, or motherhood. I’m constantly seeking new information because I believe every new piece of knowledge opens your mind to different perspectives and helps you see the world in new ways. For me, curiosity is essential, and it’s something I’d advise anyone to cultivate. Be open, be curious, but also be mindful and cautious of the data you consume. Ask questions, seek out reliable sources, and never stop learning.
Finally, following the flow has been a guiding principle in my work and life. In positive psychology, the concept of flow refers to that state when you’re so engaged in what you’re doing that time seems to disappear. I’ve found that the more I align my work with the things that bring me into flow—like coaching, empowering women, and even problem-solving in engineering—the more fulfilling my work becomes. If you can find what gets you into flow, lean into it. It’s a signal that you’re on the right path, doing something meaningful, and that you’re likely to produce your best work in that space.
For those starting their journey, my advice would be to seek help when you need it, stay curious and open to learning, and pay attention to what puts you in that state of flow. These qualities can guide you toward success, growth, and fulfillment.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instill two powerful lessons that have stuck with me throughout my life.
The first came from my dad, and it’s something I think about constantly, even in my work today. One of my chores growing up was to Swiffer the floor, and I would always ask him, “Is this good enough? How about now?” His response was simple but profound: “Don’t come back until you can say, ‘Dad, you see this floor? I Swiffered this floor.’” He wanted me to be so proud of the work I’d done that I would want to show it off to others. That stuck with me, and it shaped my view on taking ownership of my work. It’s a mindset that I carry into everything I do—whether it’s launching a new course, leading a project, or delivering a talk. I don’t just want to finish a task; I want to be proud enough of it to put my name on it and share it with the world.
The second lesson came from my mom, and it was the unwavering belief she had in me. No matter how many things I’d already signed up for or how off-the-wall my next idea might seem, she never questioned whether I could do it. She always believed that if I was interested in something, I would excel at it. That kind of confidence from her has been incredibly empowering. It gave me the courage to take risks and follow my passions, whether that was in engineering, coaching, or starting a business. Knowing she believed in me without hesitation made me believe in myself, even in moments of doubt.
These two lessons—being proud of my work and believing in my ability to succeed—are things I carry with me every day, and they’ve shaped the way I approach both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifenlabor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifenlabor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifenlabor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karliauble
- Twitter: www.facebook.com/lifenlabor
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