Iconic Leadership with Karissa Adkins

Rise Up Kenya: Why This Mission Matters More Than Business

There are moments in life and leadership where it stops being about business… and starts being about impact. This episode is one of those moments. As we prepare to head to Kenya for the Rise Up Global Humanitarian & Empowerment Tour, I wanted to bring you behind the scenes of what this mission really means—why we do it, how it started, and the lives we’re committed to impacting. You’ll hear the heart behind why they joined this mission, the impact they’re here to create, and what it truly means to lead on a global level. This is about purpose, service, and using your voice to make a difference. If this conversation moves you, don’t just listen, take action. Donate today to be part of the impact. https://gofund.me/93b544538 [https://gofund.me/93b544538 ] ✨ Loved this episode? Make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who believes in making a difference.

How We Built a Strong Marriage Without Losing Our Individual Purpose

What does it actually take to build a strong relationship when both people are ambitious, independent, and driven? In this episode, we open up about what makes our relationship work—from communication and boundaries to navigating growth, pressure, and evolving roles. As a military family, a blended family, and two individuals committed to personal and professional excellence, we’ve had to learn how to operate as a true team. From hosting our first Rise Up: Ultimate Power Couples Experience to building our vision for what’s next, this conversation breaks down the real strategies that have helped us stay aligned without losing who we are individually. If you’re building something big and want a relationship that grows with you—this episode will give you a new perspective on what’s possible. ✨ Join the Alpha Queen Rising Community If you’re craving real conversations, meaningful connections, and a space where you can grow alongside other ambitious women—come join us inside Alpha Queen Rising. We host monthly networking and create opportunities for you to rise in every area of your life. https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/aqr-community [https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/aqr-community] ✨ Ready for your next level in business and leadership? Book a 15-minute clarity call with me. We’ll identify the gaps holding you back from your next $100K—and map out exactly what to do next. 👉https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/claritycall15m [https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/claritycall15m] ✨ Loved this episode? Make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and comment your favorite part on our YouTube channel—I’d love to hear what resonated with you most.

Retreats Are Not Vacations—Here’s What Most Hosts Get Wrong

So you want to run a retreat? You want to bring people together… create transformation… build community… and elevate your brand. I love that. But let’s be real for a second— Most people have no idea what it actually takes to run a retreat that delivers and converts. In this episode of Iconic Leadership, I’m breaking down the real strategy behind hosting retreats that are not only transformational—but profitable. Because retreats aren’t just about: ❌ picking a pretty location ❌ planning cute activities ❌ or filling your schedule with content They’re about creating an experience. A container. A journey that takes your attendees from where they are… to who they’re becoming. And if you don’t know how to do that? You’ll overschedule, undercharge, and walk away exhausted—with very little to show for it. In this episode, we’re diving into: The biggest mistakes first-time retreat hosts make (and how to avoid them) The difference between planning an event vs. creating a transformational experience How to design a retreat that actually leads to client conversion The mindset shifts required to lead a powerful room (not just organize one) And how to position your retreat as a premium, must-attend experience Because retreats, when done right, are one of the most powerful ways to: ➡️ deepen relationships ➡️ elevate your authority ➡️ and create high-level client opportunities This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing it right. Because your retreat is not just an event… It’s a reflection of your leadership. ✨ Want my exact retreat blueprint? I created a step-by-step guide on how to plan, launch, and execute a high-converting, transformational retreat, from vision to logistics to client experience. 👉 You have to be following me on Instagram first Then send me a DM with the word RETREAT to @alpha_queen_empire and I’ll send you the full ebook. ✨ Join the Alpha Queen Rising Community If you’re ready to elevate your leadership, your business, and your room—come join us inside Alpha Queen Rising. This is where ambitious women connect, grow, and rise together. https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/aqr-community [https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/aqr-community] ✨ Ready for your next level in business and leadership? Book a 15-minute clarity call with me. We’ll identify what’s holding you back from your next $100K and map out your next move. 👉https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/claritycall15m [https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/claritycall15m] ✨ Loved this episode? Make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and comment your biggest takeaway on our YouTube channel—I want to hear what landed for you.

Diary of a $500K Speaker (Part 3): Why Most Events Fail, and What Real Leaders Do Differently

Let’s talk about the side of the speaking industry that no one wants to admit. Because here’s the truth: Events are powerful. They can create connection, transformation, and massive income. But they can also be one of the most mismanaged, overpromised, and underdelivered spaces in the industry. In Part 3 of this series, I’m flipping the lens. Not as a speaker… But as someone who has: ➡️ spoken on stages all over the world ➡️ paid to be in rooms that didn’t deliver ➡️ and now hosted my own event for 150 women Because just because you can host an event… doesn’t mean you know how to lead one. In this episode, we’re breaking down: Why so many events fail (even with big audiences and big promises) The truth about pay-to-play—and why it’s not the real problem What speakers actually need (and deserve) when they step onto a stage The difference between filling a room… and leading it Because attention doesn’t equal execution. And followers don’t equal results. This is a conversation about standards. About leadership. And about what it really takes to create an experience that not only looks good—but actually delivers. Because if you’re going to build the room…You better know how to own it. ✨ Join the Alpha Queen Rising Community If you’re ready to elevate your leadership, your visibility, and your business—come join us inside Alpha Queen Rising. This is where ambitious women connect, grow, and rise together. https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/aqr-community [https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/aqr-community ] ✨ Ready for your next level in business and leadership? Book a 15-minute clarity call with me. We’ll identify what’s holding you back from your next $100K—and map out your next move. 👉https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/claritycall15m [https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/claritycall15m] ✨ Loved this episode? Make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and comment your biggest takeaway on our YouTube channel—I want to hear what landed for you.

Diary of a $500K Speaker (Part 2): How to Turn One Talk Into $100K+ in Your Business

Everyone wants to be a speaker. But very few people know how to turn speaking into sales. In Part 2 of this series, we’re going beyond the story—and into the strategy. Because here’s the truth: You don’t need more stages. You need a talk that actually converts. In this episode, I’m breaking down what it really takes to craft a signature talk that doesn’t just inspire people—but moves them to action. We’re talking about: ➡️ How to structure a talk that creates connection and conversion ➡️ Why most speakers walk away with zero clients (and how to fix it) ➡️ The difference between “sharing your story” and leading a room ➡️ How to turn one 20–30 minute talk into $50K–$100K+ in business Because speaking is not the business. It’s the front-end of the machine. And if you don’t have: ❌ a clear message ❌ a strong offer ❌ a follow-up system You don’t have a pipeline—you have a missed opportunity. This episode will challenge you to stop playing small on stages you were meant to own, and start treating your voice like the asset it actually is. Because at the end of the day? Your story is either making you money… or keeping you broke. ✨ Ready to actually build your signature talk and monetize your voice? I break all of this down inside my Own the Stage: From Invisible to In-Demand Speaker Workshop. It’s 3 hours. It’s $33. And it can shortcut what most people spend years trying to figure out. 👉 Send me a DM on Instagram @Alpha_Queen_Karissa with the word IN DEMAND and I’ll send you the link. ✨ Join the Alpha Queen Rising Community If you’re looking for a space where ambitious women come together to have real conversations, build powerful connections, and grow—come join us inside Alpha Queen Rising. We host monthly networking and create opportunities for you to elevate in both life and business. https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/aqr-community [https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/aqr-community] ✨ Ready for your next level in business and leadership? Book a 15-minute clarity call with me. We’ll identify what’s holding you back from your next $100K—and map out exactly what to do next. https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/claritycall15m [https://rise.alphaqueencollective.com/claritycall15m] ✨ Loved this episode? Make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and comment your biggest takeaway on our YouTube channel—I’d love to hear what resonated most with you.